Looks like bios hack and install it is....  A little stupid since the machines are so similar in design etc.

That should be the answer you should expect though, why would Dell even hint to the possibility when it would cut their profit?  What's best for them is them telling you it's not possible and for you to go out and buy their 3 grand system if you want the better end of the gaming experience.  From their end, they're right, there is no other better Dell supported gpu than the go6800 for the I9300 and there probably won't be later on.  From our end, it's a fact that the chassis of all their 17inch laptops are similar and they made it appear as only their "highest-end" laptop would be able to hold the latest gpu, but if you are willing to do the work, take the risk, and void your warranty, this is not the case for you.  I'm not going to spell it all out for you but will pass you on a link that will give you more insight into your speculation.  Best wishes :smileyhappy:

 

http://www.notebookforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=153

But doesnt offering an official upgrade to the XPS gen2 kill your theory that they specifically just want everyone to change machines not parts? :)

Well that's different.  They would have had a bunch of "angry" people on their hands and it wouldn't be very fair for the people that just paid 3 grand for an XPSgen2 right before the M170 came out and missed out on that option.  The people that paid that much for a laptop should be given their dues and plus, why would Dell miss out making a few more hundred off those who want to keep up with the latest :smileywink:.  Best wishes