6990 upgrade voids warranty?

So I called dell's parts department thinking I was going to order a 6990 for my R3. I figured I'd ask if it voids the warranty (even though I'm an authorized dell tech) and they told me it does. I was actually taken aback by this. I figured buying the parts from dell and having them installed by someone dell "trusts" would be enough to continue with my warranty.
What is wrong with dell? Their idea was just for me to sell my laptop and buy a new one. I don't want to go that route since I've got this one basically how I want it, and got a great deal on it. Maybe I'll just "accidentally" run over it with my jeep a few times and claim accidental coverage and ask for an upgrade...

 

I would not risk running it over...

You could always just keep your 6970 and put it back in whenever you need them to fix something.

 

Running over it would seem fun!!! (If you had an R2 it wouldn't do you much good )

But remember.....BACK UP!!

 

It does not void your warranty, you just got some moron who has no idea what you/they are talking about.

The card will be under warranty from them as well as the rest of your laptop.

 

If the 6970 you're taking out will fit / work in an R2, I might be interested

PM me if you go this route.

 

Definitely should do this...

I'm pretty sure this is the case with any upgrade parts you buy from Dell as long as system hacks/mods are not required to install them. But possibly not so in the case that a particular item is not available in a stock configuration. Either way, if you save the original parts and install them in the event of a warranty claim there should be nothing to discuss (or leave open for interpretation) with them about the upgrade because it will no longer be upgraded.

 

wow, its a struggle to find someone that knows anything about anything on dell. I've done multiple chats, called numerous times to multiple numbers and no one seems to know anything...

 

It sounds painful, but if you truly are worried about losing warranty then It may be worth going through their warranty agreement information, however take home PC's for example: You can upgrade separate parts, each part is covered by a warranty, I am sure dell do the same with their laptops..

 

That's because what you are asking them about is somewhat unorthodox and does not have a scripted answer in their phone/chat support flow-chart. That's the difference in dealing with call center staff and professionals such as Tech Support.

Call 1-800-ALIENWARE, select Tech Support and speak with a manager. Tell him you're having a difficult time getting a straight answer from anyone, then ask if he will send you a follow up email confirming your conversation. In some cases Tech Support staff can earn a commission on sales. Ask the manager if he or a member of his staff can process the purchase for you instead of speaking with someone in sales.

 

right, I will try going through tech support and see where I wind up with that. Thanks for the hint

 

Wow that was exhaustive. I was able to finally order the 6990 thru technical support (thanks for the idea Mr. Fox), and the tech explained that I will be able to keep my warranty. I sure hope he's right because I don't want to have to go through that ordeal again...

 

How much did it run you? I'm thinking of doing this too.

 

Seeing the Dell techs they send out maybe thats why

 

I wish I could have ordered a 6990m. I am trying from the last 3 weeks to order one (I live in Canada), I'm trying to talk to different reps and in the end nobody is able to order one for me... I do not know what's the deal... I wish that there is some place I can order one... I sound desperate!!!

 

Did you try pkhetan, he is selling them for around $900 (two) w/shipping.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/computer-components/598812-fs-6990m-brand-new-free-heatsink.html

 

It cost a pretty penny, the card was $619, I'm hoping to sell my 6970 to recoup some of the costs though...

Hah, yeah I've come across some real winners before in the field, I don't do dell service anymore since graduating from college...

Hah, I defiantly paid a premium to keep my warranty. Seems like a cheap way to go to me.

 

He is selling the clevo cards. I know from the first day when he had them... I already asked him if can be used in the m17x r3, but no one has tried so far...