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    m17x R3 GPU upgrade question

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Barkalow, Jan 23, 2013.

  1. Barkalow

    Barkalow Newbie

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    So from what I've seen, it's possible to upgrade an R3 to a 680m, although not officially supported by Dell. My question is, has there been anything that can get the 3D to work if you do this? Everything I've seen has said that if you use the 680m, it will work, but 3D will not. I'd like to get the best possible upgrade for my m17x, but I'd also like to try 3D gaming, so I have a bit of a conundrum.
     
    Barkalow, Jan 23, 2013
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  2. Joe85

    Joe85 Notebook Deity

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    Firstly, you need the 120Hz screen, but then, even with that you lose 3D capability if you upgrade to the 680m.
     
    Joe85, Jan 23, 2013
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  3. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Joe85 is correct. I've been following this issue since I had an R3/580 (3D model) and it appears that without a bios (NOT Vbios) update with the 3d compatibility for the 680 added, it will never work :(. There was a guy, (slv7 I think?) that does bios mods, and offered to assist but he needed guinea pigs to volunteer to test it. I guess he got no offers :confused:
     
    MickyD1234, Jan 23, 2013
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  4. Barkalow

    Barkalow Newbie

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    Oh well...thanks for the help!
     
    Barkalow, Jan 23, 2013
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  5. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Forgot to add, if you do not have the 120hz display you might still be able to use 3D on a 680 by buying the NV 3D kit with external emitter and using an external 120hz monitor, like you can on any desktop. Personally I love the 3D (in the right games) and would never give it up without a HUGE improvement in gaming :D

    You can always check it out on a 3D TV as well although the results are not a good as the 120hz display it's still acceptable - to my eyes. If you do not have the built in emitter though you need to purchase an add-on from NV (I believe they have a try-before-you-buy) called 3D TVPlay. The driver automatically installs it if it detects the emitter.

    Good luck!
     
    MickyD1234, Jan 23, 2013
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  6. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    This is also true, if you use that config you can get 3D gaming externally.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Jan 25, 2013
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