14 R1, upgrading and troubleshooting

Question

Afternoon all, i'm looking for some advice.

I've got a 2013 Alienware 14 R1 with 8gb of RAM with the following processor - Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4700MQ CPU @ 2.40GHz 2.40 GHz

I'd like to double the RAM.

A well as this i also have had a problem with it for a while now not charging. So it works plugged in and it won't switch on when it's not plugged in so i'd like to fix this problem too. And finally the the power socket feels loose so i'd like to fix this as well.

Is it worth it? and is it possible?

Thanks

ejn63 · Answer

RAM can go to 2X8 = 16G.

To repair the power issue, you may need either of a mounting bracket or the jack itself, depending on what's broken. Check inside the system, but the parts are these:

https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=search&search=alienware+14+DC+jack

crimsom · Answer

Hi @markfox78 welcome to this user to user discussion forum. This is not Dell Support.

(1) Dell Alienware 14 Specification says the two dual-channel DDR3L SO-DIMM connectors will accept 4 GB and 8 GB cards of up to 1600 MHz, to give 8 GB, 12 GB, and 16 GB of RAM. To understand your upgrade requirements, type System Information into Search and open to see what RAM cards have been installed (or remove rear cover). If it is 2 x 4GB = 8 GB both RAM cards should be replaced to give 2 x 8GB = 16 GB and these could both be fast 1600 MHz. If different speed cards are installed the default speed will be the slow speed. If one 8 GB card installed, get identical to have matched pair, or get two 8GB of 1600 MHz speed cards. On paper fast RAM cards give better performance, in the real world you may not notice any difference. More RAM capacity is always good.

(2) Create Windows 10 Battery Report. If battery performance, its ability to hold charge at 100% is now very low or battery health is dead, replace battery with genuine OEM replacement battery. If you have the original battery that came with the Alienware 14, you have been fortunate.

(3) This is the tricky observation. The "if its not wrong, don't fix it" criteria says more parts may get broken just replacing something that did not require replacing. So if (2) gets the system working on battery again, is replacing the internal dc-in port necessary? Only you can answer this question.

Please click on Kudos to say thank you for response from another user. Please share an update on progress, so that other users derive benefit from your experience. Thank you.

markfox78 · Answer

Thanks for the advice.

I suppose the thing is i don't really want to upgrade the RAM if the battery doesn't work. I've read in places that it could be the motherboard that's the problem. There's no doubt that the battery will be completely dead and yes it is the original that's still in.

Thank you again,

crimsom · Answer

Hi @markfox78 thank you for sharing update.

Please conduct a simple diagnostic, remove rear panel and disconnect the battery, or if battery is user insertable, remove the battery. This does not damage the laptop, but transforms its function into a desktop. Connect the ac adapter and boot the Alienware 14 Laptop. If boot is normal, successful and there are no problems, the dead battery is the only problem.

It is then for you to decide to install a replacement battery, or remove the original battery (safety mandatory) and just use laptop as if it were a desktop.

Check your Battery Health (Swollen Battery Safety)

Alienware Laptop Battery Issues

mattyb3 · Answer

Hello, You aren't limited to 1600Mhz memory. You can also use 1866 and 2133Mhz DDR3L SODIMM. I find 1866 a good price/performance option

Your DC jack may just have a loose bracket that holds it in place so it should be an easy fix.

Your CPU is also upgradeable with other 4th gen mobile CPU's (except the 4980HQ). A 4900/4910MQ will give you a higher clock speed and more L3 cache compared to the 4700MQ but your temps will also rise.

Alienware

14 R1, upgrading and troubleshooting

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