m18x R1 - video card problem / upgrade suggestions

Question

So, it all started with a BSOD error that referenced atikmpag.sys I've had my m18x R1 for almost 3 1/2 years and this is the first BSOD that I'd ever seen, so I was a little concerned, especially because it would only boot in Safe Mode. After a bunch of troubleshooting and running the available diagnostics the following error was found:  Error Code: 2000-0332      Validation: 52847 Video memory integrity test discrepancy In the end, I wiped everything to factory settings but things still weren't functioning well so I went with a full reinstall of Windows 7 Home Edition and cobbled things together to get it running again with the AMD 6970M completely disabled (though still plugged in) and using the on-board Intel graphics. I haven't been able to figure out what the Validation code refers to but considering the problems, I'd guess the graphics card is shot. Can someone confirm that? And if there is some kind of obvious solution that I haven't tried yet to resolve this problem, I'm all ears (or 'eyes' in this case). And if it is shot -- which I'm guessing it is -- what's a good upgrade/replacement? There's a load of information online about possible replacements but I'd really like to hear from m18x R1 owners that have direct experience with replacements/upgrades. Ideally, I'd like to upgrade to a more powerful graphics card to extend the capacity to play games into the future without having to tinker with/upgrade other aspects of the laptop. Full System Specs (to the best of my knowledge and prior to turning the AMD 6970M off):

Alienware - Rodrigo · Accepted Answer

Hello,

We recommend flashing the latest system Bios firmware if you haven't already done so, click here for the Bios download link. Try running the ePSA/Diagnostics test again and if you continue to get the same error code then you may need to replace the video card.

Error message information.

OmniAvenger · Answer

Thanks for answering. I definitely flashed the BIOS to the latest firmware then ran the diagnostics again and got the same result.

I am now officially dreading the process of sourcing a replacement card!

There are some good threads on this forum about possible replacement GPU's for the m18x R1, but I'd love to hear from other owners of the R1 that have successfully made this kind of replacement. Anyone want to chime in?

If nothing else, these forums are the only Support Group I have in this situation and some success stories might make me feel a little better about this.

Alienware - Rodrigo · Answer

You're welcome. You could also try posting this on the Notebook Review and Alienware Arena forums.

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