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Alienware M17XR4 Graphics card update from GeForce GTX680
Hello, I have an Alienware M17XR4 with a Nvidia GeForce GTX680 and I was wondering if it is possible to upgrade my graphics card. Ideally upgrading to as new Nvidia card as will work. My current set up is Windows 7 Professional, Intel Core i7-3840QM CPU @ 2.80GHz, 32G RAM. Any help would be appreciated on the best possible upgrade, where to obtain and how to install. Thanks!
Game7a1
727 Posts
1
May 26th, 2015 09:00
You should be able to check by seeing if 120 Hz is the max refresh rate as opposed to 60 Hz (through Nvidia Control Panel).
Notify me this first before I suggest anything else.
Game7a1
727 Posts
1
May 26th, 2015 11:00
Items you'll need:
Some sellers, like eurocom or upgrademonkey, sell kits that include the GPU and thermal paste.
Most common place to find mobile GPUs is ebay.
Game7a1
727 Posts
1
May 26th, 2015 15:00
I don't think there are too many differences between the R3 and R4, so that video should work fine.
The GTX 980m would work, but it requires a bit more effort than the GTX 780m or GTX 880m (side note: the 780m and 880m are the same GPU except the 880m is clocked slightly higher).
Game7a1
727 Posts
0
May 26th, 2015 18:00
A lot.
It's not much more difficult to install, but it does how some caveats if you don't get a modified vBIOS. And it's expensive.
Game7a1
727 Posts
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May 26th, 2015 19:00
You would have to go to a different forum.
It's not necessary to get a modified vBIOS. Either way, custom or not, your performance should be the same.
Game7a1
727 Posts
1
May 25th, 2015 21:00
1. Yes.
2. Up to a GTX 780m/880m or GTX 980m.
3. ebay.
Do you have the 3D panel or no?
Highum
7 Posts
0
May 26th, 2015 06:00
Hello, thanks for the quick response. The computer was a gift and I don't know if it has a 3D panel, how would I find out? Would upgrading to a GTX 880m or 980m cause heat issues? Are they quick and easy to install and is there a specific type needed for my computer?
Highum
7 Posts
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May 26th, 2015 09:00
The highest refresh rate is 60Hz. Thanks.
Highum
7 Posts
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May 26th, 2015 15:00
Thanks again, you have been a load of help. Two more things real quick, will a GTX980 work well with the rest of my system? and is this video an accurate representation of the process?[View:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVdxBnGMXGQ:550:0]
Highum
7 Posts
0
May 26th, 2015 17:00
The GTX 980 is more complex to install? How big of an improvement is the 980 over 880/780 and my current 680?
Highum
7 Posts
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May 26th, 2015 19:00
Alright, I will look into it, looking to purchase a GTX980 and upgrade to that. Thanks so much for all of your help!
Highum
7 Posts
0
May 26th, 2015 19:00
Wait how would I get a modified vBIOS? Also would it effect anything else with my computer?