Upgrading an Alienware 17 (new) GPU

[abillybob]

Hey Guys

 

Anyone know how to upgrade the GPU in my Alienware 17? It's the current version with a 770m GPU and HD4600 but I want to uprade the dedicated GPU to the new 8GB 880m. Is this the same procedure as a desktop do I just slot the other one in or do I have to mess around with the BIOS etc...?

 

If anyone can shed some light on this I'd appreciate it

Cheers

[matt40k]

You clearly have too much money, I recommend you make a donation to the Edu-biscuit fund before continuing

[abillybob]

I'm actually just curious haha No way would I spend that kind of money yet but in a year or two.... It would be handy to know if anyone does know how to upgrade a GPU in an Alienware laptop. I know how to replace the card hardware-wise and stick the old heatsink on the back etc... just not so sure, I heard something about unlocking the BIOS so I though was best to ask on here

[featured_spectre]

A friend did it and bricked his laptop, despite following instructions to the letter. It can mess the mobo and bios up badly to which they will want a large sum to repair. Just a heads up

[matt40k]

Not a fan on Alienware since Dell took them over. Really don't like gaming laptops in general either. Personally I'd rather get a mid-range pc then replace it regularly.

 

Surely for the amount of money you pay for an Alienware, they'd upgrade it for you when you get the new gpu?

[abillybob]

Ugh great, I was hoping it would be simple!

[abillybob]

Not a fan on Alienware since Dell took them over. Really don't like gaming laptops in general either. Personally I'd rather get a mid-range pc then replace it regularly.

 

Surely for the amount of money you pay for an Alienware, they'd upgrade it for you when you get the new gpu?

 

I am the same as you but the build quality is to die for, plus when travelling this little baby let's me go everywhere and hardcore game! It's a lot more powerful than most desktops I see nowadays anyway!

[3s-gtech]

There are a number of factors you have to bear in mind when upgrading a laptop graphics card. The cards are not available to non-OEMs, for a start, so have to be salvaged from a breaker. They make BIG money usually. The cooling requirements are specific and the cooling system is not always compatible between models - depends on the standard that has been used for the card (it's not just like a PCI-E card). Finally, the laptop has to be able to supply enough power to the new card, and the BIOS may have a hissy fit with a different card in there.

 

It's not a gamble I'd take with a modern laptop!