Adding secondary GPU

Hey guys I bought my M17x about 3 months ago from best buy with the intent to upgrade it as I went a long. Well hopefully tonight I'm gonna order my second NVIDIA geforce gtx 260m. I was wondering if anyone else here is doing what I'm doing, has any advice on how to put the card in, or can direct me to any guides. I looked around and didn't really find anything. If this is the case would you guys like me to make one? I got a camera and photoshop and have no problem putting together a guide.

 

I would start by looking in the NBR Marketplace and posting in the "Want To Buy" section and keeping an eye out in the Computer Componenets section. Chances are you can buy it from somone who upgraded for a cheaper price.

Also as far as installation goes, watch this video. It's for CPU replacement, but once your down to the CPU, getting to the GPU is no problem. Just keep track of all screws and where they go. May also want to purchase some thermal paste and replace that as well since your already in there. Might help keep your temp a few degrees lower.

How to change your M17x CPU Guide

 

Does the M17x actually come with the secondary GPU fan already in there? If not you'll need an M17x heatsink and fan as well.

 

Good point, I was thinking the same thing on the heatsink/fan.

 

I think you will need the fan as evil corsair said and also the sli cable ,

btw heres a video guide for changing gpu it's fairly easy to do

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=402017

 

Yeah agreed on the fan and heatsink. I think that's how Dell gets you to come order from them lol...and charge you a boat load.

 

Yeah you guys are right laptop didn't come with fan/heatsink or SLI cable. So those are all things I'd have to buy separately with the card. Honestly though money isn't really the issue I'd rather just get it all from Alienware and have it delivered I'm in the Military and I don't have much time to bargain hunt. How is Dell on shipping? I talked to their tech support rep and he was pretty cool. Spoke perfect English and knew what he was talking about

EDIT: If I order from dell the parts are gonna be brand new right? Not refurb/used?

 

Yes, absolutely brand new. No worries there. DR650SE should know about military shipping etc. Hopefully he'll hop on back and give you an answer.

 

Are you located overseas? If so, your in luck because you likely won't have to pay shipping or taxes. As far as military shipping they will ship to an APO, but you won't recieve a tracking number since dell loses sight of it once it hits the APO. I have ordered an M17x and M11x to Baghdad, and both were recieved within a month of ordering, even though estimated deliveray was two months from the date of order. Everything comes shipped well packed and insured along with signature delivery. The insurance/sig delivery is important because once it arrives at the APO in NY it is seperated into a seperate bin. Insurance/Sig deliveray is a Hands off to would be thieves that want to scavenge through your stuff while in transport.

 

I'm still in the states but I'm heading to Japan next month and hoping to get the card delivered here and put it in while I'm on leave. Dell is pretty good about sending parts quickly though?

 

Yea, for the mosty part, assuming they are in stock.

 

Well I know it's not a GPU but when Dell replaced the AC adapter on my m11x it was here the day after I phoned!

 

DELL makes you purchase all those items. SLI cable, Heatsink, Fan. Etc... Also ...I don't have the link but I will try to find it. You have the ability to send alienware the parts and they will install the SLI and such properly, and this will not hurt your warranty. Doing it alone will not hurt your warranty either, but this will ensure a safe installation.

 

Heatsink? I'm reading the service manual doesn't say anything about a heatsink. It mentions fan and cable but nothing bout a heatsink.

 

gotta conduct and dissipate the heat some how

 

Well yeah I'm wondering if it's a separate part or built into the card.

 

Seperate part. If you order the cards, it's not going to come with the card.

 

Well I hope they know thay the card should arrive on the 29th.

 

It would be an extra part number and expense so your going to order it.

 

how do I upgrade when I send to dell? Do you have a link? Or do I just email their support

 

I actually called their tech support the number is on the website.

 

alright thanks a bunch