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    Alienware M18x R2 7970m CF GPU Upgrade?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 18 and M18x' started by Haxer87, Aug 25, 2015.

  1. Haxer87

    Haxer87 Newbie

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    Hi,

    I want to ask about the compatible GPUs for my M18x R2 if I want to upgrade.

    My Specs:
    Intel® Core™ i7-3630QM Processor
    16GB DDR3
    Dual AMD Radeon 7970M
    64GB SSD + 1.0TB HDD
    Windows 8 64-bit
     
    Haxer87, Aug 25, 2015
    #1
  2. SkylineLvr

    SkylineLvr Notebook Deity

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    You could go with 680Ms (similar, but better performance than the 7970M IMO) or 780Ms.

    780Ms seem to be the sweet spot for the R2. You can get 880Ms, but they have a ton of issues. You could also go 980Ms, but they can be a pain to get working properly.
     
    SkylineLvr, Aug 25, 2015
    #2
  3. Haxer87

    Haxer87 Newbie

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    Thanks man.
    The reason why i want to upgrade is from what i read that 7970M lifetime is short and may die in 1 year or 2...and that scares the hell out of me...

    is this correct?

    and Do you know any good website to buy 780M besides Ebay?
     
    Haxer87, Aug 25, 2015
    #3
  4. SkylineLvr

    SkylineLvr Notebook Deity

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    There have been reports that the 7970M have a short life span.

    As far as ebay, you can check the FS thread to see if anyone is selling any.

    I sent you a PM, but just noticed you only have 3 posts.
     
    SkylineLvr, Aug 25, 2015
    #4
  5. ht_addict

    ht_addict Notebook Evangelist

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    Since your 7970's are working just fine, why not upgrade your CPU to a i7-3940XM? At the same time pickup some Coollaboratory Ultra and repaste your GPU's and CPU to reduce temps. When and if your 7970's fail, you could pickup something new then
     
    ht_addict, Aug 26, 2015
    #5
    deadsmiley likes this.
  6. Raidriar

    Raidriar ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)

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    Yeah seriously...no point in ditching perfectly working cards. Run them till they die.
     
    Raidriar, Aug 26, 2015
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  7. Splintah

    Splintah Notebook Deity

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    That's a concept I should take to heart

    Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
     
    Splintah, Aug 26, 2015
    #7
  8. Arcticsoldier

    Arcticsoldier Notebook Consultant

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    my 7970m crossfire has been running for over 3 years without issues however they are showing signs of slowness in the new games.
    I redid the thermal paste with lowered the temps. then again i always switch to the intel graphics when not playing games. probably why it has extended its life.
    with the amount it was going to cost to upgrade to 780m or 880m i might as well save up and buy another 18 or a clevo laptop
     
    Arcticsoldier, Jan 5, 2016
    #8
  9. Raidriar

    Raidriar ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)

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    Well, I was able to get 2 780Ms for 300$, so there are deals out there if you look.
     
    Raidriar, Jan 6, 2016
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  10. wesg123

    wesg123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've got two gtx 780M's for sale
     
    wesg123, Jan 6, 2016
    #10