M17xR1 GPU upgrade (Current: GTX260m)

Dear NotebookReview!

I was in contact with dell today, about upgrading the GPU in my M17x, and the only thing they could offer was the Radeon 4870 card to a ridiculus high price.

I was wondering if there is possible to get an stronger graphics card in there somehow else? The guy on the phone told me that you guys here on the forum has done som experimenting. Does anyone have a working upgrade to a stronger GPU? Is it possible to fit something like a GTX 580m in there?

Please let me know!

- InZelUX

 

Hi, inzelux, as of today the best cards tested in the M17x are the mobility 5870.
See here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/610357-m17xr1-5870-crossfire-running.html
There's a pair for sale in the NBR marketplace or you can find them online.

Cheers

 

I don't know about anyone else, but personally I find it pretty awesome that you were referred to this forum by a Dell rep. To me that speaks volumes about the inginuity around here.

As Katalin said, 5870 is your current best bet. 6970's are currently untested.

 

Sorry for not replying, i've been somewhat busy these days.
But thanks for the answers!
I'm currently in the works of buying a Crossfire 5870 kit, and i was wondering if the machine itself does need any changes before / after exchanging the GTX 260m with the dual 5870 crossfire's?

Any bios updates? hacks? etc.?
How would i need to exchange them? Is it fine if i just uninstall the Nvidia drivers, put in the new cards to each its slot, boot up and install the newest ATI drivers?
I also assume that i would need to get a extra set of screws to mount the secondary Crossfire-card, aswell as an aditional fan to be fitted under the second card?


Should i consider buying a Laptop-bottom cooler?


Thank you guys!
- InZeluX

 

Please bring up my post! (BUMP)

 

well, everything u need is in the forum post that was linked up there.

Laptop cooler's optional depending on if you need it.