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    7970m heatsink for 780/980m

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Majekm, Apr 4, 2015.

  1. Majekm

    Majekm Notebook Enthusiast

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    HI guys,

    Before you write it - I know there are a dozen threads on it. I have seen them. But the opinions differ in them.

    What is the consensus now?

    Can the 7970m heat sink be safely used for 780/980m in m17x r4? If so, is removing the black tape the only mod needed?

    Also, am I correct in writing the below about the current situation with 980m in m17x r4?

    Win 8 - works with no issues including sound and hdmi?
    Win 7 - works in optimus only?

    Looking at the new lineup, I think my r4 upgraded would still be better than the new soldered machines...

    Thanks for your help,
    Michal
     
    Majekm, Apr 4, 2015
    #1
  2. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Hi, from what I have worked with yes it fits but not only do you need to remove the tape. The captive screws are a different size so they need swapping out unless you use the AMD x-bracket. This is not recommended as the chips are a different thickness.

    Win 7 was a mess of problems when I researched this and since I didn't want win 8 I bought a new machine!

    New models = not-so-cheap trashy dell laptop. Alienware is currently on life support with no visible future. Who knows the next models may have had major surgery or they will just stay on life-support :mad:.
     
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2015
    MickyD1234, Apr 4, 2015
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  3. Majekm

    Majekm Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks, Micky! Yes, I forgot to mention the x-bracket. I know I would need an nvidia one. :)

    Good to know the heat sink itself is fine.

    I also don't mind Win8 as long as 980m works in r4. I think 780m is not a big enough improvement over 7970m.

    Thanks!
     
    Majekm, Apr 4, 2015
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  4. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Yeah, the 780m is mostly an overclocked 680m and that is the same generation as your AMD.

    The captive screws can be tricky to release if they use e-clips so use a towel to catch any 'pings'! And of course you're going to need to source the screws.
     
    MickyD1234, Apr 4, 2015
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  5. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

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    Indeed.. The 7970M heatsink works, just remove black tape.. takes a few mins tops to do this..

    As for X-bracket, whoever you buy the GPU from should include the X-bracket... You'll need them to include the correct NVIDIA screws to screw your heatsink down (they're different for AMD/NVIDIA).. I'm not too sure about the screws however when i got the GPU from hidevolution, they provide the correct type...

    Also Windows 8.1: Everything works, recommended to use Optimus for no throttling
    Windows 7: Works in Optimus mode..
     
    TomJGX, Apr 4, 2015
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  6. Majekm

    Majekm Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the confirmation, Tom.
    Glad to read this. :)
    Much appreciated, guys.
     
    Majekm, Apr 4, 2015
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