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    Video card upgrade from 660m

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Brink1031, Mar 9, 2013.

  1. Brink1031

    Brink1031 Notebook Enthusiast

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    When I was looking at my M17x it was at the end of the R3 life where 660m was a big upgrade so when I purchased it.(day 1 of R4 release) 660m was standard. Now that the warranty is running out plan on doing some upgrades. Debating between 3D display or video card since RAM and HDD is cheap and done. But the 680 is a bit pricey was wondering how big of a jump is it to settle with a 675m. But I have heard a bit about the 780m coming soon. So my assumptions are either A. 675m and 680m will become cheaper. or B. 780m will be outrageous and the 675m and 680m will stay the same price.
     
  2. Brink1031

    Brink1031 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Forgot to add I want to stay with Nividia because even if I go with Video card upgrade now I do want a 3D display eventually.
     
  3. Brink1031

    Brink1031 Notebook Enthusiast

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  4. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Pricing is a mystery, you might be right about price drops but it will also depend on stocks and manufacturing. The 675 (Identical to the 580m) works my 3D fine in the latest games with only a small compromise on settings. Crysis 3 is awesome in 3D.

    The heatsinks are supposed to be interchangeable as they are manufactured to a standard in relation to the location of the core and memory but you must get the x-bracket with the new card as this is the spacer for the heatsink and will be different on each model card. There might also be tape around the core area that will need to be removed if the core is larger.

    Dell sell the heatsink complete with pads and paste for a reasonable cost (around $25.00 I was told). It's just difficult to get a decent rep that will assist you to buy parts that are not listed for your model :(

    HTH

    Edit: Just noticed you have an R4, no problem with just getting a new 680m heatsink from dell :D
     
  5. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    Well the 680M is the pinnacle of current cards with excellent overclocking to boot so you wont be sad getting one.