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    Help Flashing GPU?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by MatthewC1991, Jun 28, 2012.

  1. MatthewC1991

    MatthewC1991 Newbie

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    Iv bought a 5870m crossfire for my m15x, first off all will this work im not sure what the crossfire means maybe that its for systems with 2 graphics cards.

    it hasnt arrived yet but im trying to prepare by getting ready to flash the bios

    whats bios do i need to download i have a08 at the moment and have been told i need to go back to A00 when flashing?

    the ATI isnt an alienware card so do i need to download the asus bin files?
     
    MatthewC1991, Jun 28, 2012
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  2. King of Interns

    King of Interns Simply a laptop enthusiast

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    You must be mistaken? The M15x cannot physically do crossfire! To do crossfire you need two GPUs side by side. The M15x only has one GPU. Kinda surprised you pulled the trigger on 2 GPU's without doing key research into the capabilies of your machine first!

    To go crossfire you need a M17x R2. I am assuming you have this machine and made a typo? I least I hope you have or you have wasted money buying a second GPU which cannot be used!

    Bottom line is M15x can only run one 5870M not 2. Maybe you can return them and get a refund. Instead get yourself a 6990M or 6970M for similiar money. The performance of both being about on par with two 5870M xfired. If you need extreme power and have enough money; flash up to A09 and stick a 7970M in it will wipe the floor with any 5870M xfire setup.

    Also no graphics card is "alienware" it is either nvidia or AMD. Yes the 5870M is the last to be branded ATI but now all newer cards are branded AMD after the parent company which bought up ATI years ago. To run any AMD card you simply need to pop open the back of the machine. Remove the GPU heatsink and GPU fan. Then take the old GPU out and install a new one. If it is AMD such as the 6970M or 7970M you then need to head to AMD's website to download the drivers for it. Install them, reboot and all is working. That easy. If Nvidia card then you need nvidia drivers etc.

    The bios you are talking about is the system bios. The latest release being A09. I recommend going to A09 simply as it is newest. For guides in how to flash the system bios. Have a look around the forum there are plenty of guides.

    Good luck

    PS: a demonstration of what this machine can run is in my sig. Pretty much maxed out on every front. Except ram where it could take up to 16GB! A very good machine you have make good use of it.
     
    King of Interns, Jun 28, 2012
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  3. MatthewC1991

    MatthewC1991 Newbie

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    MatthewC1991, Jun 28, 2012
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  4. Ninefingers

    Ninefingers Notebook Consultant

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    Looks like it is just for one card. Pity about the price you paid, you can get a 6970m for a little bit more here on the marketplace :(

    It is a dell card so should be plug n play, you'll just need the correct drivers.
     
    Ninefingers, Jun 28, 2012
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