A new Sager/Clevo (or how I still can't find a GPU for my old Sager)

Some of you might remember my previous post about trying to find a GPU replacement for my NP8170 , and while I am still looking for a suitable GPU I might have to just give up and move onto getting a new computer. That being said, I have several questions for the good people of this forum.

1. Because I'd still rather replace the GPU, are there any places other than E-Bay to look for GPU's? I originally had a 6990M but tried to upgrade to a 7970M but it turned out that it wasn't the right card (v1.1, not v1.2). I have been unable to find a 1.2 within the U.S. (Note: I did contact Sager directly, but they only had 560M and that for $330).

2. I have just started my search, and I have thus far identified the NP8278 as a possible replacement. What I really want to do is cannibalize my old NP8170 and pull the RAM (2x4GB), the hard drive, and the Blu-ray drive from the NP8170 and just put them into the NP8278. Will this work? Are the parts mostly the same? I realize that I'd still have the parts from the NP8278, but I figured I'd just use the hardrive that comes with the computer (1TB) as the 2nd drive, and the SSD that I have now as the C-drive. I was hoping to also just plug in the old RAM sticks into the new computer's slots to double the ram.

More specific questions:

2a) Will the copy of Windows that I have on my SSD work on the new computer? I was planning on going through Xotic and not getting any OS installed on the initial hard drive.

2b) Will the Blu-ray drive from the NP8170 plug into the new computer? I realize, I'll need to go get drivers to make it work.

2c) Is this idea even feasible? I don't think my NP8170 was bad, if it wasn't for the GPU burnout I would be perfectly happy with my old computer.

Xotic questions:

Assuming I go with Xotic I have a few questions about the products/services:

3. Are any of the Black November deals really worth it? I don't want/need custom skins or paint. Obviously, the free pen drive and free IC Thermal Compound, but anything else?

4. I've never had a computer with a Matte finish. My last computer was "Super Glossy". Is it as much of a downgrade as I fear? I never use my computer in a "bright" area (it's 17.3", it's not going outside!), so I can't really see the benefit of Matte but there are no other options.

5. What is 72% NTSC Color Gamut and why would I want that?

6. Is it worth $35 to upgrade to the I7-4810 processor?

7. GTX 970m or Quadro K1100M?

8. One 8 GB ram stick or 2x4GB ram? (Remember, I'm going to put two more sticks in the system)

9. What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?

Thanks to everyone who can give me help with this, I know it is a lot of questions!

 

The ram will want to be 1.35v rather than 1.5v to guarantee stability.

The bluray is swappable, no drivers needed just software.

The os transfer depends on the license type you have.

Have a look up of colour gamut to get exactly what it means but it's the percentage of a a range of colours the display can display. It's important for content creators like photo editors.

The cpu is a may as well upgrade.

 

Thanks for the response Meaker! I'm hoping the wall of text does not scare everyone else away!

 

too bad ure just looking for a seller in the US, im selling a v1.2 7970M on ebay at the moment still covered by almost a year of warranty by clevo...

 

It's worth considering further afield on the MM since people have more of a history with the community

 

I understand, in fact, I'm pretty sure I've seen your E-Bay post. If not, then someone else in Deutschland is selling a 7970M. While I understand that the part might fix my problem for cheaper than a new computer. There is also the distinct possibility that I bricked my laptop when I flashed the bios. It may not have happened, but it is a real possibility. So spending another $400 on a part that may not work and that I could not reasonably return does not seem to be the wisest course of action. If I knew without a doubt that it would work. I would have gone ahead and bought it. Hell, I know someone who will be in Germany in the next month or so, so I could have had him pick it up and saved on shipping! ;-)

MM? I don't know if I know what you are abbreviating here. Also, like I said above, it has more to do with my own doubt about the recover-ability of my laptop and me being able to recoup some of my losses that prevent me from looking outside of the U.S. for the part. I totally get that some of the most helpful people on this forum are from Europe.

As an aside, the 7970M (1.1) still cost me $70 after shipping it back and paying the "restock" fee.

Thanks for the input guys!

 

i perfectly understand your reasoning jerzul, especially since i was in the same exact predicament just a month ago!

 

3. The Black November deals are up to you. If you dindt plan on the custom wraps etc anyway they wont benefit you much, just the items you mentioned like IC Diamond and flash drive. Best thing to do is check out the specials and select any you would like.

4. I do prefer a matte screen myself. If you have a desktop computer and and LCD monitor hooked up to it, it most likely is a matte. I use matte here at work and at home. I just did a video review on a computer that has a glossy screen and the reflection bugged me the whole time.

5. The higher the color gamut the more colors it can produce from the NTSC color spectrum. The standard screens are typically 60% so 72% can display more. If you do anything like photo editing or graphic design its nice to have those extra colors.

6. The current ugprade price for the 4810 is one of the best deals right now, definitely worth it.

7. 970M for gamin K1100M for workstation use.

8. If you plan on adding 2x more I would get 2x4GB so all are running dual channel.

9. .......Delicious!

 

Sorry to hear about your troubles jaybee83!

Thanks Hutsady! You answered a ton of my questions! I really appreciate it! One last question. Is Xotic planning on doing anything special on Black Friday itself? I'll probably wait and check it out because I don't need the new computer right away. The real question is this: is Xotic doing anything special for Cyber Monday? Because, unfortunately, that is in December this year so the other deals will be gone.

 

I can honestly say I have not seen any Black Friday or Cyber Monday specific sales, but at the same time would be surprised if we didnt do something. They're keeping it a good secret, even from me.

 

Please let us know what you did in the end. I am in a similar situation as my P150HM GPU got burned.... Not sure if to only replace GPU or salvage and replace whole thing...

 

Hey Hans, I ended up purchasing a new computer. I just could not find a replacement GPU that I could return if it turned out I'd bricked my laptop. I bought a Sager/Clevo NP8278 and I plan on stripping my old computer of parts and doing an "instant upgrade" on the new computer when it arrives. I hope that helps you come to a decision!