7970m Lasted 1.5 Years! Need a Replacement Card+Guides

So, 1.5 years later and out of warranty, the GPU just froze and black screen (in game). Reboot successful so i then launched a 3D application, works a for a few seconds but freezes then black screen. Reboot failed (where the windows logo glows), could not load windows. At this time i believe windows is just initializing and testing all system equip etc. Restore/Recovery failed. Re-installed windows 7 and runs again (don't install AMD drivers, will freeze and unable to reboot). I installed just the intel drivers and it owns my 7970 at times, or is on par in the game i usually play vindictus (Dx9 game). I'm positive the 7970m died on me, not sure why. Temperatures in vindictus maxes out less then 86c with vents covered (averages 67c) and I don't overclock often.

I need a replacement card. I will not accept another 7970m, it suck....was hoping it would have updates and work near perfectly but now is dead. I used 13.1 drivers.

Im not sure how to upgrade to another card, but preferably nVidia.

I think i need vBios for which ever card i end up with?

Anyone with experience here to successfully upgrade to 580m/660m/675m/680m/780m or any other option.
guides+links+suggestions are welcome!

 

Which computer do you have? Any that supported the 7970M should also support the 6XXM. Just make sure its a Clevo card.

Your symptoms are typical of a thermal issue, but the temps you mentioned seem fine. Have you opened it up to clean out the vents, fans, and reapplied thermal compound? You can also try the latest drivers to see if that helps. If any of those help it will save you several hundreds bucks so might as well try it first.

Also what do you mean by "with vents covered" you should never cover them as that will cause overheating real quick.

 

Clevo p150em, forgetfulness haha.
Vents covered such as on a bed or couch. I check vents every few months.

 

Don't want to sound rude but there is absolutely no reason you should smother the vents of a gaming laptop. It is no wonder your GPU has crapped out on you if that is the case. For future reference: never cover your intake or exhaust fans. That is not how you look after a gaming laptop.

 

i watch temps onscreen via msi after burner average 76c smothered.

 

Blocking those vents are causing your issue, always use it on a flat surface like a desk, notebook cooler, or at least a lap desk.

 

vzilla , chek your PM

 

Trust me the vents need to be able to breathe. 85C is pretty standard for gaming after an hour for me and mine sits on a desk.

 

Imagine yourself trying to breathe while having your mouth/nose laying on a couch or bed

 

My body doesn't heat up to 85 C when sleeping face down. It makes for an uncomfortable sleep, though.

@vzilla: While the 7970M is a good card and the problem is most likely from heat, you should be able to install a 6xxM card in the system. You can find 670Ms and 680Ms for sale online, particularly eBay; be sure that it's a Clevo card, though! There are guides online for replacing the card, and you can probably find relevant videos on YouTube to help you.

 

If you can find one of the MX chips (670mx or 675mx), I'd heartily recommend one. Unfortunately, the 6000 and 7000 series of AMD cards seem to have quite a high failure rate/prone to heat problems/driver issues.