G73sw Gpu 460 -> 485

I am looking to see if it is reasonable to upgrade my GTX 460M to a GTX 485M. I have found one for sale, and the difference in performance is enough for me to make this purchase.
However, after reading through quite a few pages here, I have seen some people with difficulties. Other threads lead to dead ends without any real answers.

So I am hoping someone can give me a real idea if this is possible, and if it is simple enough without too many issues. The interface on the card I am purchasing is: MXM 3.0b - I would appreciate any feedback on this matter, thank you!


In addition, I notice, through CPUZ, that my memory is PC10700, is that correct? Or just a rounded up version of 10666(or likewise)?
I would like to upgrade my RAM as well, most likely just pull out the two easily accessible sticks for two 4GBs. Any suggestions for high performance RAM ?

 

I wouldn't try the GTX485m in a SW. The JW didn't like Clevo's 470m for starters and if i recall correctly, there are vRAM chips on the back of the card. Good luck figuring out a way to cool those.

 

I would assume that is why many laptops do not have them then. Would be a nice upgrade though.

 

I read somewhere in the Sager section the memory chips on the back aren't a big problem. Also as far as I know not all versions of the 485m sport the mem chips on the back.

The 485m would have a bigger chance to work than the 470m, since it can be flashed with a Dell VBIOS. The problem that slv7 experienced with his 470m is related to the Clevo VBIOS, and there were no alternative VBIOSes to try.

 

The JW 460m has vram modules on the back as well... the SW 460m probably too. Shouldn't be a big problem. They're not getting that hot.

How can you flash it with a Dell vbios?? There's no Dell 485m, there are only Clevo machines with the 485m.

Anyway, the 485m uses the same architecture as the 470m (GF104) and therefore I think it's unlikely to work. But it would be great if someone tried it.

 

SVL7 should I be worried that your 6970M has got a cross through it and confirmed as dead? I hope this is not a permanent thing.

Such a shame that such an amazing GPU is being withdrawn from production but I suppose ''With great power comes great responsibility'' haha

I am considering a M18x personally later in the year..sorry asus..

 

Well... I flashed it with a modified vbios which came from a 6970m ES card... and since then it won't post anymore. So it needs to be reflashed... but since it won't POST I can't blind flash it and I don't have the equipment for flashing it in a different way. I'm working on it, hope I can get it reflashed somehow

 

I would love to do it. However, it is quite an investment if it does not work. That is the only problem.

 

After the release of 580m next month we might see more 485m's hitting eBay.

 

True, but I'd really like to see it be an option for my G73. Would be a great performance boost for video.