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    need help about M17X r3 video card upgrade strategy

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by tl1203, Jul 4, 2011.

  1. tl1203

    tl1203 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi forum,

    I recently(2 days ago) purchased a M17X from dell outlet store configured with a gtx 460m, while now I am kind of regret :( and HD 6970M seems to be a much better card.

    Now here's the question, if i wanna change the 460m into 6970m, what is the best strategy to do(on money saving)? :confused:

    Million thanks guys!

    tl
     
    tl1203, Jul 4, 2011
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  2. Beradon

    Beradon Notebook Evangelist

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    The 460m is still a decent card, what do you plan on doing with your M17xR3? If its not the newest of the games the 460m should more than cover you, and even then it holds its own.
     
    Beradon, Jul 4, 2011
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  3. tl1203

    tl1203 Notebook Enthusiast

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    well it's basically for games, I heard that 6970 is way more powerful than 460m, and it's a better option for the purpose of future proof..( I want my m17x can still play some decent game two years from now)
     
    tl1203, Jul 4, 2011
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  4. Brabostaan

    Brabostaan Notebook Deity

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    Contact Dell and ask for the card, dunno how much it will cost. Look at nbr markerplace, saw a couple of 6970m's there.
     
    Brabostaan, Jul 4, 2011
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  5. tsuekasa

    tsuekasa Notebook Consultant

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    Honestly it's seriously going to cost you some serious gwap from any where and even more from dell for the card alone.
     
    tsuekasa, Jul 4, 2011
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  6. Brabostaan

    Brabostaan Notebook Deity

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    Saw the card for 800 dollars on ebay. Think its best to return your laptop and reorder one with the 6970m. Dont even know if the heatsink from the 460m is the same so you might need that as well.
     
    Brabostaan, Jul 4, 2011
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  7. Beradon

    Beradon Notebook Evangelist

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    Aye, trying to upgrade it yourself will cost a pretty penny.
     
    Beradon, Jul 4, 2011
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  8. tl1203

    tl1203 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks guys,

    I think I may check out with dell rep first, try to return this and reorder one...if it's not too pricey
     
    tl1203, Jul 4, 2011
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  9. Brabostaan

    Brabostaan Notebook Deity

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    Rjtech has some 6970m's for clevo, they might work if i'm not mistaking. Cost 550 dollars.
     
    Brabostaan, Jul 4, 2011
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  10. Zanpakutou

    Zanpakutou Notebook Consultant

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    Why not just contact Dell for the part? If you buy it from them, you can keep your warranty and even get one of their techies to install it for you without running the risk of breaking something.

    Also make sure you don't have the 3D screen or it won't be compatible with the 6970m.
     
    Zanpakutou, Jul 4, 2011
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  11. ACHlLLES

    ACHlLLES Notebook Virtuoso

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    Return it and buy another
     
    ACHlLLES, Jul 4, 2011
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  12. CleaningService

    CleaningService Notebook Consultant

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    I live in Canada and I called Dell for the 6970m and the price they gave me was $1000+ :O
     
    CleaningService, Jul 4, 2011
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  13. cyclist14

    cyclist14 Notebook Consultant

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    I would return it and re-order one with a 6970M , upgrading will be costly and could also cause warranty issues.
     
    cyclist14, Jul 4, 2011
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  14. DARCODER

    DARCODER Notebook Deity

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    the heatsink from R3 is the same for Nvidia and ati, so if you got 60Hz screen, just buy the card and replace the heatskink ;)
     
    DARCODER, Jul 4, 2011
    #14