M17X GPU upgrade question

So I screwed up and purchased my M17X with a single gtx 260M. I was in the middle of moving and made the purchase when I was distracted. All else said, I'm pleased with the rest of the machine...grabbed teh QX9300 and terrabyte of storage.

I called Dell Spare parts department to see about grabbing a second card so I could run SLI. Two separate techs told me that I could upgrade to the 280M SLI setup (w/cable) for only 499.99. This doesn't sound right.

Any thoughts on this.

Also, I know the master port is under the keyboard on the left...is the other on the right? I haven't pulled this thing apart but once.

Thanks

 

Reference the service manual. Very important doc which you should have on hand if you decide to open your system up. At the very least, you'll have a better understanding of the hardware in your system.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/M17x/

 

I am guessing your machine didn't ship yet. If you have already received your machine and you are ordering up a couple of cards afterwards, it is gonna be WAY more expensive. Moo posted the prices for ordering individual pieces after the fact and it is insanely higher than ordering them with the machine at the time. i would go for the upgrade, i am nothing but pleased with mine.

 

Very cool...thanks for the service book link. Yeah, I saw the prices Moo posted.

I called Alienware today and understanding that the prices should've dropped a bit by now, they quoted me $404.99 for the secondary card with cable. This is a bit much compared to if I would've been a bit more attentive during my purchase. I'm going to stick with the M260's and grab the second card tomorrow.

I asked the Tech & checked the service manual...should there be a secondary fan already under the blank, can't get a straight answer.

Thanks for your input.