M17x-r1 GPU upgrade question

So i'll start off by apologizing if this has been covered in another thread. I tried searching for it to see if I could find an answer, but I was not able to.
So I just purchased a mobility 5870 off ebay for the intention of upgrading my m17x-r1 gtx 260m.
Problem is that I didn't notice until after I won the auction that the GPU was a right side GPU, and I don't have a left side 5870 (I am a dummy, I know)

So a couple questions.

First, is it possible to change the heatsink with the one off my left side gtx 260m and get this card to work on the left side? Will a gtx 260m heat sink even fit on a 5870?
Second, if above is not possible, is it possible to run a primary card on the right side with no card on the left side?

Again, I'm sure answers to these question are buried in some thread I was unable to find, so I apologize for asking, but any help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

You can run the card on the 'left' side, not a problem.
Left and right cards are identical, sometimes they flash a number on it so you can recognise it in your system which is left and / or right, but that's it. It's absolutely no problem.

Your nvidia heat sink won't fit an ati card, so you will need to buy that somewhere (shouldnt be to hard gettingn one here or on ebay for a fair price). Also mind some decent thermal paste and thermal pads for installation.

Also, does the card include the x-bracket (metal plate on bottom of card, X-shaped, this is where the 4 heat sink screws will attach to), else you might need that also.

 

I believe it does include the x-bracket.
Looks like it does in the picture.
The card looks like a complete right side card w/ heatsink and all.

 

If the heat sink is screwed on the card then it has the bracket, no way to attach jt otherwise.

Look on the bright side, at least you already have the heat sink for the 2nd card you will buy in A month for Crossfire