Wanting to Upgrade my Alienware 18 GPU and RAM

[TheGreatSteve]

So I've decided to upgrade my Alienware 18 laptop's GPU from two 765m's to a 980m, as well as the RAM it has from 8GB to 16GB. I already have what specific upgrades I want to purchase, but I want to be sure I know what I'm doing with them. Is there a link to a tutorial on how to upgrade my RAM and GPU for my specific model, or does the model not matter that much? Either way, is there a link for a tutorial on how to upgrade my RAM and GPU? I just want to make sure I know how to actually install the hardware and not screw anything up.

 

[Laptop_Nerd]

Hi,

Here'a video tutorial that may help and a manual for your laptop.

http/downloads.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_alienware_laptops/alienware-18_Owner%27s%20Manual_en-us.pdf

https/www.youtube.com/watch?v=P53mSnY3voY

 

[MRThundrcleese]

taken from similer thread

It takes a lot more work to upgrade a laptop GPU vs. a desktop GPU.

The GPU has to be a pull from another Alienware system.

If it isn't it's not going to work off the bat. You'll have to find the firmware for the 980m from another Alienware system and flash it to your 980m. Which, of course, can cause you to brick your new, very expensive GPU.

On top of that are you really willing to pay $800+ for a 980m?

credit to ThatVietGuy

 

[TheGreatSteve]

@MRThundrcleese For the record, the 980m I found is in fact compatible with the Alienware 18 model. I even called tech support to be sure and they said that it was compatible.

@Laptop_Nerd, That will be very useful to me, thanks! Just to be sure, which section of the manual refers to upgrading RAM? I'm not too familiar with some of the names of the components it lists.