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    Alienware M17x-8525 (R3)

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Christos Agapiou, Mar 12, 2017.

  1. Christos Agapiou

    Christos Agapiou Newbie

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    Hello everyone,

    I've been researching and researching on how to replace my burned out HD 6870 on my Alienware M17x-R3 (8525) notebook and the result I came across was to order an Nvidia GTX 765.

    I am not entirely sure if that was a correct option in the end because there are tons on forums and articles concerning this issue but I gave it a go.

    This is the link of the card i ordered:
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/272484446212?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT


    Now, the thing is that when i try to install the card and power on the notebook nothing happens, it just gets stuck at a black screen and i get the 8 beeps error, note that i tried a second same card with the same result.
    Also i tried both cards in an exactly the same alienware notebook with same error.

    I also installed A12 unlocked bios but still no result.
    The laptop works ok with either a 6900m or the integrated Intel one.

    Didn't mess around with the brackets and screws as they both look the same to me!

    Can somebody guide me to install the card IF it's compatible with my laptop because in the end if it's not I will ship it back, get a refund and try to find something else (any suggestions?).

    It was around 150usd including shipping and import charges.

    Please help!!!!
     
  2. Aroc

    Aroc Notebook Consultant

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    Does it pass POST with the Intel HD graphics?

    Try to clear CMOS BIOS, first. Also you may need to disable Secure Boot, if it's enabled.

    I had a problem where one of my GTX 880m cards "disappeared" from the BIOS and from Windows. Resetting the CMOS and a fresh & clean install of Windows 8.1 Pro cleaned that up. For some reason both steps were required as one of the other didn't wake the second "socket" up.
     
  3. Christos Agapiou

    Christos Agapiou Newbie

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    Yes when I have it selected as IGP it passes the post screen and works ok, the problem is only when PEG is selected.

    I will disable secure boot and let you know.

    Clearing CMOS process i've done it about 10 times so far!

    And also I have Win7 x64 not 8.1
     
  4. Christos Agapiou

    Christos Agapiou Newbie

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    Clearing CMOS is shorting the pins below the CR2032 battery right?
     
  5. Aroc

    Aroc Notebook Consultant

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    On this particular AW I don't know, but that sounds like the right procedure to clear CMOS.

    You want the bios setting to revert back to factory defaults when a graphics card is not detected.

    Maybe someone else can chime in.

    If you are using Win 7 then you are not likely using secure boot, so that it good.