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    M17x R4 upgrade from GTX 660M to AMD 7970M advice please.

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by wolfsburg8v, Nov 27, 2012.

  1. wolfsburg8v

    wolfsburg8v Newbie

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    Hi guys, i want to upgrade my M17x R4 GPU from a 660M to a 7970M but dont know if i need any additional parts like heatsink etc or is it a straight swap?

    The reson i got the 660M is the laptop was bought for me by my employer so i couldnt take the p*ss and spend thousands on all top spec parts but im going to upgrade the important bits myself myself.

    As far as i can tell the 7970M seems to give the best performance for its price range but any other opinions would be appreciated.

    Many thanks in advance,

    Tom
     
  2. Alienware-Luis_Pardo

    Alienware-Luis_Pardo Guest

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    Hi Tom! Welcome aboard

    You will need a different heat-sink and support plate for the 7970m. These are the part numbers:

    0MMPT - Heatsink Assembly
    3PVGK - Support Plate

    If you need any help getting the parts or the video card send me a PM with your phone number and I'll contact you asap.
     
  3. wolfsburg8v

    wolfsburg8v Newbie

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    Hi Luis,

    Thanks very much for your quick reply its much appreciated. I currently dont seem to have access to private messaging but it might be because ive only just joined the forum.

    It would be great if you could possibly advise me how i could go about sourcing the parts and how much its going to cost?

    Thanks again,

    Tom
     
  4. Alienware-Luis_Pardo

    Alienware-Luis_Pardo Guest

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    You're right, you need at least 5 posts to access PMs. Send us an email at [email protected] with a link to this thread, I'll e-mail you back and we'll take it from there.
     
  5. wolfsburg8v

    wolfsburg8v Newbie

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    Thanks, email sent.:thumbsup:
     
  6. wolfsburg8v

    wolfsburg8v Newbie

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    Can you ship to the UK?
     
  7. Alienware-Luis_Pardo

    Alienware-Luis_Pardo Guest

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    Unfortunately no, only US and CA. Have you tried through Dell UK?
     
  8. wolfsburg8v

    wolfsburg8v Newbie

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    Hi Luis, no worries I have managed to source the parts elsewhere in the US.

    I did try Dell UK but their prices are ridiculous compared to yours! It's far cheaper to buy in the US and pay for international shipping.

    Thanks very much for your help I really appreciate your quick response you have been extremely helpful!

    Tom
     
  9. wolfsburg8v

    wolfsburg8v Newbie

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    Just one more question, will a 680M work with the original 660M heatsink?

    Thanks.
     
  10. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    You would need a different set of thermal pads (all the surface mount components are in different positions), also make sure it looks similar to the 680M heatsink as it may be rated for less heat.
     
  11. Alienware-Luis_Pardo

    Alienware-Luis_Pardo Guest

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    I'm glad you were able to work things out! :thumbsup:
     
  12. Yubnub

    Yubnub Newbie

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    Good info, thanks!
     
  13. him_nguyen

    him_nguyen Newbie

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    Hi
    Plz help me
    My m17xr4 with 660 gpu. How to upgrade to 3gb 7970? And how much?
    My window index score 5.8 becAuse of deskop graphic performent is 5.8, how can i improve that? And is there any chance that i can get rid of the intel graphic 4000 for a better one?
    Just got a quote from sale team that the heat sink and fan + support plate cost as much as the video card alone? Wow?
     
  14. him_nguyen

    him_nguyen Newbie

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    To luis pardo
    Pl help me with m17xr4 upgrade
    My email [email protected]
    # 714-452-7176