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    Upgrading GPU questions! Need opinions

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by CleaningService, Jul 20, 2011.

  1. CleaningService

    CleaningService Notebook Consultant

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    So I bought my system awhile ago with the 460m and the card is alright, but it's nothing super fascinating.

    I called Dell and they said the only card available to purchase separately is the ATI 6970m, is this true?

    I want (preferably) the 580m or the 6990m, all of which are options when buying the 17x off the site. My question is should I do it? And what card should I go with?

    I also heard that the 6970m when switching from IGP to discrete experiences a significant performance decrease and requires a restart. Is this problem fixed and will it be the same with the 6990m?

    Is the switchable graphics on the ATI work well (battery life is a big thing I need since I do use it for school)? I have Optimus and it's efficient (at times) and nice and all that but sometimes its a pain. I don't mind taking the extra time manually doing it. (as long as theres not restart involved :) )

    Although the 580m is a very good (and expensive) card with all its CUDA applications and other features, even though I've always been an Nvidia guy, I may go for the ATI option. It seems to get more bang for the buck I just need some opinions :D

    EDIT: and oh yes, prices? Sorry for all the questions, I trust you guys more then the reps.
     
    CleaningService, Jul 20, 2011
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  2. zoolian982

    zoolian982 Notebook Deity

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    6990. Save some money and u'll have better gpu power.
     
    zoolian982, Jul 20, 2011
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  3. CleaningService

    CleaningService Notebook Consultant

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    Hmmm. Why is the 580m more expensive then? Also do you know if it can be purchased separately and the cost?

    +1 rep :D)
     
    CleaningService, Jul 20, 2011
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  4. Simplified

    Simplified The Most Awesome

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    It is more expensive because nVidia has a very advanced architecture. nVidia has cuda, physX.
     
    Simplified, Jul 20, 2011
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  5. CleaningService

    CleaningService Notebook Consultant

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    :O Ohh the decisions
     
    CleaningService, Jul 20, 2011
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  6. zoolian982

    zoolian982 Notebook Deity

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    If you won't use the cuda and physx, ull be fine.
     
    zoolian982, Jul 20, 2011
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  7. Simplified

    Simplified The Most Awesome

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    I would only consider the nVidia GPU if I needed if for work (like 3D developing etc).
     
    Simplified, Jul 20, 2011
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  8. CleaningService

    CleaningService Notebook Consultant

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    Do you have the prices by anychance?
     
    CleaningService, Jul 20, 2011
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  9. zoolian982

    zoolian982 Notebook Deity

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    Think the 580m is like $550-650
    The 6990 is like...400-550ish.
    Though having a REALLY hard time finding a site that sells them.
     
    zoolian982, Jul 20, 2011
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  10. CleaningService

    CleaningService Notebook Consultant

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    Hmm alright. +1 Rep :) I think I may go for the 6990. Ill give dell a call :)
     
    CleaningService, Jul 20, 2011
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  11. zoolian982

    zoolian982 Notebook Deity

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    Good luck. Also tell them to release the A05 bios damnit.
     
    zoolian982, Jul 20, 2011
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  12. inap

    inap .........................

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    the 580m are more around the $800 mark. $650 would be a steal.
     
    inap, Jul 20, 2011
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  13. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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    For reference, RJTech sells the 580M for $800. The 6990M is not yet listed, but the 6970M is priced at $550, which is below the Dell price. I expect the 6990M will be priced near the 6970M. These are Clevo cards.
     
    The Revelator, Jul 20, 2011
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  14. CleaningService

    CleaningService Notebook Consultant

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    Sorry I'm kind of a noob when it comes to hardware, but am I limited to just buying for Dell? Can I buy the card from somewhere else? Does the 17x need a specific type of 6990m or 580m?

    +1 rep btw :D
     
    CleaningService, Jul 20, 2011
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  15. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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    You are much better off getting the Dell version of the 580M or 6990M for your R3 because there will be no issue regarding vbios compatibility, but they are essentially the same card and therefore useful for pricing purposes.
     
    The Revelator, Jul 20, 2011
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  16. CleaningService

    CleaningService Notebook Consultant

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    Oh alright, thank you
     
    CleaningService, Jul 20, 2011
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  17. Insightful

    Insightful Notebook Geek

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    Insightful, Jul 20, 2011
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