AW17: Latest best graphics upgrade that supports 120hz

Several years ago, I purchased all of the parts to upgrade my AW17 and never did. I am finally ready. I upgraded the memory a few weeks ago, so I got a general idea of the teardown to that point. I've purchased everything except a graphics card and an mSATA drive. So my questions are:

1) What is the most current/capable graphics card that will preserve the 120hz/3D?

2) Is there a noticeable performance gain by replacing the mSATA with a faster and/or larger one? If so, is the upgrade simply a HW swap and the OS takes care of caching or is there something more complex to the upgrade?

Thanks.

 

1) the GTX 1070 is the best confirmed upgrade for the GPU until someone tests the RTX 5000, there are two versions of the GTX 1070 that work well on the ranger but one of them requires modding of the case
2) it depends on what you are using the mSATA for (OS vs Caching), as far as I know the mSATA will have the same maximum speed as the SATA SSD so the upgrade would be in size if you need more storage but no real perfomance boost.

 

You will lose 3d with anything beyond stock options

 

So if I have the 770M, the 780M would be it? If so, it looks like about $180. Not bad, but will I notice any difference?

 

Yeah would be it.

For games of its Era you will see more difference but in today's climate the differences will likely be smaller not in terms of percentage but overall fps. Is 3d a must for you? There is much better if the 120hz is your calling. 980m/1060/1070 being the usual choices.

 

I have used the 3D exactly once. I expect I will opt for the 1070. I have been googling and have not found anyone selling them so far. I will keep searching for sources.

 

@Rengsey R. H. Jr. I think had 2 for sale recently in the marketplace.

That and they are available via ebay pretty consistently as well

 

Thanks. I reached out to Rengsey. It is not really clear from reading the posts I found. Do I need to mod the heatsink/cooling to replace me 770 with the 1070?

 

A guy here in Australia is selling two MSI 1070's on eBay for $550AUD ($375USD) each. Pretty hard to beat that price from what I've seen. The modding is the only thing putting me off grabbing one.

 

I saw those. Rengsey's price is a bit better if it works out. Thanks.

 

If its the MSI variant, then yes mod is required or you can purchase the better heatsink off of ebay.

Otherwise the other potential solutions do not need modding.

 

So the Clevo does not require modding?

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uh no, the clevo wont even fit physically regardless of mod.

 

So which brands work without modification?

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Already spoke on that.

 

1070 mxm:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nvidia-GeF...473932?hash=item3d9814534c:g:SH0AAOSwmWxdwPDU

 

I haven't found thereceivers other post yet, but the ad doesnt list the AW 17.

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If I understood the other thread correctly, the Zotac works without a case mod (flash a vbios) if it can be found. Otherwise, the MSI is the one with a case mod.

 

And the one linked in the thread...

 

Can you please share it? You have a lot of posts and it is not clear which one you mean.

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5 posts up dude.

 

My post must be invisible...this is why I just stopped replying in older threads.

The one I linked will be plug n play for a 120Hz AW 17 R1 assuming you have the latest BIOS.

 

Thanks for the clarification. That seemed to contradict thereceivers post (several posts up) that a Clevo would not fit. Not sure what the distinction is, but I appreciate your taking time for share the link.

 

That's NOT a clevo card!

 

Is this the correct Zotac? If that extended portion of the card is a problem, it looks like it could be removed as I don't see any traces that extend that far.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Zotac-nVID...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649