(I have owned this model since new 2010. Still doing awesome!)
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''I have owned this model since new 2010. Still doing awesome!''
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CPU: Intel 920XM or 940XM is best choice, can use Throttlestop program and clock up to 3.6Ghz on all 4 cores safely.
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CPU: Intel I7 920XM or 940XM is best choice, can use Throttlestop program and clock up to 3.6Ghz on all 4 cores safely.
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GPU: Nvidia GTX 970M is last top card for this model. Still a little expensive. Some owners claimed to install GTX 980M but runs much too hot (this is why GTX 970M is best). Can find GTX 680M for a little less and still excellent at current games. Need to modify .ini file to install either card (not too difficult). Last supported Dell/AW card was GTX 460M without needing to modify.
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GPU: Nvidia GTX 980M is ''technically'' last top card for this model, but needs modifying for peak performance and most importantly to run cool: svl7/johnksss vbios (Prema vbios will make it run too hot), 1 x copper shim during install, and dual power supply's as its very power hungry.
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GTX 970M would be considered top card without all the 980M necessary mods, and is 85-90% of its performance, runs cool, and is very over clockable.
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GTX 680M can be found for a little less $ and still excellent at current games. Need to modify .ini file to install any of these 3 cards (not too difficult). Last supported Dell/AW card was 460M without needing to modify.
Memory: 16G is max, and is not a myth, Crucial Ballistic is excellent (will down clock to 1333mhz). Will not display in BIOS but will be recognized in Windows.
Wi-Fi card: Killer-Wireless card was an option new, better than stock.
Display: Can upgrade to FHD (1080p) screen from stock HD+ (1600x900).
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Power Supply: Upgrade to Delta (Dell) 240W power supply, and buy L adapter and remove center pin only on adapter, allowing more voltage to power upgraded GPU (GTX 680M - 970M).
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Power Supply: Upgrade to Delta (Dell) 240W power supply, and buy L adapter and remove center pin only on adapter, allowing more voltage to power upgraded GPU (GTX 680M - 970M). Dual 240W x 2 will be needed for 980M.
Battery: Try to find original optional 9 cell battery, it's harder than finding 6 cell, but it's bigger and raises the rear bottom of laptop to allow for better cooling.
Purchase good thermal pastes for CPU and GPU chips like Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut or Gelid GC-Extreme.
Purchase good thermal pads for CPU AND GPU memory chips, Arctic Cool is excellent.
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^^^^Can find all these parts on Ebay, just have to search and be patient, hardest item to find is original 9 cell battery, and GTX 970M for under $350. GTX 680M can be found for $250.
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^^^^Can find all these parts on Ebay, just have to search and be patient, hardest item to find is original 9 cell battery. GTX 980M $400 and up, GTX 970M $300 and up, GTX 680M can be found for $250 or less.
Download Throttlestop, and MSI Afterburner or Nvidia Inspector to overclock GPU and CPU.
Search on website notebookreview.com under M15x thread to search all info and communicate with other M15x owners.
Best upgrades:
(I have owned this model since new 2010. Still doing awesome!)
CPU: Intel 920XM or 940XM is best choice, can use Throttlestop program and clock up to 3.6Ghz on all 4 cores safely.
GPU: Nvidia GTX 970M is last top card for this model. Still a little expensive. Some owners claimed to install GTX 980M but runs much too hot (this is why GTX 970M is best). Can find GTX 680M for a little less and still excellent at current games. Need to modify .ini file to install either card (not too difficult). Last supported Dell/AW card was GTX 460M without needing to modify.
Memory: 16G is max, and is not a myth, Crucial Ballistic is excellent (will down clock to 1333mhz). Will not display in BIOS but will be recognized in Windows.
Wi-Fi card: Killer-Wireless card was an option new, better than stock.
Display: Can upgrade to FHD (1080p) screen from stock HD+ (1600x900).
Power Supply: Upgrade to Delta (Dell) 240W power supply, and buy L adapter and remove center pin only on adapter, allowing more voltage to power upgraded GPU (GTX 680M - 970M).
Battery: Try to find original optional 9 cell battery, it's harder than finding 6 cell, but it's bigger and raises the rear bottom of laptop to allow for better cooling.
Purchase good thermal pastes for CPU and GPU chips like Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut or Gelid GC-Extreme.
Purchase good thermal pads for CPU AND GPU memory chips, Arctic Cool is excellent.
^^^^Can find all these parts on Ebay, just have to search and be patient, hardest item to find is original 9 cell battery, and GTX 970M for under $350. GTX 680M can be found for $250.
Download Throttlestop, and MSI Afterburner or Nvidia Inspector to overclock GPU and CPU.
Search on website notebookreview.com under M15x thread to search all info and communicate with other M15x owners.
Enjoy!