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    X Bracket for 7970m

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by Tenspeed33, Dec 12, 2012.

  1. Tenspeed33

    Tenspeed33 Notebook Evangelist

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    Unfortunately one wasn't included with the card I bought from ebay. I was going to try and find one to buy when I stumbled on this guide:
    [Guide] M15x with AMD 6970m / 6990m - everything you need to know
    Which shows you how to put a 6970/6990m into a m15x, and that you can use the old x bracket, although it doesn't fit. Is this is the case for the 7970m or will I need to purchase the correct one absolutely?

    Thanks for your replies
     
    Tenspeed33, Dec 12, 2012
    #1
  2. onego

    onego Notebook Consultant

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    Unfortunately, for the 7970m's case, you will need to purchase the X-bracket which was meant for the 7970m and not to reuse the old GTX460M bracket under any circumstances. You might want to grind the x-bracket to the appropriate height or buy some copper shims to make sure that the die comes into proper contact with the heatsink since height differences between the old bracket and the bracket of the 7970m exists.
     
    onego, Dec 12, 2012
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  3. Lambda808

    Lambda808 Notebook Consultant

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    Really? I thought you could use the 460m x bracket..
     
    Lambda808, Dec 12, 2012
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  4. LannBot

    LannBot Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah if there is a height difference then you'll have to get a new plate, but in my experience, I haven't ran into height issues.

    Usually I just grab an old one that fits the system I'm placing the GPU in, place electrical tape where the plate will short on components on the back of the GPU, and just tighten the heatsink onto the plate. Nvidia and AMD backplates are only different due to the size of the "middle square" and so you have to use tape so the square doesn't short anything. If the backplate has to bend a little for you to secure the heatsink that's ok too, it never causes me to have any temp issues vs a proper backplate. It'll work so long as you make sure you kill all the areas that can possibly cause a short.
     
    LannBot, Dec 12, 2012
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  5. onego

    onego Notebook Consultant

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    You could reuse the x-bracket of the 460M, provided you are installing a 6970/6990m instead of the 7970m.
     
    onego, Dec 13, 2012
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  6. Lambda808

    Lambda808 Notebook Consultant

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    I was told by someone on the long 7970m that you can use the 460m x bracket. Are you sure that's not possible? If so I'm bummed :(
     
    Lambda808, Dec 13, 2012
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  7. MZWiZard

    MZWiZard Notebook Consultant

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    You can. Its just a matter of grinding the square hole in the middle bigger, so that all the caps can fit. Then make sure its well insulated. :)
     
    MZWiZard, Dec 13, 2012
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  8. onego

    onego Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah the reason the bracket of the 460M is not able to fit was due to the square hole in the middle being too small and it may lay onto some capacitors. If you were to grind it, then it would be absolutely fine to reuse it.
     
    onego, Dec 13, 2012
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  9. ssj92

    ssj92 Neutron Star

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    You will need an AMD/ATI x-bracket.
     
    ssj92, Dec 13, 2012
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  10. Tenspeed33

    Tenspeed33 Notebook Evangelist

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    Seems to be pretty a split debate; I myself went and ordered an upgrade kit from Eurocom because I'm not particularly DIY-savy and didn't want to risk butchering the bracket from my 5850m in case I needed it again. Minimal modification is ideal for me :D
     
    Tenspeed33, Dec 13, 2012
    #10
  11. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    This is what I've heard the most around the forums.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Dec 14, 2012
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  12. Lambda808

    Lambda808 Notebook Consultant

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    After you grind the square hole is it still possible to reuse it with the 460m?
     
    Lambda808, Dec 14, 2012
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  13. LannBot

    LannBot Notebook Consultant

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    Yep! It'll still work.
     
    LannBot, Dec 14, 2012
    #13