M17x R3, supported GPU?

Welcome to the Dell Community @Claude20 

These are the AMD drivers for your laptop.

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=4nym5&oscode=w764&productcode=alienware-m17x-r3

Dell Alienware M17xR3 Video Cards:

https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=category&id=151&subid=344&refine=video+card

You will need a new heatsink to match the new GPU.

Dell Alienware M17xR3 Heatsinks:

https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=category&id=151&subid=344&refine=heatsink

Alienware M17X R3 Service Manual:

https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_alienware_laptops/alienware-m17x-r3_service%20manual_en-us.pdf

Best regards,

U2

Hi Claude,

Yes, AMD cards will work on your R3. Your best option will probably be the 7970M but I have heard that the 8970M (R9 M290x) will also work with a bit of effort. 

Here is a guide for installing the 7970M

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/guide-installing-and-overclocking-the-amd-mobility-7970-in-the-m17x-r3-an-illustrated-guide.658958/

If you decide to stick with Nvidia then the 780M is usually the best option. The 880M should also work but they are prone to failure due to high temps. They aren't much stronger than the 780M anyway. You will need the unlocked BIOS and a modded driver to run these cards. 

Where can I get these modified graphics driver  please?

@zipitupuk The best thing to do is to learn how to modify it yourself. It seems tricky but isn't too hard if you follow the steps properly

https://null-src.com/posts/nvidia-notebook-driver-inf-mod/post.php

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8igM5DcTukw

Have a go and let me know if you need extra help

Thanks  Matty