Looking for ATI 3870 Master replacement.

As of tonight my master 3870 started developing artifacts. It does it from the post screen all the way thru to windows login. And if I am lucky enough to make it too the desktop and launch a game, the game locks up or crashes. Everything I have read says when that happens your video memory is bad. Well I pulled the Slave card out and rebooted the system and it still artifacts. So I am pretty sure the Master is shot.
With that in mind I am now searching for a replacement ati 3870 master video card. If you have one that your willing to part with message me or email me at [email protected]
Also if you know of any other places I can find one besides ebay let me know. I am also going to call Alienware in the morning to see if they have any laying around. I read as long as you purchased one thru them that you could still buy one from them. Well, looks like I will test this theory.

 

As i say to all before they buy a new GPU, DO A BAKE!!!!


I think this is it, could be wrong though. http://cgi.ebay.com/ATI-Mobility-Ra...deo_TV_Cards&hash=item415728e3f6#ht_928wt_905

 

OR right here on these forums http://forum.notebookreview.com/nbr...deon-3870-slave-512mb-mxm-2-1-no-x-cable.html oh sorry wrong year, lol thought it was this year, Oooooooooooops my bad..... Ignore that

 

I sure hope you posted the right card, because I just bought it. The M17R1 is a mxm III? I just wanted to make sure. I called AW and they said yeah, but the guy didn't sound sure of himself. I went to Ztronics and looked under m17r1 and it said mxm iii. Guess I am just looking for the extra confidence so I don't turn my m17r1 into a boat anchor.
Also this is my first time working on it so I am a little nervous about it.

 

I don't think the newer generation laptops can use a 3870, as in I don't believe a 3870 was EVER released to be used in the newer alienware.

 

You could have got this too, or taken your chances NVidia G92 8800M 512MB MXM HE Laptop Video Card AS-IS* - eBay (item 330535389714 end time Mar-27-11 14:28:41 PDT)


Don't forget to Bake your CARD btw.

 

Yes, that card you purchased is the correct one. And from what I can see in the picture, I think it also has a Crossfire connector (some were produced without the crossfire connector). So you should be able to just swap out your old master for this, and it should work fine.

Make sure you do a good thermal paste job. That should prevent any overheating.

 

Ok, I baked it No Artifacts Booted up normally. Cleaned up both GPUs and gave them both a fresh coat of Artic Silver 5. Wow, what mess they had on those cards. Testing it now, but doing everything from watching videos to playing games. Not a single problem.
Oh, I watched about 10 youtube videos before trying it. Glad I did they gave some good pointers.
Thanks for suggesting it, I wouldn't have thought of it. I knew of it but never took it seriously, till now. Thanks again for all the ideas.

 

Glad to hear it, and a little rep would be nice Also be ready to do it again, many time the first bake doesn't always work or the ones after that, but it's generally when the bakes become repetitive is when you wanna consider getting a new card.

 

Your request has been approved and processed. Well, I still have the other paid for I will keep it I think as a back up for when that bad day comes.

 

Anyway you could send me a copy of our master bios, if so send to azmodanwow at gmail dot com, I have been looking for the master bios but not able to find one at all. so if you could help me out really miss my m17 and need to get it working agian before i go insane. Oh and use gpu-z to get the bios file.


Thanks

 

I'll email the BIOS to you tonight when I'm back with my M17 B)


EDIT: Didn't go home last night but I'll grab the BIOS when I'm there >.<

 

Here you go!

 

ok I OWE you M_17 User big time ++++ rep to you my friend

thanks for the bios file it has worked my M17 is now a working laptop again thank the gods thank you

cheers to you M_17 User

 

No problem

 

Can anybody psot the slave BIOS? I will need it when I set my M9750 up with them.