Clevo P170EM Graphics card

First time poster here,

So I received a clevo p170em for free because the graphics card had failed, I dont mind at all, i7, 24GB ram and 750gb hard drive with 2 usb 3.0 ports.... not bad, but now i am wanting to replace the non functional graphics card with one that functions... I am not strong with computers and would like to keep it original unless there is an upgrade that is extremely simple as in plug and play and downloading software... Also what should I expect to pay for doing such a thing, I understand I'll have to drop some cash but if I am looking around 300 plus I don't know if i'd want to do so....

Thanks for the help,
Zack L

 

What graphics card is in it now? Curiousity on my part.

You should be able to get something for $200 or less which makes your free laptop still a good deal. What is your intended use for the laptop?

 

GeForce GTX 675M, I was hoping to keep it the same but I cannot find one for it that is Clevo, I find dell.... So I must continue my search... Do you have any ideas or experience?

 

Intended use will be for premiere/after effects/photoshop.. Video/photo editing

 

The 675M and 670M are Fermi chips. The 675M is known to die an early death as it is just a rebadged 580M. Honestly, I would go for a 680M which is a Keplar graphics chip and pretty reliable. If you are patient you can usually score one in the Marketplace here or on Ebay for around $200. Or you can try your luck with a 7970M, but those tend to have a short life too. A FirePro M6000 might be a good choice for you and you can get it for around $70 shipped from eBay. The 675M is about 30% faster than the M6000.

If you get a M6000 you will need a 1mm copper shim that will fit between the heatsink and GPU die. I will be happy to drop one in the mail if you like as I have extras. Here is a M6000 for under $70.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-AMD-Fi...507548?hash=item2366614adc:g:pgMAAOSwiylXAmxT

 

If I went with the M6000 I would have to delete everything Nvidia? and download different software or is that compatible? also if I purchase from you do you have the 1mm copper shim and heatsink to install it proper? and instructions... as I am a computer noob!

 

Oh... computer noob. Do not worry. Nobody is born knowing this stuff.

I am not selling any M6000, that is just an eBay sale I linked and it's not mine. I will send the shim for free. Just need an address.

The heatsink should work. You will need thermal paste and pads. The pads you have might work without buying new ones.

 

except svl7 and prema maybe, they're gods of sager/aw :0

 

Oh cool, that'd be much appreciated!! And I'll look into that. Get paid in 16 minutes so I'll definitely be ordering tonight to get this thing fixed! Ha! I'll inbox you when I can get to my limping laptop.