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February 21st, 2015 06:00

m17x R4 Graphics upgrade to New Gen Graphics

Hi everyone,

i currently own an Alienware m17x r4, running a HD7970m graphics card. I would like to upgrade my graphics card and have access to a Nvidia GTX 970m and GTX 980m from the newer Alienware 17 r2 model, I just want clarification if the size/socket of the GTX 980m or 970m would fit my m17x r4.

Yes i know replacing/upgrading my laptop will void/modify warranty, and Yes i know how to change and replace the card, and Yes im aware they are different generations of graphics.

The reason why im posting this is because i know the 17" alienware range is up-gradable, i just wanted to know the limitations of how up-gradable it is, and if the 980m or 970m that i have access too will work in my  laptop. 

Thanks

727 Posts

May 29th, 2015 08:00

Compared with your current GPU, here are your options.

  • GTX 680m
  • GTX 780m / GTX 880m (same GPUs)
  • GTX 870m
  • GTX 970m
  • GTX 980m
  • HD 8970m / R9 m290x (same GPUs)

Moderator

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2.7K Posts

February 23rd, 2015 18:00

We didn’t test those video cards in the M17XR4 so there is no way for us to assure you that they will fit properly.

I will recommend you to ask in modification forums like Notebook review or Alienware Arena so they can provide you a better reference.

2 Posts

May 12th, 2015 09:00

Hiya Mate

Those cards are compatible with the Laptop because I've transfered across to an Nvidia GTX980m from a 7970m - but the things you need to get is the graphics card X bracket which you can buy from Ebay and thermal pads and paste, you also need to MOD the driver as well - I used this link to do it http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/mr-foxs-geforce-345-20-desktop-driver-mod-for-alienware-and-clevo-mobile-gpus.772018/

This model and series of laptop wasn't created to support Nvidia but with the file MOD it works fine. 

Aswell you may have to update your bios version depending on which one your on look through forums to see which one you need to get. 

Obviously make sure you uninstall the HD7970m drivers first before installing the new card. 

3 Posts

May 29th, 2015 06:00

Hi,

I have got a m17x R4 two years ago with AMD HD 7970m but now it seems not working. I prefer to change to another graphics card. I would like know which graphic card is compatible to my machine. Could you please give me some suggestions? 

Thanks a lot

3 Posts

May 29th, 2015 08:00

Hi,

Thanks a lot for your suggestions. Would you mind if I ask other questions?

1. Do I need to change the heatsink if I want to change to GTX series?


2. If I would like to upgrade to R9 m290x, do I need to change the heatsink or x-bracket?


Looking forward to your reply!

727 Posts

May 29th, 2015 08:00

  1. The only thing I think you would need yto change is the X-bracket.
  2. Nope.

3 Posts

May 29th, 2015 09:00

Thanks a lot to your help.

1 Message

September 15th, 2016 09:00

Hello, I have Alienware M17x R4 with a graphics card GeForce GTX 660M, I would like to know if it is possible to upgrade the graphics card for a better one. If so who do I need to contact to get any further information?

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