1. you need a gpu (let say gtx770m) that has a dell/alienware vbios in it.
2. for gtx660m to gtx770m i can confirm that the heatsink is compatible. and the x bracket too..
3. after installing, you need a driver with a slight/easy modification with .inf file.
4. then drool  while gaming your hearts out... ehhehehe

owh yeah... sorry forgot to add..
my 180w adapter cant support my ram (1866 32gb) and gpu upgrade..need to change to 240w...

if your came with 240w adapter.. then ok already i guess

get SSD first then GPU then RAM
But SSD first! you will see a lot of difference overall with an SSD!

Samsung, Intel or if budget low then Plextor. But if you got budget then go with samsung 840 pro

go with SSD first. you will never miss how fast it is once you installed it into your alienware.

Corsair Neutron GTX 120GB - RM489 <- best performance but price
Plextor M5Pro 128GB - RM444 <- best overall
Kingston HyperX 3k 120GB - RM379 <- best for value but lack of warranty life

all are sandforce driven and favourited by me.
never tried samsung SSD's but i heard they are the best and reliable out there. once i tried, they are in my favourite list.

Use SSD to store p0rn only guys..LOL!

it's the new 17.. all sata ports are now at sata 3 speeds (even if odd ports are of sata 3)

msata ssd's are slower than 2.5" ssd's because of the compact size (limited space to put more good stuff on it to make it run as fast) still, they are much faster than hdd of course
I suggest Plextor m5pro xtreme. Samsung 840 pro is one of the best. however it's pricey. in fact, any recent ssd's are fine. the bests will be pricey (for normal usage, it's not worth it)

well the msata 32gb might be too small. nowadays the minimum is 128gb. however the sweet spot is actually 256gb.

Hi,

I have an Alienware 14. Between the Vindicator 14 and 17 backpacks, which would be more suitable for carrying the laptop, its powerbrick, a mouse, an ipad, a few files/folders and a notebook?

Thanks for any feedback.

yeah well you can get a 128gb first.

the 32gb msata is for caching, thus it makes the system load faster than conventional hdd's.

you need to configure it to work:

http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshootin...ew?docid=564442

you need to configure it to work:

http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshootin...ew?docid=564442

no not yet. i think you should follow the steps described in the link to make it work (check if your sata mode is in raid mode)

no not yet. i think you should follow the steps described in the link to make it work (check if your sata mode is in raid mode)

i think the msata is default to caching mode.
u only need to change the settings if u need it to be a normal disk.

can u see the msata in ur 'my computer'? if not most probably it's already in caching mode.

yeah.. congratulations; looks like it's done

sadly mine no..
empty caddy case yes... interposer no..

maybe because mine is the lowest of the low m17xr4 spec.. hehehe

saw your sale thread...just after i order from ebay.. mine should be arriving this week if not, i will contact you..
lol... you also.. if you are planning to add hdd or ssd, better get this first.. hard to get at computer shop.. like mansooriqbal said..rare...

edit: mine on the way.. you can get from him if you want to....