m17x R2, Clevo 8970m vs Alienware 8970m

Hey guys, I'm wanting to max upgrade my m17x r2 and in doing so, I will be be putting 2x 8970m/m290x cards into my machine in the near future. I just wanted to know, aside from the fan control, is there any other reason to get Clevo cards over the Alienware cards? From all the searching around, the Clevo cards are literally twice the price of the Alienware cards. Honestly, the native fan control is not worth that to me, hwinfo does a great job from what I have heard and experienced thusfar.

 

Where were you when I had the Clevo for sale at a stellar of a price? lol

back to the subject, you need to use the NEW CROSSFIRE CABLE if you go with dell (Hard to find/Expensive). The Clevo 8970m uses the old crossfire cable (very abundant/Easy to find). For me , I would prefer Clevo as i love native fan control. Sometime hwinfo freezes up the laptop.

 

Ahh ok, good to know. I read somewhere about someone using the crossfire cable from the m18x r2 and unwrapping it or something to make it fit into the m17x r2, is that the new or old type? How do you tell the difference with the cables? With the fan control, the fans just go flat out without control don't they?

 

I think someone did modify the cable, but probably not the best route. the native fan control turns on when the card gets hot.

 

Do not bother with Alienware 8970M/R9 M290X, it is annoying as hell trying to use HWInfo to manage fans, it is not reliable. Save for Clevo 8970M or I can sell you a pair. I re-used M18x R2 crossfire cable by removing the tape holding in a fixed pattern. I did not modify the connectors themselves. You will need this cable ifyou go with Alienware R9 M290x crossfire: https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-OEM-Al...196153&hash=item3b30ec2c72:g:pXoAAOSwSMZc0gW0

 

Ahh ok, Thanks loads guys. Managed to score a Clevo 8970m card on ebay in an auction for a stellar deal of 82 British pounds, just gotta be patient and wait for the good deals to come up aye haha. So fingers crossed. Just need to save for a second one. Think I'll upgrade to the 330w supply first, I imagine the 240w will happily run one 8970m but will not last long running 2. Got the same cossfire cable on the way already though
Next on the agenda will be the 920xm. Already tried a 940xm, was DOA unfortunately but got my money back at least.

 

a 240W will not happily run a 940XM with 8970M. from time to time your 240W will shut down due to being overloaded. 330W is the only way to go