Laptop Upgrade Help

[darthzew]

Hey guys!

Alright, my Alienware M15x is at the end of her ropes. She has bad case damage and I'm replacing her.

I've already ordered this as a replacement: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834107053

Anyway, it's cheap and good bang for my buck. Problem is, the Alienware is more powerful. I'm wanting to import some parts from the Alienware to the Compaq and I'm wanting to know how hard it would be.

I know RAM is easy, but would it be possible to take the processor from the Alienware and install it on the Compaq? Is this hard to do?
What about the video card?

Thanks for your help!

 

[TheComedown]

You wont be able to change anything except ram, a)you'll void warranty if you open it up to get to the main board, b) Chances are the the components wont match especially across brands.

You cannot upgrade laptops like PCs, if you want a powerful laptop, buy a powerful laptop.

Yeah... Had a look at the new one... You wont be doing a great deal of gaming on that.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

I know RAM is easy, but would it be possible to take the processor from the Alienware and install it on the Compaq? Is this hard to do?

Theoretically possibly if the CPUs of both units use the type same motherboard CPU socket, otherwise no.

Is it hard to do? Heh... Not so much hard as an extremely long and convoluted process - essentially you have to strip the entire system down to be able to access the CPU. Takes about 4-5x longer than stripping down a desktop does... and make sure you have lots of little baggies and labels on hand for putting things in, you'll need them.

Also, before just trying to slot new RAM in, make sure it'll actually work with laptop you're trying to jam them into.

What about the video card?

Most laptops use integrated graphics, which are part of the motherboard and can't be swapped out. Alienware might not but I don't know of any Compaq/HP (Presario and Pavillion laptops are the same hardware) laptops that don't use integrated graphics.

 

[darthzew]

Yeah... Had a look at the new one... You wont be doing a great deal of gaming on that.

I don't do much PC gaming anymore anyway... *sigh* money is not easy to come by these days.

 

[sln333]

Yeah, I wouldn't even think about gaming on that. The second digit of the graphics card is a 2, which means low end. The memory is ok, so I don't think you need to put more RAM in. I'd stick with what you have since the specs are good for the price. Also, just my opinion, but I think Alienware computers are overpriced. You made a good decision to not go with them again.

 

[Mekado]

Hey guys!

Alright, my Alienware M15x is at the end of her ropes. She has bad case damage and I'm replacing her.

I've already ordered this as a replacement: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834107053

Anyway, it's cheap and good bang for my buck. Problem is, the Alienware is more powerful. I'm wanting to import some parts from the Alienware to the Compaq and I'm wanting to know how hard it would be.

I know RAM is easy, but would it be possible to take the processor from the Alienware and install it on the Compaq? Is this hard to do?
What about the video card?

Thanks for your help!

Most entry/mid level laptops have the CPU soldered, hence it would be impossible to replace.If it isn't it's still an ordeal to change since you have to strip the laptop bare.Pretty much every other component cannot be switched (only high-end laptops have changeable video cards).As far as the RAM goes, it's possible it's not the same model of memory and incompatible.

Checking for example with Kingston for the memory, the 2 uses very different parts ;

Alienware M15x (DDR3) Notebook
KVR1066D3S7/1G 1GB 1066MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL7 SO DIMM

HP/Compaq Presario Notebook CQ61-411WM
KTH-ZD8000C6/1G 1GB 800MHz Module

So no, you won't even be able to keep the RAM.