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Some of the more obscure features

post #1 of 18
8/4/04 at 7:58pm
Thread Starter 
Hey all, I am considering geting a new Area-51m but I can't seem to get any solid information on a couple of features that are important to me. First I wondered if the processor was upgradeable, that is to say "user upgradeable". I was informed I could send my laptop back to the factory with a sum of money and they would upgrade/test it, however I would be more comfortable doing it myself. I am thinking of getting a 3.2 and then upgradeing to a EE when I can afford it, either that or just wait it out for a quicker EE. I also wondered if the Area 51m has the option of two *internal* hard drives, similar to what some of the Sager models offer. I am aware the smartbay can double as a hdd but the inability to hot swap the hdd with a DVD+-RW kinda sucks. Lastly, I can't seem to decide which screen to go with (that is if the 16" comes back). My most common tasks are programming and debugging applications but with this sort of power at my fingertips, there will be some rather serious gaming utilization as well. Any personal favorites and reasons as to why would be appricated. Thanks for reading.

-- Jon (g32)
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post #2 of 18
8/4/04 at 8:10pm
I doubt it is user upgradeable, but it may be. The smarbay is all there is for the 2nd hdd as an internal. screen is just if you want wide or full. I saved cash and got the wide.
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post #3 of 18
8/4/04 at 9:13pm
I think that others have stated that the CPU is user upgradeable. As Daegras said, you can't have two HDDs with the DVD+-RW drive. And for the screen, the 16'1 is standard 4:3 ratio. While the 15.4 is almost true widescreen (!6:10, compared to true widescreen 16:9, compared to regular 16:12) BUT includes speakers. Its nice to have speakers on the go.

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post #4 of 18
8/4/04 at 9:17pm
aye i have read a few posts where people have taken apart the 51m and said that it appears to be userupgradable, but i dont think anyones posted about whether or not they have acctualy upgraded it themselves or not =P
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post #5 of 18
8/4/04 at 10:19pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the info. I talked to live sales support and, although the fellow I talked with didn't seem to explicitly understand what I was asking, said that the processor could be upgraded by sending it back and paying the labor + parts cost but that opening it up would void the warranty, suppose you just can't have it both ways. *shrug*
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post #6 of 18
8/4/04 at 10:54pm
There is someone on the boards that has a Prescott in one of his Area-51m. His name is helidude Send him a PM he is a nice guy that is vary helpful
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post #7 of 18
8/5/04 at 12:59am
g32, if you upgrade ANY part of your system including the OS, Alienware reserves the right to decline support. However, given how much they tout upgradeability, I'm sure they'll try and help you out but if they can't... then they have an excuse to back out of it. Very smart business policy.
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post #8 of 18
8/5/04 at 1:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by thinkjose1
g32, if you upgrade ANY part of your system including the OS, Alienware reserves the right to decline support. However, given how much they tout upgradeability, I'm sure they'll try and help you out but if they can't... then they have an excuse to back out of it. Very smart business policy.

While this is a true statement, there is noting to stop you from "downgrading" the machine before you get support. *grin*
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post #9 of 18
8/5/04 at 1:07am
They have spies in these forums SPIIIIIIES!
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post #10 of 18
8/5/04 at 1:11am
then we will have to start speaking navajo!
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post #11 of 18
8/5/04 at 1:20am
Good idea but... I don't know it
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post #12 of 18
8/5/04 at 11:32am
You can upgrade the proc, the memory and the vid card yourself without voiding your warranty. And for an added extra measure of security you can call them and walk though it on the phone.
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post #13 of 18
8/5/04 at 1:41pm
I don't have the link now, but I'm sure others can back me up, AW reserves the right to void warranty if you upgrade your system.
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post #14 of 18
8/7/04 at 1:22pm
Thread Starter 
Hmm, It was my understanding (This coming from online sales support) that replacing the processor would void the warranty. I also imagine that their warranty agreement would have a clause in it allowing them to refuse service to machines for afew ambiguous reasons. I would imagine there are a few void warranty points within the machine itself and I wonder if the processor could be upgraded without crossing those points. I have no problem doing it with tech support on the phone if thats a concern, I just want to be able to shop around for and replace the processor myself w/o losing my laptop for an undefined period of time. *shrug* There seems to be very little information on this available and I thought it would be a more popular question. Perhaps it is just me.
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post #15 of 18
8/7/04 at 1:45pm
g32, it will void your warranty. They may still help you on the phone and via email but if you need to send it in, you'll likely have to pay for it since you voided the warranty by upgrading.
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post #16 of 18
8/7/04 at 2:46pm
Thread Starter 
They did however say they would upgrade it, that I can send it in that they will upgrade the processor and run tests to make sure it runs properly. However I would like to know how much that costs. If I'm going to pay an extra ~200$ for a extended warranty that would be void if I upgraded it, I wonder how much it would cost to upgrade it though them. I cannot afford the extream edition processor now and if the upgrade isn't too steep, I'll just do it that way when that line matures. Aigh, Alienware should offer a certification program so I can just do this myself
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post #17 of 18
8/7/04 at 2:51pm
No idea there. Contact support@alienware.com
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post #18 of 18
8/7/04 at 3:30pm
These are my findings on the subject.

The 766 v2 mobo v40A6, can, will, and does support ALL P4 478 Pin Processors. This is including but not limited to Celeron, Prescott, and Northwood.

The 'E' series of 3.0Ghz+ Prescotts do produce significant more heat. And should therefore be considered for advanced users with advanced cooling skills.

I believe there are some pics floating around here somewhere showing where the CPU is at, and how to get at it.

However, any user found tampering with his/her CPU, will be fined $500~50 lashes~posted in a STICKY for all to see and laugh at! Oh, and their warranty will be null and void.
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