M17x-R2: Questions about upgrading GPU and CPU

I've spent all day doing research on my M17x-R2's GPU and CPU. I decided to go with the 920XM, it's only $300 on eBay. From what I heard I can just pop this thing in and it will work without any overheating issues. (I currently have an i5-540M) Once I install the CPU do I install the drivers for it from Dell or Intel along with the Turbo Boost driver?

The more complicated thing seems to be the GPU. I have a 5870 and want to go with a GTX 680M which are about $600 on eBay. What would I need to do this? I heard you need a different bracket set for it or something, also someone said you have to flash the VBIOS, then someone else said you don't have to but you have to mod the INF file. I just gathered all this basic info and was hoping someone can put it together for me.

 

For your 920XM, it is just plug and play. No need for any special mods or the Turbo Boost driver. That driver is meant for Intel Core CPUs with Integrated graphics.

The Nvidia 680m, you should not have to flash the VBIOS. But depending on which card you get, you may have to use a modded inf file for the drivers to install. If the card only comes with 2GB of VRAM, then it's a Dell brand card and should use the stock drivers. If it's a 4GB VRAM card, then it's a Clevo/Eurocom card and will need the modded inf for the driver package. And yes, you do need the x-bracket specific to the 680m. Some cards come with it, some don't. The X-bracket (also called the GPU spreader) is the x shaped bracket on the bottom of the card which the heat screws to from the top side. The screw pegs on the x-bracket fit thru the holes onto the top side of the card.

 

radji is right, you need to flash the vBios to make that work. You will also need to modify the INF files.

 

That was very easy to understand! Thanks! I went looking around on eBay again and can only find the 4GB Clevo 680M. I also contacted the seller (upgradeyourlaptop) and he said I also need a 240W charger because mine's only 150W. What exactly is the INF file modification? What does it do? I'd just like to know in advance so I'm prepared. Do I have to mod the INF file every time I update my driver or is it a one time thing? Also, how do you do it?

As an example if I were to buy this kit would I need anything else? I'm assuming I just install this, like you said, and modify the INF file from the Nvidia driver.

Lastly, I watched a bunch of videos on how to take apart the M17x. Seems simple enough, there's seem to be just four major parts you take off. Palm rest, media panel, keyboard, and the main plate inside in that order.

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to educate myself before spending all this money and making sure I can do this, because most people won't accept returns on these parts on eBay.

 

can the R4 take a 680m as a bolt on, with no mods needed?

 

Yes. The R4 is built for the 680m, so you can get the Dell version and install it with no compatibility issues. If you get the Eurocom/Clevo version, you will need to use the modified drivers in order to get the drivers to work.

No apologies needed. These are good questions to ask. You should have all the facts beforehand to make an informed decision. More power to you.

Modded inf refers to the modified inf file in driver package you download. All driver packages have inf files. It tells Windows all the information about the driver files, including what device they are meant for, by way of the device ID. A modded inf in this case is where the device ID in the inf file is changed to match the device ID of Clevo/Eurocom 680m as that version of the 680m has a different device ID than that of the Dell version. And yes, if you want to update to the latest Nvidia drivers, you will need to download the Nvidia driver package, unzip it, find the inf file(s), and modify them each time you update. It can be tedious, but Nvidia's renowned for having excellent driver support. So you're not doing this in vain.

You will need the 240W PSU as well. The larger PSU is necessary without question. The kit you posted is a Clevo version. It does come with everything. The x-bracket is that silver x shaped object in the left hand corner of the photo. You don't need the heatsink that comes with it. You will need to use your existing heatsink from your R2 and mate it to your 680m using the new thermal paste and thermal tape. As far as the order of taking things apart, the media cover comes first, then the keyboard, then the palm rest, and finally the inside frame cover. At least, that's the order I've always done it in. But you follow the video's instructions if you're not sure on what to do.

 

Thanks for the further info, I haven't quite found a good tutorial on modding the inf file, but it seems like just a bunch of copying and pasting. I did notice that upgradeyourlaptop provides the initial drivers for the 680M then after that I would download the latest Nvidia drivers and mod THAT inf file correct? Do you know of any good inf modding tutorials? I don't want to make you type it all out, it's probably tedious. Also, you said not to use the heat sink the kit comes with, is it not compatible with the R2? I was thinking if it's a brand new heat sink why not use it, unless there's a reason not to use it that I'm not seeing.

Another question unrelated to the CPU and GPU. I wanted to upgrade the LCD panel, but I know you can't just swap out the actual LCD because it's glued and all that crap and you need special tools. I found the J2CY8 LCD panel assembly on eBay for about $115, and if it's as simple and just swapping them out I would like to do that. Some say that these assemblies don't come with the webcam or mic, would I have to completely disassemble the new assembly to get it in from the front (glass side) or does it pop in from the back (Alienhead side)?

Besides all this is there anything else I should know? Any tips you can give from first hand experience? I really appreciate your responses and would I be able to PM you, when the time comes, in case I have questions when I'm actually ready to do these mods?

 

R2/R3 only with modded .INFs both Clevo/Dell, R4 no mod needed for Clevo 4GB.

Modded .INFs for M17XR2 / GTX 680M http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/696220-m17x-r2-680m-driver-assistance-needed.html

Driver install guide http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...m-driver-assistance-needed-3.html#post9154970

Windows 8 http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...80m-driver-assistance-needed.html#post8940862

How to edit nvdmn.inf http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...m-driver-assistance-needed-2.html#post9142232