Area-51m R1, RTX 2080 upgrade kit? #4

Call dell and they'll have the part for you but since the new 3000 series came out it'll make the price for the rtx 2080 cheaper.

You will need to contact your local Dell office to find out about availability.  The 2080 upgrade kits were released late in 2019, for about $1,400 list price -- but not long thereafter the supplies dried up, with Dell promising more kits at some unspecified time in the future.  I haven't seen any announcement that more ever became available.

Unfortunately, if Dell doesn't have these, you're stranded:  these are proprietary format cards that aren't made by any other suppliers.  That being the case, don't expect prices to fall;  if anything, since this is a terminal upgrade for your model, they'll probably rise.  That's what happens when demand outstrips supply, and the part is single-source.

Don't expect the advent of the 3000 series GPUs to change anything, as these cannot be used in the R1 systems (by Dell's own announcement).  And with the small number ever produced, the 2080 cards will always be expensive as a result. 

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here's something cheaper:

https://www.ebay.com/i/362915054980?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-213727-13078-0&mkcid=2&itemid=362915054980&targetid=4580153133025350&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=403204659&mkgroupid=1224856168388240&rlsatarget=pla-4580153133025350&abcId=9300377&merchantid=51291&msclkid=76263c1d60ee1ffdf9a26375da80e8a5

What is in the Dell GPU upgrade Kit (check before buying):-

The Dell kits come with three parts: a new GPU built on Dell’s DGFF (Dell Graphics Form Factor) specification; a thermal kit for that GPU (the more powerful GPUs need better cooling); and a more powerful charger. In November 2019, Dell was also offering a service where a technician will come by and perform the installation for you, should you not be comfortable taking apart your laptop yourself.

Better to start with the upgrade kit and not just the GPU?

There's also a warranty on the card when the kit comes from Dell -- buy used on EBay and you may save a few hundred dollars, but if the card fails in a short time, good luck unless the seller has a sterling reputation.

There has been speculation Here: Should Nvidia ever launch the "RTX 3080", for example, existing owners could simply swap out the GPUs not unlike on a desktop. The actual process of replacing the GPU will still be relatively involved because users must remove the bottom plating and heat sink beforehand. To alleviate this, Dell will offer upgrade options where users can send in their Area-51m laptops for professional servicing and more.

Search on Dell Graphic & Video Cards did not find the Alienware Area-51m NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Upgrade kit, built on Dell’s DGFF (Dell Graphics Form Factor).

Dell/Alienware has already confirmed the 2080 will be the terminal upgrade for the Area 51m R1.

Well yeah but if you wanna spend $1,680 on a RTX 2080 with 8gb of VRAM instead of a Fully upgradable 3080 with 14Gb of GDDR6X and HDMI 2.1 support?

I understand the RTX 2080 for the Area 51m has a warranty but mines already expired.

Hi @JonathanSF  when you get the Alienware Area-51m NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Upgrade kit and before you install it, carefully check its heat dissipation capability. Users report the on-board power Mosfets burn out without extra cooling.

Unfortunately there is considerable speculation what thermal solution is in the current Dell kit. Users say it should include a backside VRM radiator part number 2WYX4 or P92K8. Other users say it should have a thermal pad. Some user say it should have an improved heat extraction fan.

However, we have no idea what is supplied in the current Dell kit. Please update this thread with what is in the Dell kit supplied to you. Thank you.  

I got it.