The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Confirmed M17x R2 GPU upgrades (beyond 5870m cf and gtx 285m sli)

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by panamaniacs2011, Jan 3, 2015.

  1. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Just wanted to do a thread with confirmed GPU upgrades on the M17x r2 (i apologize if there is already a thread )

    GTX 485m
    This discussion post #10

    GTX 460m SLI
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-17-m17x/541132-m17x-r2-gtx460m-mod-can-work-3.html

    GTX 460m SLI with benchmarks and comparing to 5870m
    http://dell.benyouhui.it168.com/thread-1911285-1-1.html

    GTX 470M
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...bios-i-got-an-es-videocard-from-china.739364/

    GTX 470M SLI
    This forum post 18

    GTX 580m SLI
    https://www.bios-mods.com/blog/site...dia-gtx-580m-sli-on-alienware-m17x-r2-laptop/

    6990/6970m CF
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...-6990-your-m17x-r2-single-gpu-crossfirex.html

    7970m CF
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...rex-ultimate-installation-tweaking-guide.html

    GTX 780m http://dell.benyouhui.it168.com/thread-4711988-1-1.html (this site is in another language so you have to translate it shows screenshots that works fine)

    GTX 780m (this thread shows that only works with external monitors)
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-17-m17x/720011-gtx-780m-m17x-r2-15.html

    GTX 670m
    http://dell.benyouhui.it168.com/thread-2103068-1-1.html

    GTX 670mx (post 3)
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/m17x-r2-gtx-660m.702621/

    GTX 675MX
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-17-m17x/698941-alienware-m17x-r2-running-gtx-675mx-7.html

    GTX 680m
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...m17x-r2-680m-driver-assistance-needed-16.html

    GTX 770m (with HD sound disabled in BIOS)
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-17-m17x/765134-m17x-r2-770m-no-sound.html

    GTX 765M as an upgrade on eurocom web site
    http://www.eurocom.com/ec/upgrade(1,264,0)ec

    GTX 765m SLI (its in japaneese it does not have any instructions but it has lots of pictures)
    http://dell.benyouhui.it168.com/thread-4613137-1-1.html

    8970m (no sound from hdmi)
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/m17x-r2-with-8970m-help.756207/

    GTX 970m (Post 150 only with VGA, display port or hdmi)
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/gtx-970-gtx-980m-in-m17x-r2.762937/page-11

    GTX 860M
    This discussion post 13
     
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2015
    panamaniacs2011, Jan 3, 2015
    #1
    Mr. Fox, @tomX, MahmoudDewy and 2 others like this.
  2. MondoJuan

    MondoJuan Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Thanks, it's a good thread.
     
    MondoJuan, Apr 1, 2015
    #2
  3. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    No problem !!
     
    panamaniacs2011, May 11, 2015
    #3
  4. @tomX

    @tomX Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    152
    Messages:
    608
    Likes Received:
    77
    Trophy Points:
    41
    should be flagged :)
     
    @tomX, May 14, 2015
    #4
  5. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    You are welcome :)
     
    panamaniacs2011, May 18, 2015
    #5
  6. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    should add a gtx 485m to the list.
     
    nat3, Jul 14, 2015
    #6
  7. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Thanks for that info !! do you have any link confirming that ?
     
    panamaniacs2011, Jul 14, 2015
    #7
  8. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist

    Reputations:
    37,240
    Messages:
    39,344
    Likes Received:
    70,682
    Trophy Points:
    931
    Mr. Fox, Jul 14, 2015
    #8
  9. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Thanks!! updated the main post .
     
    panamaniacs2011, Jul 14, 2015
    #9
    Mr. Fox likes this.
  10. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    i installed a single gtx 485m in my m17x r2 with original vbios but had to use modified drivers.
     
    nat3, Jul 18, 2015
    #10
    panamaniacs2011 and Mr. Fox like this.
  11. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Also just ordered 2 gtx 470s going to try testing sli with them.
     
    nat3, Jul 18, 2015
    #11
  12. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist

    Reputations:
    37,240
    Messages:
    39,344
    Likes Received:
    70,682
    Trophy Points:
    931
    Mr. Fox, Jul 18, 2015
    #12
  13. Blacky

    Blacky Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,049
    Messages:
    5,356
    Likes Received:
    1,040
    Trophy Points:
    331
    I can also confirm the Kepler based 860M is working fine in the M17x R2, apart from the fact that when the display is turned off, it actually turns completely white instead of of going dark.
    The only workaround it to set a blank screensaver in windows, which is not the same thing, but it's better than nothing.
     
    Blacky, Jul 18, 2015
    #13
    nat3 and panamaniacs2011 like this.
  14. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Thanks for that i updated the main post!!

    Excellent , thank you!! updated the main post !!
     
    panamaniacs2011, Jul 18, 2015
    #14
  15. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    panamaniacs2011, Jul 18, 2015
    #15
    Mr. Fox likes this.
  16. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    i womder if the 860ms could be sli'ed
     
    nat3, Jul 19, 2015
    #16
  17. Blacky

    Blacky Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,049
    Messages:
    5,356
    Likes Received:
    1,040
    Trophy Points:
    331
    If you couldn't SLI the 6x0M series, I don't think you can SLI anything higher than that.
     
    Blacky, Jul 20, 2015
    #17
  18. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    i got 2 gtx 470m's to sli with modified drivers. the Vbios was not flashed has original.
     
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2015
    nat3, Jul 21, 2015
    #18
  19. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    and it works?
     
    panamaniacs2011, Jul 22, 2015
    #19
  20. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    fully works plays games fine.
     
    nat3, Jul 25, 2015
    #20
    panamaniacs2011 likes this.
  21. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    what gtx 470m card manufacturer you used? did you had to use a specific vbios ?
     
    panamaniacs2011, Jul 26, 2015
    #21
  22. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    both cards are Nvidia used original vbios no flash vbios is 70.04.25.00.05(P1044-0001) sli is functional had to use modified drivers ver 9.18.13.602 beta (forceware 306.02)
     
    nat3, Jul 27, 2015
    #22
    panamaniacs2011 likes this.
  23. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    nat3, Jul 27, 2015
    #23
    panamaniacs2011 likes this.
  24. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    panamaniacs2011, Jul 27, 2015
    #24
  25. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    the gtx 470 is better in games and has the same power consumption.
     
    nat3, Jul 28, 2015
    #25
    panamaniacs2011 likes this.
  26. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    you used the stock heatsink? what bracket you used? what are your temps?
     
    panamaniacs2011, Jul 29, 2015
    #26
  27. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    stock heatsink from m17x same bracket temps are idle 35c to load 65c had to do a thermal pad replacement.
     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2015
    nat3, Jul 29, 2015
    #27
    panamaniacs2011 likes this.
  28. Rengsey R. H. Jr.

    Rengsey R. H. Jr. I Never Slept

    Reputations:
    1,084
    Messages:
    2,771
    Likes Received:
    1,020
    Trophy Points:
    181
    I just installed a 680M in the m17x R2 .. 3Dmark06 stock score isn't bad at all.
     

    Attached Files:

    Rengsey R. H. Jr., Jul 31, 2015
    #28
    panamaniacs2011 likes this.
  29. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    what gpu you had before? btw nice score !!
     
    panamaniacs2011, Jul 31, 2015
    #29
  30. Rengsey R. H. Jr.

    Rengsey R. H. Jr. I Never Slept

    Reputations:
    1,084
    Messages:
    2,771
    Likes Received:
    1,020
    Trophy Points:
    181

    a pair of GTX 280M , score sucks lol
     

    Attached Files:

    Rengsey R. H. Jr., Jul 31, 2015
    #30
    panamaniacs2011 likes this.
  31. @tomX

    @tomX Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    152
    Messages:
    608
    Likes Received:
    77
    Trophy Points:
    41
    what about temps and cooling the 680m ?
     
    @tomX, Aug 4, 2015
    #31
  32. Rengsey R. H. Jr.

    Rengsey R. H. Jr. I Never Slept

    Reputations:
    1,084
    Messages:
    2,771
    Likes Received:
    1,020
    Trophy Points:
    181
    It stays very cool. I used the heatsink from a GTX 280m for the 680m.
     

    Attached Files:

    • temp.PNG
      temp.PNG
      File size:
      456.9 KB
      Views:
      88
    Rengsey R. H. Jr., Aug 7, 2015
    #32
    @tomX likes this.
  33. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    you left the gtx 280m thermal pads on the gtx 680m?
     
    panamaniacs2011, Aug 7, 2015
    #33
  34. Rengsey R. H. Jr.

    Rengsey R. H. Jr. I Never Slept

    Reputations:
    1,084
    Messages:
    2,771
    Likes Received:
    1,020
    Trophy Points:
    181
    Yes I did. I just put thermal pads on the 680m itself and pop the heatsink right on top.

    Fyi. You would need to remove the 680m x plate and put a regular x plate to install the 680m because the m17x has tight space below where the card is installed.
     
    Rengsey R. H. Jr., Aug 7, 2015
    #34
    panamaniacs2011 and @tomX like this.
  35. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    panamaniacs2011, Aug 15, 2015
    #35
  36. Rengsey R. H. Jr.

    Rengsey R. H. Jr. I Never Slept

    Reputations:
    1,084
    Messages:
    2,771
    Likes Received:
    1,020
    Trophy Points:
    181
    hmmm. Looks interesting. I have a single 765m laying around right now. Maybe i should try to get another one. lol just to tinker around.
     
    Rengsey R. H. Jr., Aug 15, 2015
    #36
    panamaniacs2011 likes this.
  37. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    eurocom sells single gtx 765m for m17x r2
     
    panamaniacs2011, Aug 15, 2015
    #37
  38. @tomX

    @tomX Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    152
    Messages:
    608
    Likes Received:
    77
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Any idea on which is better in the R2 :
    7970m Crossfire vs single 680M ?

    CPU can be either a 920XM or a 840QM.
     
    @tomX, Sep 29, 2015
    #38
  39. Kendry97

    Kendry97 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Can someone help me how to mod driver for GTX 460m? .. i have really disturbing issue for this graphics card :/
     
    Kendry97, Jan 18, 2016
    #39
  40. @tomX

    @tomX Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    152
    Messages:
    608
    Likes Received:
    77
    Trophy Points:
    41
    you need to give more details if you want help...
     
    @tomX, Jan 24, 2016
    #40
  41. panamaniacs2011

    panamaniacs2011 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    303
    Likes Received:
    94
    Trophy Points:
    41
    7970m cf has great value but i heard 7970m cards tend to fail randomly even brand new so i would go for single gtx 680m
     
    panamaniacs2011, Jan 28, 2016
    #41
  42. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    anyone ever get 2 gtx 680m to sli?
    im thinking of starting another upgrade on my M17x R2.
     
    nat3, Dec 6, 2016
    #42
  43. Raidriar

    Raidriar ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)

    Reputations:
    1,708
    Messages:
    5,820
    Likes Received:
    4,311
    Trophy Points:
    431
    I would imagine it is doable especially since the dell 7970Ms work fine. The 780M had issues with the onboard IDT audio but I don't believe the 680Ms had this issue. I have a pair if you're interested!
     
    Raidriar, Dec 6, 2016
    #43
  44. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    i think i figured out why gtx 780m does not work well even with 1 installed in a m17x r2
     
    nat3, Dec 6, 2016
    #44
  45. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    its is due to power restraints at the mxm slot
    max power is 150 watts / 75 watts a card
     
    nat3, Dec 6, 2016
    #45
  46. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    2 gtx 680m in sli is possible maybe in my m17x r2 with modded bios and vbios
    im interested in the 680s in sli but the problem is both cards use 100w= 200w
    the power supply may exceed the 240w to max 300w according to some ones
    thread i forgot
     
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2016
    nat3, Dec 6, 2016
    #46
  47. Raidriar

    Raidriar ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)

    Reputations:
    1,708
    Messages:
    5,820
    Likes Received:
    4,311
    Trophy Points:
    431
    7970M and 680M are the same TDP...100W. You can follow the power requirements in the 7970M crossfire thread and apply them to the 680M.

    780M does not work because of interference with the onboard audio codec, I know this from M15x which is the same chipset/design as M17x R2
     
    Raidriar, Dec 6, 2016
    #47
  48. nat3

    nat3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    4
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    6
    with the onboard codec interference is that because of a resource conflict in the irq?
     
    nat3, Dec 6, 2016
    #48
  49. Raidriar

    Raidriar ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)

    Reputations:
    1,708
    Messages:
    5,820
    Likes Received:
    4,311
    Trophy Points:
    431
    Precisely
     
    Raidriar, Dec 6, 2016
    #49
  50. Azshalasa

    Azshalasa Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    137
    Likes Received:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Can some one confirm SLI 765M on M17x R2 ?
     
    Azshalasa, Jul 18, 2017
    #50