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    Need to reflash 5870m back to working order (m17x r2)...

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Heatshiver, Feb 19, 2013.

  1. Heatshiver

    Heatshiver Notebook Consultant

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    I had two 5870m in CF on my m17x r2. I wanted to try the MSI vBIOS and it looks like it didn't work. I was able to get the slave back to working order, but the master won't budge.

    What happens when the original Master card is in the slave slot:

    1) No display.
    2) System won't get pass Alienware logo (with option to boot into BIOS or Boot Settings). I know this as I can use an external display with the current Master card.
    3) Can't go into BIOS or Boot Settings.

    What I've tried:

    1) I have tried a blind flash without success (it gets stuck at Alienware logo).
    1) I have tried a blind flash with the card in the slave slot without success (it gets stuck at Alienware logo).
    2) I have tried to first boot into DOS and then insert the card (system always freezes once card is inserted).

    Possible options:

    I have two other 5870 cards, but neither of them have the CF slot. Is there a way to get one of these cards to CF? Maybe some ghetto-taping solution? Or maybe somehow taking the CF slot from the defunct card and putting it on one of the new ones (not sure how I would go about doing this so any help is much appreciated)?

    I don't think it's the heatsink as I used it to get the slave card working again (while the master used one of the non-CF cards)...

    Thanks for any helps or suggestions!
     
  2. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    I would say that the is no way to go but to replace the primary card. If you need that you can get a replacement straight from us by sending an e-mail to [email protected]