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    how to change my GTX860M to GTX980M?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Captain Caren, Feb 23, 2016.

  1. Captain Caren

    Captain Caren Newbie

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    hello，I bought a Alienware 17 at Dec.2014， because there is no other name or things after 17， so i don't know is it a R1，R2，R3 or ~！@#￥%……&*. But i think it should be the new R1，when i bought it， there were no new Alienware R2 at all. So my laptop seems like be able to change GPU/ video card, but some people said, change GTX860M to GTX980M, it will not as easy as just simple swap-and-play. so can anyone tell me how to change it? and where to buy a new GTX980M, 4GB
     
    Captain Caren, Feb 23, 2016
    #1
  2. Solo wing

    Solo wing Notebook Consultant

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    1- If your CPU is an MQ/MX series your computer is upgradeable.
    2- You need to set-up your boot settings in BIOS to pure UEFI and install Windows 8 or 10 on a GPT formatted drive.
    3- A modded driver is required, Google "Aftermarket Nvidia drivers..." excellent thread on Techinferno.
    4- A 240W PSU + 3-pipe (100W) heatsink for the GPU.
     
    Solo wing, Feb 23, 2016
    #2
    Ashtrix likes this.
  3. Captain Caren

    Captain Caren Newbie

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    Thx， it sounds like so hard to do， mine is mx series，may be i should go IT shop to pay them， and let them help me？
     
    Captain Caren, Mar 16, 2016
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  4. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    It's not that difficult if you're familiar with laptops. If you aren't, it's better to take it to a pro. There are many tutorials online and Youtube videos.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Mar 16, 2016
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  5. nick81

    nick81 Notebook Evangelist

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    I will be blunt. Do the upgrade ONLY if you're a patient person.
    You don't need to be a technical genius to do the installation. There are countless videos that show how to do it.

    The headaches will start once you need to get it to work. As Solo Wing above mentioned, you will need to mod drivers before being able to install them. This is NOT difficult, just something you need to be aware of.
    The main issue all of us here are facing is due NOT to the actual modding, but to the appalling quality of Nvidia drivers lately. Black screens, throttling, it's just a complete nightmare.
    I actually thought my 980m was dead as trying to install any driver in Optimus was giving me black screens upon rebooting my laptop. I had to switch to dedicated mode in order to get it work.

    Don't misunderstand me, the 980m is an amazing GPU. But you NEED to be ready to invest time in order to get the most out of it. Forget about GEforce experience and auto updates of drivers. You'll need to get your hands dirty in order to get everything running the way you want it.
    Luckily, you've got great communities both here on NBR and on Techinferno who will always be ready to help and assist you if you face problems...
     
    nick81, Mar 17, 2016
    #5