Couple of quick questions.

Hey guys, so I've had my m15x for a while got it in July 2010 actually and I have to say I love the laptop and I have had absolutely no problems with it. However I do have a few questions and a friend pointed me here for answers and a solid community for these laptops.

I have an Nvidia 260m GTX, now I'm new to laptop gaming but not PC gaming or parts in general. I was wondering is it possible to simply switch to an ATI card like for example the 5850 or 5870 card? Would it be similar to desktop where I just wipe drivers install reboot and install or how do you do it.

Where can I get a good deal on a newer card for my M15x? I'm interested mainly in the 460m or 5870, I saw an nvidia 460m new on ebay for 320 but it looked like it had no heatsink? Do I have to remount the headsink when installing the card with whatever the current heatsink is inside the laptop?

I have the extra warranty that costs a ton for 3 years.. I was told to buy it because they replace the laptop asap no questions asked.. now is this true? Could I simply "accidentally" spill water on it and get the latest and greatest version of the m15x?


Also by the way this site seems to be a great place for alienware owners to come and discuss and ask questions.. saw someone with the 6990m in their m15 and almost couldn't believe it lol.

 

Yes you're able to just switch the card, but it must be a MXM card. Some manufacturers have different card slots.

For me, just for safety I got my GTX460m from dell, and they give a warranty on it. And yes, you can use the mounting plate from your current gpu and place it on your new gpu.

Well, technically yes you get replacements really easily. But a brand new rig? That depends on the tech department, whether they're able to replace the parts. If it's totally destroyed, then they have to replace it with a new rig. Note that it's complete-cover i'm talking about.

 

This is my current warranty plan, I'm usually not one to buy warranties but this laptop was a nice chunk of money lol

 

Complete Care covers almost everything ranging from drops to spills. Just google "Complete Care Dell Warranty" and you'll find everything you need.

 

Is there any reason why I can't play HD videos while on battery? a 720p episode of the office plays so choppy until I plug it in.

 

i think u need to have accident insurance to cover spills which comes at extra cost

 

Exchanging the GPU is really easy if you know what you're doing and take some care.

There's no 6990m, but the 6970m, and yes, it works fine... the card is fantastic, second best mobile GPU atm. But it's not officially supported.

"Accidentaly" damaging your system is a seriously stupid idea and fraud. Btw you won't get a better machine anyway, only a refurbished one... your system seems to work perfectly, so be happy with what you have. If you want more power, upgrading it yourself is not a big deal.

 

actually the replacement units are new, if you bought your system new. you get refurbs replacements when you buy from the outlets.

 

Ok, cool. Nevertheless it's a stupid idea.

 

lol I wouldn't do anything to it intentionally I love this machine to death! How much are those 6970's going for online and where could I pick one up just ebay? Also would it be a problem coming from an nvidia 260m gtx or just a simple swap and wipe drivers.

Also hows that 920 of yours? Worth upgrading mine from this 740?

 

920xm is a beast, whether you really need it is a different question. For gaming the 6970m will be a much bigger improvement. You have the 260m, so if I were you I'd set my priority to upgrading the GPU.

All information about the 6970m and the M15x can be found here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m15x/571445-m15x-6970m-what-you-need-know-upgrading-problems-solutions.html

Here you'll find where to buy the cards that are confirmed to work and everything else you need to know. If something doesn't get answerd there, just post a question there.