Geforce GTX980M SLI possible?

I have just ordered a fully specced AW17 but Dell would not let me purchase 2x GTX880's because it doesn't suit their packaged options however, the sales person told me I can order a 2nd card after I receive my machine so that the service tag can be attributed to it.

I'm thinking "Why bother? Why not just pull out the 880M and sell it unused and insert a couple of 980M's?"

My first question: is that doable? I mean, will they fit the AW17's chassis?
Next, will the 980's come with 3D glasses? (I use 3D a lot when watching films).
Finally, would I see a major difference with a pair of 980's?

 

You can have only one Gpu in the 17" case. There are only two exeption , the m17x r1 and m17x r2, quiet old now. If you want to have a sli or crossfire go to 18" size case.

 

Yup, its a single GPU machine.. Only the AW 18 can take 2 GPU's... You might want to cancel and change your order...

 

I need an Italian keyboard and for reasons I am unaware of, Dell refuse to build the AW18 for the Italian market.
If I stick with the AW17, can it take a 980M and if so, is it really worth it? I mean, would it make a noticeable difference in graphic performance?

 

Yes, it will make a huge difference.

 

Are you saying "Yes, it will fit, and it will make a huge difference" or just confirming that it would provide huge performance gains?
Also, will it come with 3D glasses (I assume it is 3D compatible like its younger brothers)?

 

It will fit. And yes, it will make a huge difference.

The 780M outperforms the 880M. The 980M is going to blow the 780M and 880M out of the water.

 

I went back to the Dell sales person to query his affirmation that the AW17 will take 2 Nvidia graphics cards when you guys say it is not possible. He has just replied that it definitely will accept the 2 cards and that I can verify that when I receive the machine. Plus, under French law, I have 14 days to change my mind if the machine does not meet my expectations.

One thing I find very strange on the Alienware sales site is that both the AW17 and 18 can be supplied with a GTX880M but only the AW17 can be 3D compatible. Maybe the AW18 comes with a 60Hz screen only although I would find that rather strange?

 

The Alienware 17 does not have two GPU's, LOL. This is just another case showing you how unreliable sales representatives are.

 

He did not say it has 2 GPU's. He said it has 2 bays allowing for a second GPU.

 

You took too literal what J.Dre said. Let me rephrase, the Alienware 17 does NOT have 2 GPU bays.
You can not under any circumstance use two GPU's in the alienware 17, whatever the sales rep tells you. He is wrong, trust us on this.

 

If you want SLI, you can grab an Alienware 18 for a few hundred more.

 

I do believe you all. That's why I'm asking questions here.
What I find amazing is his insistence that it does have 2 GPU bays, especially considering I asked him if I could cancel the order and replace it with an AW18. He just won't give in so I'm thinking "What's in it for him? Why not just take the order for a machine that is going to cost significantly more?"

 

I hope you have no issues sending it back and get what you want He is clearly wrong about the 17.

 

Sales support is not filled with the 'sharpest tools in the shed'. Some are good but some have no idea. When I ordered my M17-R2 I wanted to buy it with an SSD and the salesman flatly stated that it was impossible to install an SSD because the BIOS did not support it. After I received the computer I promptly installed an SSD.

This might be the same salesman or at least trained by the one I had. Be assured the AW17 cannot be fitted with two GPU's.

 

I have an alienware 17 and yo can only fit 1 gpu. The sales rep is either lying to get a quick sale or he just don't know what he is talking about
You have to get the 18 if you want 2 gpus.