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    GTX 780M Upgrade

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by zvi_aoki, Nov 21, 2013.

  1. zvi_aoki

    zvi_aoki Newbie

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    I been thinking of upgrading my M15x graphic card to GTX 780m. Is it possible & compatible?

    Currently running on i7-740QM processor, 8gb, GTX 460m.

    Need advise.

    Thanks.
     
    zvi_aoki, Nov 21, 2013
    #1
  2. STiHiaL

    STiHiaL Notebook Consultant

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    It is possible, but better to go with 680M or 7970M (will be almost twice cheaper than 680M).
     
    STiHiaL, Nov 22, 2013
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  3. King of Interns

    King of Interns Simply a laptop enthusiast

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    Highly unadvisable! The 780M needs 120W or so to run at stock clocks. The M15x can barely provide that to the GPU.

    The reason is the voltage circuits in the M15x only allow a max power draw of somewhere around 110-120W. Running at 7970M at stock voltage 1.05V (100W card) is already pushing the power draw limit in the M15x. I have tested this thoroughly.

    A much better choice is the 680M GTX. As it is more power efficient than the 7970M but OC's much better becoming a more powerful card. Because of low power vram it saves power. Best power comsumption/performance card so far for this laptop.

    With 780M GTX you would struggle to run stock clocks without a heavy undervolt. Pretty pointless considering the cost of the card and that you cannot reach it's performance potential. 680M is also pretty cheap nowadays!
     
    King of Interns, Nov 23, 2013
    #3
  4. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    Same here, I would recommend you a less power hungry GPU such as the 680m or 6990.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Nov 29, 2013
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  5. fatboyslimerr

    fatboyslimerr Alienware M15x Fanatic

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    6990M did not work well for me. It runs very hot and doesn't have great performance! Much better to get a 7970M imo.
     
    fatboyslimerr, Nov 30, 2013
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  6. chopsy

    chopsy Notebook Consultant

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    wrong post, sorry, i'm tired
     
    chopsy, Dec 18, 2013
    #6