M17X R4 - GTX 780M installation

hey guys,

I'm new on the forum, and I've just got a deal to buy a 780M for my M17X R4.

I've read a few threads around, watched install videos on youtube, everything seems pretty clear on the hardware side. But what about software?

The GPU comes already flashed with the correct BIOS for alienware (the seller says it's a modified BIOS from techinferno).

Anyone can tell me what should I do before and after installing the card, for the software side on the laptop?

Thanks!

 

I forgot to mention that currently the laptop uses a GTX 660M.

 

Hi there and welcome to NBR! Did you purchase your GPU from upgradeyourlaptop? If yes, it is likely that he would include a CD with the drivers inside. Otherwise, refer to this link by J95 and follow its steps [Guide] Modding Nvidia OEM INF Files . All you need to do would be to install the latest nvidia driver with modded inf files and you should be good to go.


Edit: just noticed that you mentioned your laptop currently houses a Nvidia 660M. In that case, your current heatsink might not be enough to sustain the 780m. You might need to switch over to a 100w heatsink for it.

 

Heat sink.bracket possibly and more then likely your going to need a new adapter as your laptop probably only has a 180w adapter which isn't going to be enough. You will need a 240w adapter for that GPU.

 

thanks! you mean the M17 heatsink for the 680M? I'm looking for that on eBay (any suggestion where to find it?).

I watched a video from Eurocom where they install a 780M on a M17 and they keep the original card heatsink.. but it's not clear in the video if they are upgrading from a 660M or a 680M.

So, software wise I'd need to download the latest driver and modify the inf file, then install them. But when do I do that? I mean, swap the card, restart the PC, install the driver.. will the PC boot fine with the new card?

Adapter: I checked mine, the model is GA240/PE1-00.. will that 240 mean it's a 240W? I don't see any wattage mention on the adapter label..

 

You can either get them off ebay or from dell support itself. The product code for the R4's 100w heatsink would be 9CNMG. As for the drivers, install it after you swap out the cards and make sure you disable optimus before installing the drivers.

That adapter of yours is 240w i believe

 

thanks!!

disable optimus by "rebooting with Fn+F5"? or by tweaking something in the BIOS? I'm reading different things around..

it's kind of strange there isn't a guide topic for this kind of operation posted somewhere... (and especially, a sticky topic!)

 

I've opened the laptop to have a look at the heatsink.. mine has 3 pipes, it looks exactly like the 9CNMG.. so it seems I already have the correct adapter/heatsink!

 

Yup, seems like that.. let me know how you upgrade goes.. I'm planning on installing a 980M in my 17x and the steps look similar..

 

I came from a gtx 660m to the 780m and reused my original heatsink. Haven't had a problem with temps.

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

 

Yes, I think the steps are probably similar, but that's a whole another different story.. I've read that the 880 is already more complicated, and the 980 even more? but I'm not expert.

actually, even the 780M installation is giving me issues: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...installation-can-t-boot-other-tests-help.html