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    m17x r3 upgrade to 675m

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by antriach, Dec 13, 2012.

  1. antriach

    antriach Notebook Guru

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    Hi guys,

    Well for one year passes from a 560m to 580m but recently my nvidia 580m to stop working and I have to buy a new card, I do not know why another 580m are expensive and thought on nvidia 675m or amd 7970m.

    What you recommend me?.
    They are compatible with my alienware?
    Need to change something?
    I can use my heatsink for the 560m?
    I do not know much and do not know anything about graphics or flash bios.

    Dell M17x r3-A12 bios.


    Thank you very much ^ ^
     
    antriach, Dec 13, 2012
    #1
  2. Joe85

    Joe85 Notebook Deity

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    What's your priority? Performance or cost?
     
    Joe85, Dec 13, 2012
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  3. antriach

    antriach Notebook Guru

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    thx for fast reply,

    I just want it to work properly I dont worried to much about the price difference, but I cant pay more than 7970m cost.
     
    antriach, Dec 13, 2012
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  4. GeoCake

    GeoCake http://ted.ph

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    Get the 7970M and the AMD heatsink
     
    GeoCake, Dec 13, 2012
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  5. antriach

    antriach Notebook Guru

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    THX,

    but i need to modify anything else? Im from Spain and do not know where to buy this heatsink...
     
    antriach, Dec 13, 2012
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  6. Alienware-Luis_Pardo

    Alienware-Luis_Pardo Guest

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    I would go for the 7970m as well, slickdude80 had created a great guide on how to install it in case you need some guidance.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...-mobility-7970-m17x-r3-illustrated-guide.html

    Aside from the heatsink, you'll also need an unlocked BIOS to disable the iGPU and change some other settings in your BIOS. This is thoroughly explained in slick's guide though, and pretty easy to follow :)

    Remember the 7970m and 675m are not validated cards for the R3, so if you're still under warranty try to keep the old card around in case you need to call in for support or to have a part replaced.
     
    Alienware-Luis_Pardo, Dec 13, 2012
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  7. antriach

    antriach Notebook Guru

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    Thx,

    unfortunately my warranty expired in October, so I not have clear is how to install unlocked BIOS, since I have installed the Dell A12.

    The heatsink of 560m is compatible with 7970m?

    THX
     
    antriach, Dec 13, 2012
    #7
  8. Joe85

    Joe85 Notebook Deity

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    Hi,

    Everything you need to install the 7970M is in slicks thread posted in link above.

    As for the heat sink, contact Upgradeyourlaptop on eBay and enquire there or alternatively call Dell.
     
    Joe85, Dec 13, 2012
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  9. skywalka

    skywalka Notebook Guru

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    I assume the 7970m can't utilize the 3D on a M17xr3?
     
    skywalka, Dec 13, 2012
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  10. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Nah, you can't use it. You are stuck with NV cards unless you change the panel...
     
    MickyD1234, Dec 14, 2012
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  11. Alienware-Luis_Pardo

    Alienware-Luis_Pardo Guest

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    Svl7 came up with a A12 unlocked BIOS for the M17x R3, you can download it here.

    **Warning: Flashing the BIOS incorrectly may brick your computer.

    About the heatsink:

    0MMPT - AMD 7970m heatsink
    V1K2G - Nvidia 560m heatsink

    I haven't seen the 560's heatsink, but they have different part numbers so I guess they're not the same.

    Send me a PM if you need help getting a heatsink.
     
    Alienware-Luis_Pardo, Dec 14, 2012
    #11