Replace M17xR3 default video with Sager Radeon 6990M

Hello, I have Alienware M17xR3 with Radeon 6870m and another Sager NP8150 with Radeon 6990m.
I want to swap both videocards.

Is it possible? Is it easily done?
Are there any guides around?

Thank you in advance.

 

Possibly. You need to download the GPU-z utility and find out what vendor the 6990m card is (most probably Clevo). If it is Clevo, there MIGHT be some issues with the 6990m going into the R3 just due to VBIOS differences. Not sure if a Clevo 6990m card can be flashed with Dell VBIOS. That is definitely a question for the experts. There isn't really a guide per say, unless you just need a guide to tell you how to physically swap the video cards. There is a guide for installing a 7970m card into the R3. The steps for physically installing the 7970m are the same for the 6990m, or any video card in the R3.

 

So this is what I have.

If anyone can link me how to change the vbios (if I need too).
And is there any risk to the videocard not starting up.
If i move the 6870m to the Sager, should I change its vbios too

 

On closer investigation, it's the DELL version that has issues with the R2. The Clevo version works good, but you MIGHT lose HDMI/DP functionality. I say MIGHT because you have an R3 and the 6990ms are certified to be used in the R3s. Here is the thread which describes the different 6990m cards and their shortcomings: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...-6990-your-m17x-r2-single-gpu-crossfirex.html

 

There is always a danger of bricking a card when flashing, small if you are careful, but ever there. Especially when moving from one vendor to another.

Also that thread seems to indicate you loose audio over HDMI/DP, but you could still use the headphone jack or optical out to get it.

 

I don't think he should have any problems, he's installing the 6990m in an R3. I'm just not sure with a different vendor card. One thing is for sure, he should not try to flash the Dell VBIOS on the Clevo card.

 

The vendor can make all the difference as that thread points out, he has ended up with the best pick luckily.

 

So basically I should only move physically the 6990m Clevo/Kopak in my Alienware M17X R3 and there could be only small HDMI problems and nothing more?
I dont't need to flash the vbios on this version?

 

Well read through the thread, and be sure exactly what to expect.