Replacement GPU for M17x

I am going to have to replace my HD5870 in my M17x and it looks relatively straightforward as long I get the right version. Are laptop gpus standard or do I need one specifically for an M17x?? Can anyone help with a part number?

Once installed, given I am replacing like with like, is there anything more I should do or should it work straight out of the box.........or given the nature of my questions am I mad to even try??

 

Sorry should have said, it is an R2

 

At first I was fearful and now it's old hat. I used these videos to familiarize myself with taking apart an Alienware laptop.


YouTube - ‪M17x Teardown Video1 of 2 **READ SAFETY PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO REPLACING PARTS** (Official Video)‬‏

YouTube - ‪M17x Teardown Part 2 of 2 **READ SAFETY PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO REPLACING PARTS** (Official Video)‬‏

Good Luck!

 

Thanks Eldub, very helpful; I have the M17x manual but video is a welcome addition. I think you are saying 'Courage mon brave' so I will go for it.

Does anyone have a part number for the appropriate HD5870 or perhaps alternative suggestions for good GPUs??

 

Well I have done the deed and removed the graphics card successfully but of course it looks ok (!!). I assume there is no way to test it?

I put the M17x back together without the graphics card and at last get some life out of the laptop. It switches on now with the Cd drive 'clicking' and a warning bleep...one long, two short and the touch cover lights all come on with those on the extreme left (Scroll etc) flashing.

I am however having a job to find anyone in the UK selling notebook HD 5870s. I could fill my boots with desktop versions, presumably I need to go back to Dell and order from them? I am only a bit concerned as to price

 

Your laptop isn't going to run with no card at all...there are no onboard graphics in the R2. Don't get crap from Dell. I would look in the NBR marketplace since there are a few users that are replacing their 5870s with 6970s. Come to think of it, if I were you, I'd just get a single 6970.

NBR Marketplace

5870M eBay

6970M eBay

 

Thanks TurbodTalon. I did not think my machine would run without a GPU. It is simply that it died and was left with the alienhead and keyboard lights on but nothing else. Now with no GPU it at least shows signs of life!

I am a reasonably savvy novice and your advice to get a single 6970 makes good sense. However I am not sure how to buy without going back to Dell as I find it very difficult to locate laptop GPUs in the UK particularly for a M17x. I have not replaced a laptop GPU before & assume one needs one specific to a specific laptop. I don't want to buy one and find it will not fit!!

 

Hi Bickley, I've got a New one(5870). Was going to upgrade my 4870's but run into problem with the secondary I purchaced(Rev.0). Thought of keeping it as a spare but you seem to need it more than me...... PM me if interested.

Dave.

 

The ones I linked above will fit an R2. Mobile GPUs are becoming much more standardized. Five years ago, it was unheard of.

 

Thanks TurbodTalon. I have good news. Dacco came to my rescue with a replacement 5870 which I have fitted and my M17x is up and running again albeit with a few glitches. On switching on after replacement I had 'No Operating System Found'. The forum came to my rescue again and I set to Raid0. Never have I been more pleased to see 'Windows Starting'.

Frankly I could not have resolved my problems without the forums and the help given, so thanks to all.

 

Great news, glad to see it all worked out!