I have a chance to get a working (I saw it hands on at a local store) M14X R2 for a VERY low price
(Note: I do not do any gaming)
The main downside is the unit has an older i5-3210M dual core processor (not shown on Dell site).
Other than this, this unit is essentially the core (basic default) configuration offered on the Dell site, except with a 2 GB video card.
Questions:
1: Could this processor be replaced with the i7-3840QM, since that is an option on the Dell site for the M14X R2 ?
Or, is the processor not really replaceable with an upgraded unit?
2: This unit has a 51GB2 SATA HD. I would immediately want to replace with a 512GB (or close) SSD. Since SSD is an option on the M14X R2, would this be a 'plug n play' exchange (ie 'pop right in'), OR would something special need to be done - like different drivers, etc., possibly a special bracket. (Of course, I would do a full image backup of the existing drive first, etc.). I currently have no experience with SSDs.
3. Intel shows this processor (i5-3210M) as supporting up to 32GB ram. A max of only 16GB is shown on the Dell site for any configuration (for any processor currently offered). Does the M14X R2 in fact actually support 32GB (two 16GB chips), even though not offered ?
If not, then I would replace the 6GB with 16GB.
Finally, how big of a deal performance wise is the 2 core i5 vs the 4 core i7, noting the following:
This unit will not be used for gaming or any other intense graphics.
Just looking to build a max performance system - and one that looks COOL (lOl), and the Alienware MX series is by FAR the coolest laptop on any planet. In reality, the overall specs on this system are probably overkill for the normal stuff I do, but still ...
My other option is still to order a maxed out M14X R2 from the Dell site, with the i7-3840QM, SSD, etc. BUT ... at the price I can get this used unit for, I have to consider it - subject to the answers I get to questions above.
Note also I have a specific reason for a 14" unit, vs the M18X R2 - so no worries there.
And other comments, concerns, etc., would also be welcome.
thx.MX
(Note: I do not do any gaming)
The main downside is the unit has an older i5-3210M dual core processor (not shown on Dell site).
Other than this, this unit is essentially the core (basic default) configuration offered on the Dell site, except with a 2 GB video card.
Questions:
1: Could this processor be replaced with the i7-3840QM, since that is an option on the Dell site for the M14X R2 ?
Or, is the processor not really replaceable with an upgraded unit?
2: This unit has a 51GB2 SATA HD. I would immediately want to replace with a 512GB (or close) SSD. Since SSD is an option on the M14X R2, would this be a 'plug n play' exchange (ie 'pop right in'), OR would something special need to be done - like different drivers, etc., possibly a special bracket. (Of course, I would do a full image backup of the existing drive first, etc.). I currently have no experience with SSDs.
3. Intel shows this processor (i5-3210M) as supporting up to 32GB ram. A max of only 16GB is shown on the Dell site for any configuration (for any processor currently offered). Does the M14X R2 in fact actually support 32GB (two 16GB chips), even though not offered ?
If not, then I would replace the 6GB with 16GB.
Finally, how big of a deal performance wise is the 2 core i5 vs the 4 core i7, noting the following:
This unit will not be used for gaming or any other intense graphics.
Just looking to build a max performance system - and one that looks COOL (lOl), and the Alienware MX series is by FAR the coolest laptop on any planet. In reality, the overall specs on this system are probably overkill for the normal stuff I do, but still ...
My other option is still to order a maxed out M14X R2 from the Dell site, with the i7-3840QM, SSD, etc. BUT ... at the price I can get this used unit for, I have to consider it - subject to the answers I get to questions above.
Note also I have a specific reason for a 14" unit, vs the M18X R2 - so no worries there.
And other comments, concerns, etc., would also be welcome.
thx.MX