Best Current GPU Compatible with alienware m17x R3

I have never personally installed a GPU, nor do I consider myself especially proficient with computers, which I guess is why I bought a pre-built alienware laptop, but I'm starting to regret not learning to build a PC sooner, because now I'm stuck with an extremely expensive computer with a completely outdated and weak GPU. I have the 460M currently installed, and it runs pretty terribly even over clocked and very inconsistently. I get framerate drips from 60-15 on Dark Souls 2 on a regular basis with all settings at medium-low with AA and things completely off. Games like Assassins Creed 4 are unplayable, but for such an expensive computer I really want to get some more mileage on it.

I'm a pre-med student working 2 jobs atm, so I can't spend a ton of time researching, and my computer is necessary for my school so I'm extremely scared of possibly doing something irreparable, because I can't afford another and would be totally screwed. That being said, I'm a bright enough kid that I think I could probably figure it out (can't imagine it's brain surgery) and a GPU would save me the hassle and money of buying a PS4 of Xone just to play newer games like watch dogs which my current GPU would scoff at, and possible dip to 5-6 FPS. Main question was what is the best possible card currently compatible with the R3, if I could play current gen games on high settings I would be thrilled, but if I could even just get 60 FPS on medium (in case no newish cards are compatible) it would still make my study/work breaks much more enjoyable.

Second, how likely would it be for someone with no computer experience whatsoever (although I like to think I have some degree of intelligence) and not much time to research (posting at 5am on my way to work lol) to fry their laptop using this? I can follow directions carefully, but if it's in any way fairly risky to replace the GPU in a laptop like this, I would rather skip the risk of buying a new computer just to satisfy my craving for new games. I can do the research on how to install in myself, but I really wanted an opinion on if it was actually worth the risk/reward ratio, since I know nothing about the subject. Sorry if this post was a little rambling and incoherent, half asleep on the train, cheers! I really appreciate any help, I hope I'm not asking obvious questions or questions that have been asked a million times (this is my only time free I have until I sleep) so I didn't browse to see if it had been asked before. If so just direct me to the topic and I'll check it out!

 

Also, I don't care at ALL about the 3d, never use it and feel bad for falling for the gimmick, if the best card also supports 3D that's fine, but I won't miss it at all if it doesn't.

 

Based on some quick googling, the 780m is supported by your laptop. That should handle most if not all modern games just fine.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M VGA upgrade in Alienware m17x - YouTube <- tutorial
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...are-m17x-r3-460m-780m-questions-concerns.html <- this guy upgraded to 780m, thread has some good stuff.

In terms of risk, loads of people have done this exact upgrade, and if you can follow instructions and read, I think you'll be fine.

 

Nice thing is with a 120hz model you do not need to get involved with an unlocked bios . More chance of an unsupported GPU working - but 3D is not going to work.

From your post what you are chasing is available in a lower card - and a lot of people have upgraded to it so plenty of advice in threads here. I just got the 680m and I'm playing everything on ultra with maybe one or two minor compromises .

Depending on which path you follow is the difficulty level but will be cheaper.

If you are thinking of reusing the original heatsink then you need to transfer all the thermal pads and do a bunch of stuff - but it is possible and you sound capable - as you say, 'it's not brain surgery'. There are a lot of threads on repasting.

I went for a cop-out option (having built many rigs over the years) and got a new heatsink from dell which comes with all the pads in place and a new x-bracket so you can assemble your new card before even opening up the machine. 7 screws in total and the whole assembly is out and simply slot in the new one.

Coming from the 675m it's a huge step up and the price might be a lot lower than a more recent card?

The best heatsink you can buy from dell is the R4 680m as the case changed with the later cards. I would not expect the AW one to fit but right now I'm waiting on a thread where a guy has been told that it will fit by Dell so I believe he has ordered it. The 680m is a next gen Kepler card so support is still a few years at a minimum.

I am interested in your comment on the 3D. Can I ask you just why you felt it a 'gimmick'? I went for my machine simply on the 120hz refresh rate but quickly become a convert. I don't hear much negative so I like to know why it might not be for some people .

Prob a couple of hours work in total with some research (just remember any mention of a new bios is not needed on a 120hz model) but low risk if you go down the new heatsink path and ask a bunch of questions as you go . There's a lot of members here ready to share their experiences

Good luck

Oh and get a decent set of small screwdrivers, the fit is important if you have not dismantled things before, and I have seen some horribly mashed screwheads