How hard would it be to remove a 5870?

Ordered a new M17x and have no need for both 5870's and was just wondering what is required to remove the video card? I would then plan to probably sell it on eBay or on here.

 

The_Moo™ has a guide here.

 

Also if this is somewhat difficult would a Dell technician come remove it if you request it?

 

Yeah doesn't look too bad does that void your warranty if you do it yourself though?

 

I was wondering the same thing actually. I'd like to do the cooling mods described in other threads once I get my 940XM but don't want to void the warranty (if I can avoid it).

I might place a call to Dell and ask; if I supply all the materials would they send a tech out to do the work and charge for labor. I think Fujitsu have the contract where I live to do this work.

Cheers,

M17x-R2 Black | i7-840QM | 8GB-1333MHz DDR3 RAM | ATI Mobility Radeon HD5870 CrossFireX | 17" 1920x1200 RGB LED | 1TB Raid0 7.200rpm HDD | Bluetooth 370 | Intel WiFi 6300 | Windows 7 Ultimate

 

Howdies Chiefs X2,

Essentially you can do the work yourselves if you feel comfortable enough, take it slow and be careful not to break or damage anything. Its really not too hard to take it apart. Also if you want to do it just make sure you don't tell you know who about it lol. Don't go ringing them up about it and advertising it in the paper lol.

It does void warranty; however if you perform all the work yourself carefully and keep the original parts that you swapped out somewhere safe then you'll be fine.

Also you can ring up dell and get a tech out to help you do the jobs you want if you feel that is the way you want things done as well.

Good Luck Chiefs X2!

Cheers.

 

You guys actually trust those printer techs that dell sends who has never seen an alienware before? Their not really from dell you know. Mine actually got a scratch and the palm rest wasn't at its right place making it scratch the monitor when I closed the lid. Rang dell and got a replacement. Only problem is it take two weeks. So I leave it up to you. Personally, I wouldnt buy something I didnt know how to take apart.

 

I work on computers for a living and take laptops apart on a daily basis but if I can have someone else open it without having to worry ruining a warranty on a brand new machine id prefer to go that route even if they are not qualified and know what they are doing I am at least covered if they mess up.

 

I doubt they'd send you a tech just to take one of the gpu's off your machine. They only send a tech when your system needs to be repaired. Plus, if you're concerned with your warranty, then you shouldn't sell it. You will need it for any future warranty purposes.

 

Are you saying removing a 5870 would automatically void any warranty related to the computer? Doesn't make any sense to me thats like saying removing a seat in your car would void the warranty. Now if you were replacing that 5870 with something else then I could see it but simply removing it I don't see it.

 

Understand you said you have no need for the extra 5870 but there are configurations that are cheaper that only come with one... You just order it recently with the free 5870 upgrade that is being offered?

 

Taking out one card doesn't void your warranty, but selling your card might.
You need EVERYTHING that came with your laptop if it ever needs to be replaced. Can you return a car without its driver's seat?

 

So many times this is asked - No, opening up the system is not going to VOID your warranty. Replacing parts will not 'void' your warranty. What happens is this - pretty straight forward:

1. Replacing a component with an aftermarket component (CPU, RAM, HDD, etc.), the aftermarket component will NOT be covered by your system warranty.

2. Any damage you cause is not going to be covered - so, if you have a GPU replacement and you do not want the tech to do it for you (for free), then by all means go for it. if you damage the GPU or system during the actual replacement, well - guess what? Not covered. So, in my opinion - go ahead, let the tech take care of it. if the system is damaged, Dell will cover it and fix the problem the tech caused. Why we have warranty folks... if they break it, they will fix it.

For the OP:

Service Manual -
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/Alw_M17xR2/en/index.html

Official Dell VLog Teardown -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j20wn96uac0

 

No but you can get every part on the car repaired... I don't plan on ever returning it just having things fixed if they go wrong and obviously the 2nd 5870 cant go bad if its not there lol

 

I was saying what if the entire system needs to be replaced? There are way too many risks, imo, in selling your 2nd card. Just my 2 cent.

 

The chances of entire system needing to be replaced? If it got to that point I would be talking to some high up supervisors who would replace it regardless of if that 2nd video card was there or not if it got to that point. The risk is worth taking for $300 IMO I could buy the 3 year extended Warranty for that.

 

In that case, you have a PM.

 

I would tell you the same as Anodize be careful with this Dell May/may not void your warranty if you remove and sell the second GPU as these systems specs are stored in the database by the respective machines service tag. If a part is missing they will charge you for the part in full. irregardless of which supervisor you talk to.