FULLY Converting a laptop to Desktop

[Valagetti]

So is it possible? I don't mean when the screen dies and you simply replace it with a monitor. I mean having parts that are gradually external. So instead of having everything internal (as all laptops do), things gradually become external, then you have sorts of shit all over your desk! Yes I'm insane. Is there gonna be issues like with the powersource/adapter? Or just general compatibility? Its an AlienWare Mx17 (R1), that was given to me.
I want to do things like get new processor, something along the lines of a GTX 660. Pretty much upgrade it, to play BF4 in medium to high settings.
Thoughts?

 

[Smooth Operator]

It is doable, however this will be very messy, require a lot of work on your part and might end up with barely any improvement at all.
If I remember correctly this is an old Intel based system which means lower speeds across the board, also Intel switching sockets damn near every week leaves you with little room for CPU change.

Honestly I would consider putting this laptop on ebay(apparently it goes for 500+) and then with the added money buying an all new mid range rig that will perform much better and have no problems upgrading later on.

 

[Risingblade]

I did it to mine when the screen broke, and the keyboard fell off, and the battery died. I just plugged an hdmi cable to my tv, used an external keyboard and mouse, and kept the adapter plugged in at all times when using it. I also had a little fan under it to keep it from overheating.

 

[Strelok]

So is it possible? I don't mean when the screen dies and you simply replace it with a monitor. I mean having parts that are gradually external. So instead of having everything internal (as all laptops do), things gradually become external, then you have sorts of shit all over your desk! Yes I'm insane. Is there gonna be issues like with the powersource/adapter? Or just general compatibility? Its an AlienWare Mx17 (R1), that was given to me.
I want to do things like get new processor, something along the lines of a GTX 660. Pretty much upgrade it, to play BF4 in medium to high settings.
Thoughts?

There is for video card support, Xotic PC used to offer them as an add-on option for about $300, that is without the required desktop video cards to make it work. They can be found here, not sure if Xotic PC still sells them.

http://www.villagetronic.com/vidock/

Most high end laptops escpecially gaming laptops did away with using laptop CPUs anyway, so that may not be necessary, but there me be some vi-dock like option for that, but why? Alienware is also upgradeable for both video cards and CPU, just brace yourself, it's expensive. Here's an idea, sell the laptop for whatever you can, it won't be much, as gaming laptops depreciate fast, and the Mx17 (r1) is pushing what 5 years now? Then build a desktop, can't wait to dump my old Sager 9850 came out the same time as the M17x, but a little cheaper. I'll be building a desktop soon,can't wait.

 

[Doom972]

If you're going to get a new CPU/GPU for this purpose, then you may want to consider selling the laptop and buying a new desktop.

 

[Get_A_Grip_]

Is it possible? Yes.
Is it going to be easy? No. Not at all.

If your laptop is using a mobile processor, then good luck trying to buy a better mobile processor to replace it. I don't think I've ever seen mobile processors on sale before.
If it's using a desktop processor then things might be slightly easier as they're easily available. BUT laptop manufacturers love soldering the CPU into the socket. Removal of the CPU will be difficult and odds are that you're going to damage the pins in the socket.
Then there is the issue of getting a laptop motherboard into a case without causing the system to short out. This will require installing some stand offs into a case that will fit the motherboard from the laptop.
Then there is the issue of getting a GPU installed. You can buy them, but they are much more expensive.


Honestly, sell the laptop and just build a new PC from scratch, especially since you are considering getting a new CPU and GPU anyway. It'll be easier.

 

[AnthrSolidSnake]

I've actually tried it once. Total chaos. Parts were everywhere, finding a new processor was expensive, and the only way a graphics card would work was with an adapter that costs hundreds of dollars anyway. Your best bet is to just, like many have said, attempt to sell the laptop and buy a desktop. You should get a quick buyer if you sell it slightly less than others are selling it, which seems to be anywhere from $300-500.

 

[GoaThief]

If you have to ask this question then the answer is no.

It's going to be awkward, expensive and not for the unexperienced so you're better off selling it and purchasing a desktop, as others have said.

 

[Daystar Clarion]

It's totally possible.

I very much doubt the effort would be worth the payoff though, better off selling the laptop and putting the money towards a new PC

 

[loc978]

I'm not 100% clear on certain laptop hardware... but I know they at least used to have completely different CPU sockets for 'em... and the CPUs were generally soldered in. Then there's the issue of power consumption... never seen a laptop motherboard that takes standard ATX power. Unless there's an adapter for that, you're stuck with a laptop power supply. Mine pushes 90W. According to this [http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-660-ti-memory-bandwidth-anti-aliasing,3283-14.html], a video card with a GTX 660 GPU generally pulls ~130W under an average load.

So if you can find an adapter for ATX to laptop power, PCIe to... laptop... bus... is that still PCMCIA? Haven't dealt with it in awhile. Apparently the Mx17 has some kind of i7 in it, presumably in some rendition of an LGA 115~ socket... couldn't find much more specific info (cores? clock speed? FSB clock?). Alienware always did prey on the less than tech-savvy.

As has been stated, it would be easier to sell it and buy the parts to build something decent. On the upside, new Alienware Mx17 prices start around $1500. For that, you could build a very powerful gaming rig. More than enough to handle BF4 on high at 60FPS.

 

[Nomad]

So is it possible? I don't mean when the screen dies and you simply replace it with a monitor. I mean having parts that are gradually external. So instead of having everything internal (as all laptops do), things gradually become external, then you have sorts of shit all over your desk! Yes I'm insane. Is there gonna be issues like with the powersource/adapter? Or just general compatibility? Its an AlienWare Mx17 (R1), that was given to me.
I want to do things like get new processor, something along the lines of a GTX 660. Pretty much upgrade it, to play BF4 in medium to high settings.
Thoughts?

First of all, a GTX 660 is a graphics card rather than a processor. This remark is perhaps not overly important in relation to your main question, but it does illustrate your level of familiarity with the technology. A project such as this is an undetaking that most hardware experts would balk at. You may want to reconsider.

As has been stated earlier in the thread, it is possible. It is not at all advisable, however, as it is incredibly tricky to get working. As your laptop lacks as well the proper interfaces as the power specifications to support desktop components, you will need expensive and unwieldy additional equipment. You will also need a great deal of knowledge of the hardware and software involved. In the end, you will end up with a setup that lacks the mobility of a laptop and the cost-effectiveness of a desktop. The worst of both worlds. In short, your desk will be a sprawling mess of wasted money.

Instead of buying the desktop components you want and trying to jam them into a laptop that's not built to accomodate them, buy the desktop components you want and build a desktop computer out of them. Besides ending up with something both cheaper and better than you would otherwise, it will also paradoxically be more mobile than the mess you would turn your laptop into with your original plan.

 

[Valagetti]

So is it possible? I don't mean when the screen dies and you simply replace it with a monitor. I mean having parts that are gradually external. So instead of having everything internal (as all laptops do), things gradually become external, then you have sorts of shit all over your desk! Yes I'm insane. Is there gonna be issues like with the powersource/adapter? Or just general compatibility? Its an AlienWare Mx17 (R1), that was given to me.
I want to do things like get new processor, something along the lines of a GTX 660. Pretty much upgrade it, to play BF4 in medium to high settings.
Thoughts?

First of all, a GTX 660 is a graphics card rather than a processor. This remark is perhaps not overly important in relation to your main question, but it does illustrate your level of familiarity with the technology. A project such as this is an undetaking that most hardware experts would balk at. You may want to reconsider.

As has been stated earlier in the thread, it is possible. It is not at all advisable, however, as it is incredibly tricky to get working. As your laptop lacks as well the proper interfaces as the power specifications to support desktop components, you will need expensive and unwieldy additional equipment. You will also need a great deal of knowledge of the hardware and software involved. In the end, you will end up with a setup that lacks the mobility of a laptop and the cost-effectiveness of a desktop. The worst of both worlds. In short, your desk will be a sprawling mess of wasted money.

Instead of buying the desktop components you want and trying to jam them into a laptop that's not built to accomodate them, buy the desktop components you want and build a desktop computer out of them. Besides ending up with something both cheaper and better than you would otherwise, it will also paradoxically be more mobile than the mess you would turn your laptop into with your original plan.

Thanks for the help.
As to the first paragraph I live in N.Z. and we call then processors here, no seriously, yeah its fuck'n retarded.
I've built P.C.s before, but doing this is new ground.

 

[Vivi22]

It's absolutely possible, but not worth the time, effort, and money it would cost. You'd be better off trying to sell it and putting that money into an inexpensive self built desktop. You'll get more power for your money and a lot fewer headaches.