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    Compatible Heatsinks/Xbrackets.

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Fisix, Apr 7, 2013.

  1. Fisix

    Fisix Notebook Enthusiast

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    Can I use the Xbracket and Heatsink from my GTX 675 GPU for my new 7970m or do I have to find one specifically for the 7970m?
     
    Fisix, Apr 7, 2013
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  2. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Nvidia and AMD heat sinks and support plates/X brackets are not interchangeable between each other - you would need the parts specific to the card you want to use.
     
    steviejones133, Apr 8, 2013
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  3. DDDenniZZZ

    DDDenniZZZ Notebook Deity

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    I thought the heatsinks might be the same? Could be wrong though, but the xbrackets will be different per model of card.
     
    DDDenniZZZ, Apr 8, 2013
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  4. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Actually, thinking about it, I think you're right, Deniz. Just had a look at the 17x parts lists and for the R4 anyway, there is no different gpu heatsink that I could see - there are different support plates, as you said, and those part numbers are 3MHHT for Nvidia and 3PVGK for AMD.

    I was stuck in "M18x" mode for a second there!

     
    steviejones133, Apr 8, 2013
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  5. Joe85

    Joe85 Notebook Deity

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    A nVidia Heatsink will work on an AMD GPU, but if you want optimal contact, and,thus, optimal heat transfer, between the copper plate and GPU die, get a AMD Heatsink, or remove the black tape.
     
    Joe85, Apr 8, 2013
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  6. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    Joe is right on this, I would rather get the AMD one for better results.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Apr 10, 2013
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  7. MUERTE 75

    MUERTE 75 Notebook Consultant

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    MUERTE 75, Apr 30, 2013
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  8. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The bracket should be positioned on the underside of the card so that the heat spreader covers the bank of chips that run parallel with the longest side of the card itself. The other chips don't need covering as they are closer to the fan itself.

    [​IMG]
     
    steviejones133, Apr 30, 2013
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  9. MUERTE 75

    MUERTE 75 Notebook Consultant

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    Many thanks! :notworthy:
     
    MUERTE 75, Apr 30, 2013
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  10. antriach

    antriach Notebook Guru

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    the x-braket improperly can increase the temperature of the gpu?
     
    antriach, Apr 30, 2013
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  11. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    If put on the wrong way? - well, technically I guess it could increase the temperature of the vRam but I wouldn't think that it would be by a huge amount. The banks of vRam chips are in such close proximity to each other - and to the system fan - that I don't think it would cause any harm if the bracket had been stuck on the wrong way. The easiest way to check is to monitor you gpu temps with something like HWiNFO64 and see how hot they are getting.

    If you feel something is not right, you could always remove the gpu, heat up the rear of the card/bracket with a hair dryer to help release the 3M tape used to stick the bracket to the card, remove, rotate and re-assemble.
     
    steviejones133, Apr 30, 2013
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  12. antriach

    antriach Notebook Guru

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    I mean to use a ati x-bracket in a nvidia
     
    antriach, Apr 30, 2013
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  13. MUERTE 75

    MUERTE 75 Notebook Consultant

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    Well,this x-bracket position not compatible for M17xr2, i had need turn 90 degree :D but now working perfect.Stock clocks temp amazing,only 64°C 3DMark 11, 2 hours BF3 play 68°C,i really happy :)
     
    MUERTE 75, Apr 30, 2013
    #13