Could use some help/opinions

Yes I am a new member, but I have been browsing these forums for awhile. So before I start, I would like to thank many of you who have saved me hours of frustration just by taking your advice. Now to the point:

I own a Sager NP8150 with the following specs:
i7-2760QM 2.4 Ghz
16 GB RAM
AMD Radeon HD 6990M 2G DDR5

I have been gaming on it for quite some time and tonight I came home to see that my video card has most likely died. I am assuming the Windows is running off of the integrated graphics, but when I go to play any game, I see striped lines and my entire computer freezes. I downloaded the latest drivers, etc but nothing seems to work. However, the video card itself is still picked up through Catalyst or whatever center.

What I need to know is how in the world do I get a new one? I either would like a new 6990m as it does fit my needs (I cant seem to find one though) or I would like to upgrade. Am I limited to what I can upgrade to and what would you guys recommend doing? I can build computers but am not extremely knowledgeable in the laptop area. Does Sager offer these services or should I just do it myself?

Any insight would be great or if you could link me to helpful sites I have no problem learning myself.

Thank you!

 

6990M | eBay

Laptop Video Cards :: ATI HD 6990M 2GB Video Card for P150HM/P170HM - R&J Technology, Clevo Barebone Notebook kits, Laptop and desktop system builder

But 7970M is cheaper

Laptop Video Cards :: ATI HD 7970M 2GB Mobile Video Card - R&J Technology, Clevo Barebone Notebook kits, Laptop and desktop system builder

 

for the 7970M ull need to make sure it has a preflashed modded vBIOS which ensures its functionality in Clevo HM laptops (one of which ur Sager 8150 is). in case its not already preflashed, u can find details on the necessary steps in the thread linked in my signature.

as for swapping the gpu, check the service manual for your laptop: https://www.box.com/s/28d884ee3ebf86b893e6

it also includes pictures in order to better visualize the whole thing ull also need to get urself a decent thermal paste such as OCZ Freeze or IC Diamond 7, among others.

 

Thank you for information. Is there a list for compatible graphics cards for my laptop? For instance can I downgrade? Also I read that it's possible to use a Nvidia card instead of the ATI. Can anyone verify this?

Also is it possible that my GPU didn't die? Wouldn't I not be able to boot windows and run everything else? Like I browse the web on it and play videos. I only get the stripes when I open one game and I only play that game. Or is my integrated kicking in?

 

I don't think there is an integrated GPU on the NP8150. Unless there is one with the AMD card I have the 485m and no integrated graphics.

I wasn't aware of any issues with the 6990m until last week when I believe it was Meaker(?) said something and since then I have seen a lot of threads and instances regarding this.

 

Check device manager, under display adapters, and see if you have an integrated gpu. If you don't have it, maybe there's something wrong about your heating?

I have had my p150em since June, and I had sooo much dust in it, removing the backplate and the fans and cleaning then is really easy.

 

nope, theres no functional iGPU in ur machine, its physically there but deactivated.
gpus compatible with ur laptop would be the following (that i know of):

nvidia - 460m/470m/480m/485m/560m/570m/580m/680m

AMD - 6970m/6990m/7970m

best bang per buck choice for u would be the 7970m at the moment.

as for ur current gpu: it definitely shows signs of failing. even tho its not completely there yet and is only showing degradation signs under load u can expect it to die on you anytime pretty much. so if u need any important data on an everyday basis i would get it outta there now, otherwise u wont be able to access it until u get urself a new gpu.

if ure into some DIY solution and dont mind tinkering, theres always the oven baking method in order to "fix" ur gpu and breathe at least several weeks to months of extra life into it just google it, ull find it quickly.

thats correct, we have been noticing quite a few 6990m gpus failing these past weeks/months. very diconcerting to say the least :-/

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

you can try the oven method first

 

Hey guys. You are the best. Here is an update. After turning my computer on last night it was completely off (the screen). So this morning I baked the card and put it back in. I am currently typing from the same computer the card is in. However it is doing some weird things. The fans keep turning off and on and the GPU temperature keeps spiking from 60 to 100 (Celsius). I am not going to try to game on it but I am going to try to use it for regular tasks until a new GPU comes in. I would assume this means that the video card was in fact dead and is still dying which is a real shame considering the laptop is 17 months old and I do not game hardcore on it.

Note: There seems to be no more thermal compound left on the GPU. Would adding some solve this?

 

umm, did you not repaste the GPU after you baked it?

if not, then the heatsink is not in proper contact with the GPU which leads to rapid temperature spikes. So you should immediately repaste the GPU with proper thermal compound.

 

oh my god YESSSSS!

dont run your lappy if you have no thermal paste for contact. no wonder its hitting 100c

http://forum.notebookreview.com/zep...znote-6224w-but-works-all-brands-modells.html

congratulations and welcome to the oven baking club.

at least you didnt use a microwave like a member did on here a few years ago and he couldnt understand why he had to call the fire brigade to put out his dorm kitchen.

 

Yeah I just wanted to test to see if it would still work. I didnt have any compound but it is on its way

 

I'll admit, when I first heard about putting a graphics card/motherboard/etc in the oven to bake it, I thought people were nuts. Computer components in an oven?! But after some research, it make sense - even heat distribution re-settles any cracked solder, thereby restoring connection.

However, pretty sure I was taught at an early age that you never put anything metal in the microwave. What a lol moment.