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    GPU card interface -how to be sure ?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by RG Sneaker, Sep 22, 2011.

  1. RG Sneaker

    RG Sneaker Newbie

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    Hi,
    I already tried to ask Dell if I could buy GPU cards WITHOUT the tech guy mounting it for me for a fee included in the (heavy) price tag, and here they say "No!", so I need to go and buy one outside.
    Q1: If I want to be 100% sure that it will fit the M15x, which interface do I need to watch for? Is it called something recognisable? PCImv2 or something fancy?
    Q2: Besides EBay and "MXM Upgrade" webpage, are there other "official" vendors?
    Q3: MXM has a disclaimer about the version of the M15x, that it HAS to be v3.0. Where do I check that? One of the labels?

    Thanks

    Great forum
     
    RG Sneaker, Sep 22, 2011
    #1
  2. Chinopr

    Chinopr Notebook Consultant

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    A1:
    So far, here are the GPU upgrades you can go for:
    NVIDIA: GTX 460m, GTX 470m (ask member svl7 for more info.), GTX 560m (ask member dutchess63 for more info.)
    AMD: HD Mobility Radeon - 5850, 5870 (flashed with A00 VBIOS), 6970 and 6990.

    All those cards are MXM 3.0 Type B connector.

    A2:
    Besides those websites you mentioned you can purchase some of those GPUs from the members here in the marketplace forum.

    A3:
    I dont think there is a label indicating the connector type but I could be wrong. Regardless, the GPUs I listed has been indicated to work in the m15x (some with modifications).

    Hope this helps :D
     
    Chinopr, Sep 22, 2011
    #2
  3. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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    Mobile PCI Express Module (MXM) is a standard graphics interface for PCI Express systems. Version 3.0b allows for up to a 256-bit data bus. The M15x uses the MXM 3.0b. Theoretically any MXM 3.0b video card should work, but in fact there are variations that result in incompatibilities. But, in addition to being a standard MXM 3.0b card, it must also be supported by the BIOS for it to work properly in the M15x. At the moment that means the Nvidia 260M or 460M, with the 560M not being officially supported, but functional without modification. For ATI/AMD, the 5850M is officially supported, but the 5870M, 6970M and 6990M are all functional, though sometimes requiring vbios flashing or the use of auxiliary programs for fan control. Best to stay with Dell brand cards if available. Clevo cards work generally, but may lack some features. Just ask here about any specific card(s) you consider and help will be available.
     
    The Revelator, Sep 22, 2011
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  4. dutchess63

    dutchess63 Notebook Consultant

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    its in the manual RTFM :D
     
    dutchess63, Sep 23, 2011
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