Regarding upgrading from 260M to AMD 7970M

Hi guys,

So I've been doing some researching and going through a bunch of threads on the forum and I've finally decided to upgrade to a 7970m. However, I still have a few questions and concerns that I was hoping someone more knowledgeable could help me out with.

1) From what I've read, the Dell 7970M is a plug and play and . However, if i'm doing this from a 260m will I need to do anything extra?

2) Would Alienware AMD Radeon HD Dell 7970M 2GB GDDR5 M15X M17x M18x | eBay this work?

3) Would the card fit as is or would I need to change anything; like the blackplate?


Thanks a bunch,

 

You need the backplate and probably the heatsink. There is a guide here.

 

You will need the AMD backplate and a copper shim to place in between the gpu die and heatsink, unless you grind down the amd bracket to allow proper contact of the heatsink to the gpu die.

I recommend the 680m. NVIDIA GeForce Dell GTX 680M 2GB DDR5 for MSI Clevo Alienware Upgrademonkey | eBay You won't need the backplate for that one.

If you're set on a 7970m, I suggest buying new Promotion Alienware AMD HD Dell 7970M 2GB GDDR5 for M15X M17x M18x Upgrade | eBay

 

Unfortunately I bought the used 7970m before I could see your post.

For the backplate would something like this work? - ★new★ Supermicro bkt 0017L Backplate for AMD AM2 AM2 AM3 CPU RoHS | eBay

And for the copper shim, does it have to be a copper shim or could I use one of those blue-ish thermal pads? Regardless, would these copper shims work? 20pcs Laptop GPU CPU Heatsink Copper Shim 20mmx20mm | eBay


Thanks !

 

I did the same upgrade yesterday. You don't need a copper shim nor a new headsink. First of all you need to make sure that you have the latest bios (A09)

All you need is 4x 4mm M2 screws ( 10 Linsenkopf Schrauben DIN 7985 Kreuz M1 6 M2 M2 5 M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 Edelstahl VA | eBay)

And a backplate looking like this - ( Alienware Dell Precision AMD Video Card GPU Heat Sink Spreader AMD Radeon 7970M | eBay) There are less expensive backplates avaliable on ebay, just used this one so you know what you're looking for.

Ofcourse you also need thermal pads. I used 1mm thick thermal pads and placed them like this: http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu223/reID_entify/ThermalPadPlacement7970m.jpg

And dont forget thermal paste!