Confirmed! Single HD5870 M17x has CF connector!

Trust me, nothing is worse than having to tear down a Sony Laptop! I haven't opened my R2 yet, but looking through the service manual it's not that bad at all. The trick to taking apart any laptop is not to use a flathead screwdriver to pry on things. If you're going to take apart laptops the best thing is to use a plastic wedge.

 

Sony is amongst the worst to tear down, the m17x is alot simpler IMO.

 

No it's not so bad to tear down a M17x. I had 0 experience on Laptops when I did a CPU swap (Q9000 to QX9300) and no problems whatsoever. Just be patient and use good guides.

The Moo™ made a perfect "how to" guide (video) for the CPU and GPU swap.
although I wouldn't use the screwdriver to lift the button strip... Use plastic as said several times before (and put the lid open untill it can't be opened any further, 45° is probably somewhat right).

If you don't feel confident doing it, just don't... Let DELL take care of it!

 

i do it with a blindfold over my eyes

 

That's what she said

 

WE are not the people who opened up a new thread, claiming something without any proof! We ARE asking to support statement like this with a proof - as I'm sure you'll agree you can find many people claiming anything on the internet or over the phone (yes, talking about you Dell reps! ).

I am *NOT* asking to open up his computer, in fact if he's not comfortable with doing that he shouldn't, since it's a pricey machine and if he screws up something it might cost a him bit if it doesn't get covered by the warranty.

What I am asking is to, please, not make threads like these - that may lead to people purchasing $2K+ laptop with the thought that they will be able to upgrade it later - without a proof.

 

Take it all with a grain of salt, I don't think the OP really even cares if you believe him or not,I know I wouldn't. Take it or leave it, if you don't like it move on to another thread, he's doing his part to help out, and if it's not enough for you then just move on. All I have to say that within the next day/week/month once the 5870 comes out in Cross Fire, all of this is going to look pretty stupid.

 

If mine ever comes Ill take some pics after I change my pants a few times and mess around with it for a bit. Scratch that Im wearing a diaper.

 

Incredible how many people doubt the OP, considering theres so much other speculation and crap floating around these forums. Seriously its up to you to decide to whether you believe it or not, but noone has a right to demand anything from him.

 

second that^^^^ noo need for these post at all well all see in a cple of days anyway ( nice if their was a picture but not everybody is gun ho! with their lappy)

 

The OP said a pic is comin tomorrow. Calm dwn everyone.

 

To all those saying to calm down: no one is freaking out or demanding pics.

They simply aren't in agreement that this is confirmed. No more, no less.

 

Don't need a pic just a bios version.

Once you get used to removing the power bar it's literally a 3 minute process to get to the GPU. Also on a side note never pry plastic with metal. Always pry plastic with plastic to prevent damage.

 

Any idea on where I can get a set of plastic wedge tools Mandrake? Thanks.

 

I use a small screwdriver wrapped with electrical tape lol...

 

ebay has a bunch. LINK

 

Cool! That will come in handy.

 

and 5870s with crossfire connection on ebay or here (babyhemi)

 

5870's from babyhemi don't have a CF connector.

 

The M17x is designed so that you dont have to use ANY tools to pop open the touch control stirip or the palm rest. All plastic pieces should slide out. All you have to do to get the touch control stirp off is push the LCD screen as far back as it goes and gently (with fingers) push up and out on the touch control strip. Do it gently as not to rip the connector off. And always remove the connector from the touch strip and NOT under the keyboard to save yourslef A LOT of hassle putting it back together. Unlike the dumb Qualexserv technician.

 

Are you sure of this??? If so, how?

 

Sound easy, but... can you please show some pictures (for the newbies)?
Thanks!!!

 

pictures. Not that they're a reliable source as to whether the 5870's in the M17x have it since
1) the babyhemi 5870 had the solder there for the connector, but simply not the plastic connector itself
2) the 5870's he had were designed specifically for single GPU environments. the M17X has always been about dual GPU configurations. Even in the model's before the revision the single GPU's have had the necessary connections for Dual GPU cables. To My knowledge, the only other Dual GPU laptop in the market is relatively new, which is the X8100 eurocom, of which even it only has the GTX280/285's available in SLI.

Personally, I believe the OP, it would make 0 sense for Dell to put out a Dual GPU laptop with an upgrade program, and then sell Single GPU configurations without the ability to go dual unless you buy 2 brand new cards. It would be a total PR relations disaster. That doesn't mean I'm not changing from CF4870's to a single 5870 before I see pictures however. Eurocom gets away with it because 1) it's eurocom..., 2) it's eurocom... 3) did I mention it's Eurocom?

 

If you look at this For sale thread he specifically states that his 5870's don't have the connector

 

Ahh, I must have missed that when reading the thread. Thanks for clearing that up. I almost bought one from him..

As for pics of removing the touch control strip... I don't have any and I don't feel like taking apart the system right now.. Look at the serice manual, it has pics. Don't listen to instruction #6, where it tells you to pry the TCS up with a screwdriver.. Again, you don't have to. I've done it twice already and never had to use a screwdriver.

 

I don't have my M17x, but I believe I know to what you're referring, basically grabbing the middle of the hinge on the LCD where the plate meets the bottom of the laptop and lift from that point, at which you can slide it out side all that holds it to the keyboard area are the clips

 

That's exactly what I meant.

 

Hi Guys! Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening/Night! (choose yr timezone)

I'm back armed with photos! Give me some time while i download from my cam and upload here. I'm at work now so be patient while i juggle.

 

lovely

/10char

 

wow nice work msashi

 

I'm awaiting this important post.

Given all the problems I've been having lately with the streaking, I may be requesting a downgrade to a single 5870 if this is true, so upgrading to dual 5870's will be a lot cheaper.

 

Your cam is broken ?

 

i said we need them not that they have CF connector. So persuade him to get Dell ones too.

 

Hi Guys, Sorry was stuck in Dept. meeting. Can someone show me how to post images? I remember seeing an FAQ abt it but cant seem to find it.

 

Go to TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting Im sure you will beable to do it from there.

 

You can see a small trimmed image in my avatar till i figure this properly. Thanks Ikuto.

 

It says :-This IP address has been banned for violating
our Terms of Use.

Is there some other imagehost i can use?

 

Photobucket.com

 

What about bios version? Nice avi

 

@ Mandrake - BIOS ver. 9.5.0.1021. I think this is the number displayed on my screen. Is there a specific place i can find the number?

 

@Msashi, thanks for the effort
Try this to upload the images
ImageShack® - Online Media Hosting

 

You have to check when starting up, in the actual BIOS I think.

 

It's will be on the main screen of your system bios. When your system first starts start hitting F2 and your system bios should come up. Bios version should be A0# (probably A05).

 

Ok guys, First time posting photos, so i hope i got it right.

This is the M17x closed. Silver in flesh is actually very good looking. This photo does not do it justice.


M17x open and next to my Presario V3000.

 

Hmmmm.... I expected to see a thumbnail. Is this allowed?

 

This is with the battery pack and cover removed.
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And the keypad removed exposing the single HD5870.
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Close up view of the HD5870.


And another angle with motion blur. All other closeups was too blurred for viewing. So just save this image and manually zoom in for those who want closeups.

 

M17 reassembled and swiched on.


And comparison between WUXGA RGB and CCFL. Again this image does not do justice to how clear the screen is in the flesh.

 

awesome Msashi

 

Awesome; Just a quick question; how many parts do you have to take off to get to the GPU?