2013 Alienware m17x potentially dying?

My laptop has some problems, and I can use some help before I start blindly trying to fix the situation.

First of all, it will randomly turn its screen off, but will still require me to shut it down (though anything with sound like a youtube video will not keep playing - it will just 'hang' on the last second of sound until I turn it off). I think this actually happens more often when I have Adobe Flash things running in Chrome, or many random tabs open, etc. (Re-opening tabs tends to do me in upon restart, so I avoid that now.)

Second, for months now, it has needed to be plugged in to operate, and its battery hasn't been charging, only slowly gone down (now to 62% over the months, or so it says in Windows 7 here). It's basically a mobile desktop.

Last but absolutely not least, it does the shut down-esque thing I described in my first point any and every time I try to play any video game for more than a minute or so. Joy of joys!


So now on to dealing with it. Mine is a 2013 Alienware m17x. All of its specs are still great...save for the hard drive. Long story, but suffice it to say Alienware got me this as a replacement to my last laptop before it, and I wasn't allowed to choose the hard drive. Let me emphasize: My HDD has ALWAYS been terrible in this laptop, ever since I got it. RAID drives, they are. I've linked them since in the hopes of a boost in speed, but the difference was negligible. So loading things has always been terrible on this laptop, and I always thought my hard drives might die really quick. I fear that might be happening here (though they aren't really any slower than they were when I got them...).

As such, I'm thinking of just replacing one of my RAID HDD's, as per the instructions of this video . Then I can slap in an SSD and be good, is the hopeful hope. However, maybe you guys have a better idea? Or more importantly, perhaps you can tell me if these symptoms imply a deeper problem that replacing a hard drive won't fix?

Spoiler: DxDiag

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 2/22/2015, 12:46:52
Machine name: VISITOR3POINT1
Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.150113-1808)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Alienware
System Model: M17xR4
BIOS: InsydeH2O Version 03.72.24A11
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3630QM CPU @ 2.40GHz (8 CPUs), ~2.4GHz
Memory: 8192MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 8142MB RAM
Page File: 3956MB used, 12325MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: 120 DPI (125 percent)
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 64bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 2: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675M
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce GTX 675M
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_1212&SUBSYS_05801028&REV_A1
Display Memory: 4046 MB
Dedicated Memory: 1998 MB
Shared Memory: 2047 MB
Current Mode: 1920 x 1080 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Model: unknown
Monitor Id: LGD02DA
Native Mode: 1920 x 1080(p) (60.012Hz)
Output Type: Internal
Driver Name: nvd3dumx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvd3dum,nvwgf2um,nvwgf2um
Driver File Version: 9.18.0013.4725 (English)
Driver Version: 9.18.13.4725
DDI Version: 11
Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 17250776 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-5152-11CF-ED61-8D251CC2C435}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x1212
SubSys ID: 0x05801028
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Driver Strong Name: oem65.inf:NVIDIA_SetA_Devices.NTamd64.6.1:Section002:9.18.13.4725 ci\ven_10de&dev_1212&subsys_05801028
Rank Of Driver: 00E00001
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_C ModeVC1_C ModeWMV9_C
Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(S340,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(S340,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(S340,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(S340,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(S342,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{F9F19DA5-3B09-4B2F-9D89-C64753E3EAAB}: Format(In/Out)=(S342,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(S342,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(S342,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
D3D9 Overlay: Supported
DXVA-HD: Supported
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Speakers (Sound Blaster Recon3Di)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_1102&DEV_0011&SUBSYS_1028057B&REV_1009
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: cthda.sys
Driver Version: 6.00.0100.2033 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
Date and Size: 3/27/2012 18:58:10, 1052760 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: CREATIVE
HW Accel Level: Basic
Cap Flags: 0x0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No

Description: Digital Output (Sound Blaster Recon3Di)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_1102&DEV_0011&SUBSYS_1028057B&REV_1009
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: cthda.sys
Driver Version: 6.00.0100.2033 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
Date and Size: 3/27/2012 18:58:10, 1052760 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: CREATIVE
HW Accel Level: Basic
Cap Flags: 0x0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
Description: Microphone Array (Sound Blaster Recon3Di)
Default Sound Capture: Yes
Default Voice Capture: Yes
Driver Name: cthda.sys
Driver Version: 6.00.0100.2033 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 3/27/2012 18:58:10, 1052760 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x0
Format Flags: 0x0

Description: HDMI In (Sound Blaster Recon3Di)
Default Sound Capture: No
Default Voice Capture: No
Driver Name: cthda.sys
Driver Version: 6.00.0100.2033 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 3/27/2012 18:58:10, 1052760 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x0
Format Flags: 0x0

Description: What U Hear (Sound Blaster Recon3Di)
Default Sound Capture: No
Default Voice Capture: No
Driver Name: cthda.sys
Driver Version: 6.00.0100.2033 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 3/27/2012 18:58:10, 1052760 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x0
Format Flags: 0x0

-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
Device Name: Mouse
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: USB Receiver
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC537
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: USB Receiver
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC537
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: USB Receiver
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC537
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: USB Receiver
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC537
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: USB Receiver
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC537
FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No

-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x8086, 0x1E2D
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub20
| Service: usbhub
| Driver: usbhub.sys, 11/26/2013 20:41:37, 343040 bytes
| Driver: usbd.sys, 11/26/2013 20:41:03, 7808 bytes
|
+-+ Generic USB Hub
| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x8087, 0x0024
| | Location: Port_#0001.Hub_#0001
| | Matching Device ID: usb\class_09
| | Service: usbhub
| | Driver: usbhub.sys, 11/26/2013 20:41:37, 343040 bytes
| |
| +-+ USB Input Device
| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x187C, 0x0520
| | | Location: Port_#0002.Hub_#0003
| | | Matching Device ID: generic_hid_device
| | | Service: HidUsb
| | | Driver: hidusb.sys, 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 30208 bytes
| | | Driver: hidclass.sys, 7/2/2013 23:05:05, 76800 bytes
| | | Driver: hidparse.sys, 7/2/2013 23:05:04, 32896 bytes
| | |
| | +-+ HID-compliant device
| | | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x187C, 0x0520
| | | | Matching Device ID: hid_device

----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------

------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ Standard PS/2 Keyboard
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0303
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 7/13/2009 18:19:57, 105472 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:04, 50768 bytes
|
+ HID Keyboard Device
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC537
| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_keyboard
| Service: kbdhid
| Driver: kbdhid.sys, 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 33280 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:04, 50768 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_kbd
| Upper Filters: kbdclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 7/13/2009 18:19:57, 105472 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:04, 50768 bytes
|
+ PS/2 Compatible Mouse
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0f13
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 7/13/2009 18:19:57, 105472 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:27, 49216 bytes
|
+ Logitech Cordless Gaming Receiver
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC537
| Matching Device ID: hid\vid_046d&pid_c537&mi_00
| Lower Filters: LGSHidFilt
| Service: mouhid
| Driver: LGSHidFilt.Sys, 5/30/2013 10:16:40, 64280 bytes
| Driver: mouhid.sys, 7/13/2009 19:00:20, 31232 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:27, 49216 bytes
| Driver: LkmdfCoInst.dll, 5/23/2013 01:12:52, 1843992 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_mou
| Upper Filters: mouclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 63360 bytes
| Driver: sermouse.sys, 7/13/2009 19:00:20, 26624 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:27, 49216 bytes

------------------------
Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
Drive: C:
Free Space: 551.6 GB
Total Space: 953.8 GB
File System: NTFS
Model: Volume0

Drive: D:
Model: PLDS DVD+-RW DL-8A4SH
Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 147456 bytes

--------------
System Devices
--------------
Name: Intel(R) Management Engine Interface
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E3A&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&B0
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\HECIx64.sys, 8.01.0000.1263 (English), 7/17/2012 18:12:08, 62784 bytes

Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 1 - 1E10
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E10&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_C4\3&11583659&0&E0
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 184704 bytes

Name: High Definition Audio Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0E0C&SUBSYS_05801028&REV_A1\4&13F92896&0&0108
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\hdaudbus.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 122368 bytes

Name: Intel(R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E31&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&A0
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\iusb3xhc.sys, 1.00.0004.0220 (English), 3/9/2012 17:52:24, 788760 bytes

Name: Intel(R) Centrino(R) Wireless-N 2230
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0887&SUBSYS_44628086&REV_C4\4&12614F27&0&00E2
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller - 1E2D
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E2D&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&D0
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbehci.sys, 6.01.7601.18328 (English), 11/26/2013 20:41:11, 53248 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 6.01.7601.18328 (English), 11/26/2013 20:41:11, 325120 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 6.01.7601.18328 (English), 11/26/2013 20:41:37, 343040 bytes

Name: 3rd Gen Core processor DRAM Controller - 0154
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0154&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_09\3&11583659&0&00
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller - 1E26
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E26&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&E8
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbehci.sys, 6.01.7601.18328 (English), 11/26/2013 20:41:11, 53248 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 6.01.7601.18328 (English), 11/26/2013 20:41:11, 325120 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 6.01.7601.18328 (English), 11/26/2013 20:41:37, 343040 bytes

Name: Xeon(R) processor E3-1200 v2/3rd Gen Core processor PCI Express Root Port - 0151
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0151&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_09\3&11583659&0&08
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 184704 bytes

Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family SMBus Host Controller - 1E22
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E22&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&FB
Driver: n/a

Name: Atheros AR8151 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller (NDIS 6.20)
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1969&DEV_1083&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_C0\4&4C7664B&0&00E0
Driver: n/a

Name: High Definition Audio Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E20&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&D8
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\hdaudbus.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 122368 bytes

Name: SDA Standard Compliant SD Host Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5209&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_01\4&21F8AF87&0&01E3
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\sdbus.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 109056 bytes

Name: Intel(R) Mobile Express Chipset SATA RAID Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_282A&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&FA
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\iaStor.sys, 11.00.0000.1032 (English), 11/29/2011 19:40:32, 568600 bytes

Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 4 - 1E16
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E16&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_C4\3&11583659&0&E3
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 184704 bytes

Name: Realtek PCIE CardReader
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5209&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_01\4&21F8AF87&0&00E3
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\RtsPStor.sys, 6.01.7601.28099 (English), 3/3/2012 01:06:22, 343144 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\RtsPStorIcon.dll, 1.00.0008.0000 (English), 3/3/2012 01:06:22, 9888872 bytes

Name: Intel(R) HM77 Express Chipset LPC Controller - 1E57
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E57&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_04\3&11583659&0&F8
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\msisadrv.sys, 6.01.7600.16385 (English), 7/13/2009 20:48:27, 15424 bytes

Name: Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port 3 - 1E14
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E14&SUBSYS_057B1028&REV_C4\3&11583659&0&E2
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 22:23:47, 184704 bytes

Name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675M
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_1212&SUBSYS_05801028&REV_A1\4&13F92896&0&0008
Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\Drs\dbInstaller.exe, 9.18.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 447304 bytes
Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\Drs\nvdrsdb.bin, 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 1251564 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\nvdmi.inf_amd64_neutral_7996eee8a4481540\NvCplSetupInt.exe, 1.00.0004.0000 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 85733600 bytes
Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\license.txt, 10/16/2014 11:54:03, 21904 bytes
Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NVSMI\MCU.exe, 1.01.5204.20580 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 841544 bytes
Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NVSMI\nvdebugdump.exe, 6.14.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 228168 bytes
Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NVSMI\nvidia-smi.1.pdf, 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 69329 bytes
Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NVSMI\nvidia-smi.exe, 8.17.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 415560 bytes
Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NVSMI\nvml.dll, 8.17.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 648336 bytes
Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\OpenCL\OpenCL.dll, 1.00.0000.0000 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 60744 bytes
Driver: C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\OpenCL\OpenCL64.dll, 1.00.0000.0000 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 73872 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\nvlddmkm.sys, 9.18.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 10274448 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\NvFBC64.dll, 6.14.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 942736 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\NvIFR64.dll, 6.14.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 969360 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvapi64.dll, 9.18.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 3298816 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcompiler.dll, 8.17.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 25459856 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcuda.dll, 8.17.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 13210248 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvcuvid.dll, 7.17.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 3607184 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvd3dumx.dll, 9.18.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 17250776 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvinfo.pb, 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 27441 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvoglv64.dll, 9.18.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 32102544 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvopencl.dll, 8.17.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 13295552 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvwgf2umx.dll, 9.18.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 18566296 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\NvFBC.dll, 6.14.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 906384 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\NvIFR.dll, 6.14.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 929424 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvapi.dll, 9.18.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 2902456 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvcompiler.dll, 8.17.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 20465296 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvcuda.dll, 8.17.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 10714488 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvcuvid.dll, 7.17.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 3245712 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvd3dum.dll, 9.18.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 14115944 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvoglv32.dll, 9.18.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 24765584 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvopencl.dll, 8.17.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 10774544 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\SysWow64\nvwgf2um.dll, 9.18.0013.4725 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 16009120 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvdispco6434725.dll, 2.00.0041.0004 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 1895240 bytes
Driver: C:\Windows\system32\nvdispgenco6434725.dll, 2.00.0019.0002 (English), 1/10/2015 03:07:47, 1556808 bytes

------------------
DirectShow Filters
------------------

DirectShow Filters:
WMAudio Decoder DMO,0x00800800,1,1,WMADMOD.DLL,6.01.7601.17514
WMAPro over S/PDIF DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMADMOD.DLL,6.01.7601.17514
WMSpeech Decoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMSPDMOD.DLL,6.01.7601.17514
MP3 Decoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,mp3dmod.dll,6.01.7600.16385
Mpeg4s Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,mp4sdecd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
WMV Screen decoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvsdecd.dll,6.01.7601.17514
WMVideo Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,wmvdecod.dll,6.01.7601.18221
Mpeg43 Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,mp43decd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
MS ATC Screen Decoder 1,0x00600800,1,1,scdec.dll,15.00.4420.1017
Mpeg4 Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,mpg4decd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
DV Muxer,0x00400000,0,0,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Color Space Converter,0x00400001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
WM ASF Reader,0x00400000,0,0,qasf.dll,12.00.7601.17514
Screen Capture filter,0x00200000,0,1,wmpsrcwp.dll,12.00.7601.17514
AVI Splitter,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
VGA 16 Color Ditherer,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
SBE2MediaTypeProfile,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder,0x005fffff,2,4,msmpeg2vdec.dll,12.00.9200.16426
AC3 Parser Filter,0x00600000,1,1,mpg2splt.ax,6.06.7601.17528
StreamBufferSink,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
Microsoft TV Captions Decoder,0x00200001,1,0,MSTVCapn.dll,6.01.7601.17715
MJPEG Decompressor,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
CBVA DMO wrapper filter,0x00200000,1,1,cbva.dll,6.01.7601.17514
MPEG-I Stream Splitter,0x00600000,1,2,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
SAMI (CC) Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
VBI Codec,0x00600000,1,4,VBICodec.ax,6.06.7601.17514
MPEG-2 Splitter,0x005fffff,1,0,mpg2splt.ax,6.06.7601.17528
Closed Captions Analysis Filter,0x00200000,2,5,cca.dll,6.06.7601.17514
SBE2FileScan,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
Microsoft MPEG-2 Video Encoder,0x00200000,1,1,msmpeg2enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514
Internal Script Command Renderer,0x00800001,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
MPEG Audio Decoder,0x03680001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
DV Splitter,0x00600000,1,2,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Video Mixing Renderer 9,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
Microsoft MPEG-2 Encoder,0x00200000,2,1,msmpeg2enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514
ACM Wrapper,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
Video Renderer,0x00800001,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
MPEG-2 Video Stream Analyzer,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
Line 21 Decoder,0x00600000,1,1,,
Video Port Manager,0x00600000,2,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
Video Renderer,0x00400000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
VPS Decoder,0x00200000,0,0,WSTPager.ax,6.06.7601.17514
WM ASF Writer,0x00400000,0,0,qasf.dll,12.00.7601.17514
VBI Surface Allocator,0x00600000,1,1,vbisurf.ax,6.01.7601.17514
File writer,0x00200000,1,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
iTV Data Sink,0x00600000,1,0,itvdata.dll,6.06.7601.17514
iTV Data Capture filter,0x00600000,1,1,itvdata.dll,6.06.7601.17514
DVD Navigator,0x00200000,0,3,qdvd.dll,6.06.7601.18526
Microsoft TV Subtitles Decoder,0x00200001,1,0,MSTVCapn.dll,6.01.7601.17715
Overlay Mixer2,0x00200000,1,1,,
RDP DShow Redirection Filter,0xffffffff,1,0,DShowRdpFilter.dll,
Microsoft MPEG-2 Audio Encoder,0x00200000,1,1,msmpeg2enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514
WST Pager,0x00200000,1,1,WSTPager.ax,6.06.7601.17514
MPEG-2 Demultiplexer,0x00600000,1,1,mpg2splt.ax,6.06.7601.17528
DV Video Decoder,0x00800000,1,1,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514
SampleGrabber,0x00200000,1,1,qedit.dll,6.06.7601.18501
Null Renderer,0x00200000,1,0,qedit.dll,6.06.7601.18501
MPEG-2 Sections and Tables,0x005fffff,1,0,Mpeg2Data.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft AC3 Encoder,0x00200000,1,1,msac3enc.dll,6.01.7601.17514
StreamBufferSource,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
Smart Tee,0x00200000,1,2,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Overlay Mixer,0x00200000,0,0,,
AVI Decompressor,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
NetBridge,0x00200000,2,0,netbridge.dll,6.01.7601.17514
AVI/WAV File Source,0x00400000,0,2,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
Wave Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
MIDI Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
Multi-file Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
File stream renderer,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
Microsoft DTV-DVD Audio Decoder,0x005fffff,1,1,msmpeg2adec.dll,6.01.7140.0000
StreamBufferSink2,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.06.7601.17528
AVI Mux,0x00200000,1,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Line 21 Decoder 2,0x00600002,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
File Source (Async.),0x00400000,0,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
File Source (URL),0x00400000,0,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
Media Center Extender Encryption Filter,0x00200000,2,2,Mcx2Filter.dll,6.01.7601.17514
AudioRecorder WAV Dest,0x00200000,0,0,WavDest.dll,
AudioRecorder Wave Form,0x00200000,0,0,WavDest.dll,
SoundRecorder Null Renderer,0x00200000,0,0,WavDest.dll,
Infinite Pin Tee Filter,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
Enhanced Video Renderer,0x00200000,1,0,evr.dll,6.01.7601.18526
BDA MPEG2 Transport Information Filter,0x00200000,2,0,psisrndr.ax,6.06.7601.17669
MPEG Video Decoder,0x40000001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526

WDM Streaming Tee/Splitter Devices:
Tee/Sink-to-Sink Converter,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

Video Compressors:
WMVideo8 Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvxencd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
WMVideo9 Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvencod.dll,6.01.7600.16385
MSScreen 9 encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,wmvsencd.dll,6.01.7600.16385
DV Video Encoder,0x00200000,0,0,qdv.dll,6.06.7601.17514
MJPEG Compressor,0x00200000,0,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526

Audio Compressors:
WM Speech Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMSPDMOE.DLL,6.01.7600.16385
WMAudio Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,WMADMOE.DLL,6.01.7600.16385
IMA ADPCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
PCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
Microsoft ADPCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
GSM 6.10,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
CCITT A-Law,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
CCITT u-Law,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
MPEG Layer-3,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526

Audio Capture Sources:
Microphone Array (Sound Blaster,0x00200000,0,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
HDMI In (Sound Blaster Recon3Di,0x00200000,0,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514
What U Hear (Sound Blaster Reco,0x00200000,0,0,qcap.dll,6.06.7601.17514

PBDA CP Filters:
PBDA DTFilter,0x00600000,1,1,CPFilters.dll,6.06.7601.17528
PBDA ETFilter,0x00200000,0,0,CPFilters.dll,6.06.7601.17528
PBDA PTFilter,0x00200000,0,0,CPFilters.dll,6.06.7601.17528

Midi Renderers:
Default MidiOut Device,0x00800000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526

WDM Streaming Capture Devices:
Malcolm DigitalInWave,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514
,0x00000000,0,0,,
Malcolm DMicWave,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514
,0x00000000,0,0,,
Malcolm Mic2Wave,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514
Malcolm WUHInWave,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514
Integrated Webcam,0x00200000,1,3,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

WDM Streaming Rendering Devices:
,0x00000000,0,0,,
Malcolm DigitalOutWave,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514
,0x00000000,0,0,,
Malcolm Lineout/Headphone,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514
,0x00000000,0,0,,
,0x00000000,0,0,,

BDA Network Providers:
Microsoft ATSC Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft DVBC Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft DVBS Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft DVBT Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSDvbNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514
Microsoft Network Provider,0x00200000,0,1,MSNP.ax,6.06.7601.17514

Video Capture Sources:
Integrated Webcam,0x00200000,1,3,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

Multi-Instance Capable VBI Codecs:
VBI Codec,0x00600000,1,4,VBICodec.ax,6.06.7601.17514

BDA Transport Information Renderers:
BDA MPEG2 Transport Information Filter,0x00600000,2,0,psisrndr.ax,6.06.7601.17669
MPEG-2 Sections and Tables,0x00600000,1,0,Mpeg2Data.ax,6.06.7601.17514

BDA CP/CA Filters:
Decrypt/Tag,0x00600000,1,1,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708
Encrypt/Tag,0x00200000,0,0,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708
PTFilter,0x00200000,0,0,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708
XDS Codec,0x00200000,0,0,EncDec.dll,6.06.7601.17708

WDM Streaming Communication Transforms:
Tee/Sink-to-Sink Converter,0x00200000,1,1,ksproxy.ax,6.01.7601.17514

Audio Renderers:
Speakers (Sound Blaster Recon3D,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
Default DirectSound Device,0x00800000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
Default WaveOut Device,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
Digital Output (Sound Blaster R,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
DirectSound: Digital Output (Sound Blaster Recon3Di),0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526
DirectSound: Speakers (Sound Blaster Recon3Di),0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.06.7601.18526

---------------
EVR Power Information
---------------
Current Setting: {5C67A112-A4C9-483F-B4A7-1D473BECAFDC} (Quality)
Quality Flags: 2576
Enabled:
Force throttling
Allow half deinterlace
Allow scaling
Decode Power Usage: 100
Balanced Flags: 1424
Enabled:
Force throttling
Allow batching
Force half deinterlace
Force scaling
Decode Power Usage: 50
PowerFlags: 1424
Enabled:
Force throttling
Allow batching
Force half deinterlace
Force scaling
Decode Power Usage: 0

 

Hi there, as soon as I started reading your symptoms I was sure I knew the cause. Once I scrolled down your DX diag to see the 675m it's a certainty in my mind.

That card is a re-badged 580m. I had two 580m's and one 675m in a replacement fail. The card has very poor longevity and I have seen probably a dozen or so failures in the last 6 months or so.

As long as you do not have the 120hz display (look to see if 120hz is an option) then you can remove the card altogether and just run it on the Internal GPU. To remove the card just remove the fan and then the two retaining screws. Lift and wiggle it out. Do not undo the four screws holding the heatsink to the card. Simply remove it as a whole unit. When replacing do the same. I have seen many videos where the heatsink is separated in the machine. This is unnecessary and makes the job harder.

The 680m is the replacement you want to track down. It is plug and play in the R4 and you can use your heatsink (with some research on padding) with the new card.

You will get a very big jump in the gaming performance.

Good luck.


EDIT: I see the 60hz display so you can remove the card to prove out the problem.

 

It does seem like the issue is deeper than just the HDD. The video card seems to be failing.

 

Thank you both! That is really fascinating; I was thinking the card might be the answer just a few hours before you sent that Micky, and sure enough there it was. I'm certain you are right.
I am curious then. Will going into my device manager and disabling the card help in the meantime, before I can physically gut the card? I've never actually tried to just disable a part like that in device manager before.

 

I don't have optimus on a 120hz model but I would assume disabling it in Device Manager should be good enough for it to not bring the whole machine down. What country are you in?

It's only 7 screws to take the whole thing out (and put the fan back). Then you're ready to transfer the heatsink to your replacement at your lesiure.

 

I was looking up prices and saw that it was $300-500 to upgrade to that sort of video card-age for my laptop....also I'm a bit confused, why would I want to use my heatsink if I bought a new card? I think I might not fully understand what this heatsink that you speak of is.
I'm in the USA - would this somehow have a bearing on if it would be a bad idea to disable my video card in device manager? I was about to try it, hahah.

 

Sorry to confuse. I have a spare 675m + heatsink that dell put in and I replaced a few weeks later. Shipping to the US is a pain so it's not an option .

The heatsink is a separate item screwed to the video board. It takes the heat and transfers it via copper pipes to a small heat-exchanger that the fan blows through.

Here is a pic of my 680m and heatsink before assembly. Your 580m heatsink is compatible but you can buy the genuine item from Dell and it comes padded and pasted as in the pic.