Hey Tcoli
Upgrading your Alienware M18X R1 sounds like a fun project! I've been working with laptops since the 90s and while doing some research for a personal batch of laptops that came in I stumbled across your post here and decided to make this account just to help! Here's some of my personal tips based on the information you've provided and my experience with this era of laptops:
1. **GPU Upgrade**: You're correct that due to UEFI support limitations on the M18X R1, the GTX 880M is likely the best MXM GPU upgrade you can go for. Newer cards like GTX 1070 or RTX 3000 series MXM cards might not work due to compatibility issues.
2. **CPU**: Your i7-2860QM is still quite capable, but if you're looking to push performance further, check if your motherboard supports any higher CPUs in the same socket type. However, CPU upgrades in laptops are generally more limited than GPUs.
3. **RAM**: 32GB of DDR3 at 1600 MHz is quite good for that era, so you're likely set in terms of memory.
4. **Storage**: Your SSD setup looks solid with a 256 GB M.2 and a 1TB 2.5" SSD. Unless you need more storage space or faster SSDs, this area seems sufficient.
5. **Other Considerations**:
- **Cooling**: Upgrading to a more powerful GPU like the GTX 880M might increase heat output. Ensure your cooling system can handle the extra thermal load.
- **BIOS/UEFI Updates**: Before upgrading, make sure your BIOS is updated to the latest version available for compatibility with newer hardware.
- **Battery**: If your battery is old and not holding a charge well, consider replacing it for better performance when using the laptop unplugged.
Overall, while GPU upgrading options are somewhat limited, your Alienware M18X R1 can still benefit from enhancements in other areas like cooling and potentially CPU if supported. Good luck with your upgrades!
If you'd like some more advice or require further assistance please reach out!
