Alienware M17 Crossfire question.

Hello all, I am new to the forum. I have been searching everywhere, including trying to contact Alienware to get an answer to this question, maybe you all can help me. I purchased an Alienware m17 (not m17x) About a year and a half ago and am loving it. Unfortunately I did not chose the option to go with the dual graphics cards and am now regretting it. Does anyone know if it is at all possible to upgrade to this after purchase or does this require a completely different chassis for more room? I popped open the case and to me it seems like there may not be enough room. Can anyone help? Thanks very much.

 

I believe all you need is another card and a crossfire cable. Depending on your cash situation, there was also an ATI HD4850 upgrade offered near the end of that model's run. Check here: http://cgi.ebay.com/Alienware-M17-A...894?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item5adcc6b60e, or here http://forum.notebookreview.com/computer-components/ The bottom of the eBay ad says he's got more stuff too. Shoot him an email. Is the full heatsink for both cards in your laptop, there's just no card under the other side, or are you going to need a new heatsink too? Here's a picture of my M17 I still had laying around. If you're able to get 4850XF, or even another 3870, grab the QX9300 (if you haven't already), you'll have a pretty good rig. Good luck in this endeavor, and let us know if you need help. Welcome to NBR!

 

Very nice! Now that I look at that picture I understand the setup a lot more. The heat sync is already in place and it looks like it is good to go for another card. Thanks a lot for the info! As far as the QX9300 goes, thats gonna be a while. I am gonna struggle to get another graphics card at this point. Thanks once again, very helpful.

 

Not a problem man. I loved my M17. Keep us updated.

 

Will do. My one concern is that the 3870 seems to be a bit difficult to find. I hope I can find one when I have the cash.