GPU missing on M4700

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Okay, what is this shady private discussion? Like, why we cannot post the solution here?!

When you are using the "Switchable Graphics" feature the Bios will report the video device as the integrated Intel chip.  Here are a few thigs to try:

Go into the Bios and disable "Switchable Graphics" then save and exit.
Turn the machine on.
     If you can see the Dell logo, boot into windows and install the drivers for your GPU.  Then test for correct functionality.
     If the screen stays black, it's troubleshooting time...
         Take the computer apart verifying all of the screws where the correct one for the hole (They are all labeled)
         Check to make sure the GPU is seated correctly in the MXM slot.
         Check to make sure the heatsink is lined up correctly and all of the screws are tightened (And not cross-threaded)

Incorrect screw lengths can damage components.
Incorrectly lined up heatsinks can damage components
On a side note, Did you use an ESD strap while working inside of your laptop?

There is no such an option to disable switchable GPUs on the Dell M4700.

Yes there is in the Bios settings.  If you are not seeing the option, that means the computer does not detect anything plugged into the MXM slot.

So how is that possible. Until now everything worked fine. When I changed the hard drive, first, because of BitLocker I lost all my data. Second, if I insert a bad GPU in a PC, it will not even boot up. Did Dell make a supercomputer? That when a bad HW inserted, it can still work? For example, next time when I insert a bad DDR module, it will still work?

I have lots of experience dealing with maintenance and upgrades on this era Dell Precision Mobile Workstations.  They are very nice but they are old 

When switchable graphics are enabled, the Intel graphic device built into the CPU is the device that drives your screen.  The system doesn't care about your MXM card works for post.  (GPU present = switchable graphics option available)

If the option is not there in the BIOS, that means the system does not see a MXM card inserted into the slot.
If the option is there and you uncheck it, the system completely disables the Intel graphics and functions using only the MXM slot as the video output device.  From here there are three possible outcomes:

1. Computer posts and shows the correct MXM card info in the Bios (MXM card Device ID is on the whitelist)

2. Computer posts and shows unknown MXM card info in the Bios (MXM card Device ID is not on the whitelist)

3. Backlight comes on but no video output. (MXM card is either defective, or incompatible with LVDS screens) 

It is rally sad that this laptop a few years ago cost 2000 + eur, and it cannot even post a GPU error.

So I opened the laptop several times, cleaned the GPU and inserted it back in the sloth. Now its working.

You need to keep in mind that this machine was sold new in 2012 and 2013 (7-8 years ago) , and the very last of the 5 year factory warranties expired 2 years ago.  The seer fact that so many of these old M series Precision machines are still running strong is pretty amazing.

I have owned, upgraded, and maintained the following all purchased used on ebay over the years:
Precision M6600 (This one eventually stopped accepting MXM GPUs after changing owners away from me and living a hard life) 
Precision M6700 (Upgraded to a GTX 980M)
Precision M4600
Precision M4700 (Still being used in the house)
Precision M4800

Currently in use are newer style Precision 7710 (Upgraded to Quadro P5000) and Precision 7510.

@JamesJAB1​ - Man, I wish that I would've known about this thread earlier on.  I've been looking for a well-versed M4700 owner for quite a while and James seems to be just who I've been looking for. 

If you're still a part of the Dell support community, James, would you kindly let me know?  I hate hijack this thread, but this issue seems to be solved now, so how about a quick message right here? 

If you're available, I can start a separate thread to facilitate further discussion.  I've got a very nice example of an M4700 that's presently sick - but really deserves a few more years of use. Thank you kindly, sir!