By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close
BlueFalcon on 13 January 2013
Edit Thread
Pemalite said:
BlueFalcon said:

Keep in mind, while Alineware laptops don't seem to be popular in this thread, there are GPU upgrade kits that would later allow you to keep your laptop up-to-date.


No, doesn't work like that.

Firstly the GPU needs to be equal or less in TDP as that is generally what the cooling system is designed for.
If it uses the MXM or AXIOM form factor it also needs to be the right revision.

Most high end GPUs have a TDP of 100W. The upgrade GPUs often have the cooling kit on eBay that comes with it. So neither of these are an issue. The CPU limitation is always going to be there and obviously it means lowering some settings or upping AA. 

For most modern games, with a single GPU around desktop GTX670 level of performance, you'll be 95% GPU limited anyway.

http://pctuning.tyden.cz/hardware/graficke-karty/25994-vliv-procesoru-na-vykon-ve-hrach-od-phenomu-po-core-i7?start=16

There is no such GPU on the laptop side that even comes close to a GTX670 in performance.

I've seen plenty of Alienware users upgraded who already upgraded from 6970M and then to 7970M. For sure they'll be able to upgrade to 780M/HD8970M with a BIOS flash. I don't necessarily disagree with you with building a desktop PC but if someone really wants a gaming laptop, the upgrade path for the GPU is something to consider and it's for more easily accessible on the Alienware laptops.