M15x GPU Thread: General Discussion on Upgrades, GPU Troubleshooting & Repairs

Dont waste your money, just get the 920xm

 

Hi All,

I was wondering if someone can help me out please?

I have an Alienware M15x, it has Intel Core i5 processore at 2.4ghz. 8gb RAM, 500GB HDD. It currently has a Geforce GTX 460M but am looking to upgrade it to the best my laptop can handle. Dont mind paying around £250 for the card.

I know I need to be careful about what card to buy so was wondering which Geforce card my laptop will be able to handle.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

It's usually much easier to get AMD cards working and they tend to be much cheaper so considering your budget that may be your best option.

 

Within your budget plus using the proceeds from selling your 460M you might just about be able to afford the AMD 7970M. Only the nvidia 680M is comparable in performance and this card costs quite a bit more plus it needs vbios tweaking to get it to work properly in the M15x. The 7970M on the other hand works plug and play. Simply install drivers and you are good to go. Try to get your hands on a dell card as then you get native fan control, display port and HDMI audio out etc. There are other brands such as clevo cards and with these they work but the fans will run full speed meaning you need to use HWinfo to manually control fans (a bit of a pain if you ask me!)

Also if you intend to upgrade to a high end GPU you might want to consider popping a i7 920xm under the hood too. The i5 you own is fine with a 460M however the 7970M is incredibly powerful; about 4x more powerful (no kidding!). The i5 therefore will become a bottleneck fast in modern multi core game titles. While using a nifty program called throttlestop you can give your 920xm steroids. Stock 2.26ghz across all 4 cores at max load. Using throttlestop it can handle up to 3.33ghz no problem. Across 1-2 cores you can achieve speeds up to 3.7ghz( a speed even your i5 probably can't hit!)

 

Hmm interesting. I'll certainly need to do some further research on this. Guys, thank you so much for your help. Its very much appreciated.

 

Hi guys, currently my AW15x has 6GB ram, I was wondering if I should bother with the Crucial 8GB kit, I see that it can run at 1.35v as opposed to the current 1.5v. So my question is, does AW15x support this low voltage? Also, will this upgrade be worthwhile? It'll cost me around £30 and if the gains are good, I wouldnt mind it at all

Thanks in advance!

 

You should really be asking yourself if you will be using the extra ram or not. Check your current ram usage in task manager > processes tab. If you're looking for a quicker/snappier laptop then go for a ssd because you can guarantee that's money well spent.

 

Hey thanks for getting back to me. I had thought of the SSD but the problem with the AWm15x is that the max speed supported is 3gb/s as opposed to the current 6gb/s in other laptops. I was thinking about the RAM upgrade because the Crucial memory runs at 1.35v so does M15x support that low voltage? Also, my current RAM is 2 + 4 and both are made by different manufacturers lol.

 

It doesn't matter if they are different brands, what matters are things like frequency, timings, etc. with your current setup it'll run asymmetrical dual channel, not proper dual channel. Before i upgraded to 8gb ram i had a 1gb+2gb setup, and didn't really notice any difference cuz quite frankly i never used a whole lot of ram at any given time. In retrospect, i should've gone for an ssd. Getting a 6gb/s ssd isn't in issue even though it won't run at those speeds because when you look to buy a new laptop you can always put it into the new one down the track. As for the voltage of the ram not sure. Btw i too have the 8gb crucial ram kit, just not sure of the voltage but its 1066 not 1333 fwiw.

 

Alright, thanks for the info, I guess I'll save up for an SSD. Know any good ones out there with M15x compatibility?

 

Crucial M4 and the samsung 830 are good drives. The samsung 840 is out now too just not sure how good it is...either way it'll make the 830 cheaper

 

i am getting a decent deal on GTX485M pulled from a P150HM. would i be able to upgrade my ageing 260m in m15x. htx485m is coming without hsf.

any help is appreciated.

 

Why not just go for 7970m or if thats a bit too pricey...the 6990m is an option as well.

 

Hi all,

I'm responding to this thread not to answer anyone else's question(s); but to pose one of my own as this is a thread for M15x GPU problems. I have an M15x w/GTX260M. I disabled hybrid graphics from within the BIOS so that only the GTX260M shows up in Device Manager. CPU-Z also lists the GTX260M with a gig of RAM, but does not show any type of clock or memory speeds. HW Monitor doesn't list a video card at all. I have been unable to load the CUDA drivers even though the GTX260M is on the list of compatible vid cards. The error message I get is that the driver cannot find any compatible device. Is the GTX260M on my laptop a physical card or is it some kind of vaporware that only mimics GTX260M graphics performance? If the former, is it possible to load CUDA drivers or am I stuck with whatever Dell puts out?

 

Not sure why you went to the trouble of disabling hybrid graphics. Before doing so was everything reporting fine in cpuz/hwinfo? The 260m is a gpu, its a physical card in the machine. You can download and install any nvidia compatible driver. You don't need to stick with dell. I would say to undo what you did. When i had that card, there was no need to make any bios changes at all.

 

Before doing so the GTX260M was not seen at all in CPU-Z, HW Monitor or Device Manager. The reason I disabled the integrated graphics was to be able to "see" the GTX260M. The GTX260M is on the compatible list of vid cards for CUDA drivers which I want to install to be able to fold bigger and better proteins for Folding@Home.

 

Hi, i have M15x (bios A09, i7-720QM, GeForce GTX 260M, display 1600x900). I want to replace the video card on the GTX 670MX. GTX 670MX - from Alienvare Upgrade Kit for M17x/M18.
Will you need to flash the BIOS video card to work properly with the M15x? Will the fans run in normal mode and hdmi output sound?
Thank you!

 

Talked to support, said it would run in normal mode - fans, Hdmi. Ordered now will look forward to delivery.

 

Thats really strange that support told you that the 670mx would work in the M15x. Bear in my if it doesn't work or any problems arise the onus is still on you. Cant point fingers at them.

 

Support Eurocom.

 

The 670MX should work fine. Even a 680m works after a vbios flash. The 670MX shouldn't require one since it's lower power consuming. I think it uses even less power than the 7970m. Let us know how it goes! I almost bought that card, but ended up with a 7970m instead.

 

I would be very interested to know how you go as well. Im wanting to upgrade soonish.

 

I too purchased a 670MX from eurocom. It is expected to arrive on thursday. I will post results and benchmarks over the weekend.

 

And you ordered the green or blue card?

 

... since when M15x has a hybrid video ?

 

It is the one with the blue PCB. Eurocom only has the 670mx with a blue PCB in their ebay store from what I've seen.

 

Hi, is there any news on the new video card?

 

Yes, the card works. It is also compatible with the MXM port's display port interface and no problems with the AUX ICs switching when sensing video input. As for knowing if new HDMI standards like 1.4a is supported, remains unknown(do not have a supported monitor). Thermal control is efficient. So far I have only played dishonored(seems to be a console port I think) with the new card. I was able to run the game maxed @ 1920x1080 @ 60 fps with 30 fps being the minimum. No throttling problems so far. This is a worthy upgrade for those who do not want to break the bank.

 

MH-PALA , Do I need to modify the driver for the card? No problems with the replacement card has not arisen? (my card is about to come)

 

Wat are the temps like? Have you tried oc'ing at all?

 

No problems have occurred so far.

Yes, the driver files need to be modified. A copy of the 302.92 and 306.14 drivers should be supplied with your order. The 302.92 driver did not work for me(Not a valid outcome for debate since I reinstalled Windows 7 with no intention on installing updates), but the 306.14 driver worked perfect. Both drivers do not work for Windows 8. I contacted Eurocom and they stated that Windows 8 drivers are still being tested. If your card shipped without a disk containing the drivers, send me a PM and i'll host them via MF for you. Also all features of the Nvidia Control Panel and WDDM work.

I have not overclocked the card yet, but the core and memory clock can be modified via Afterburner. Like the 680m and 660m, it seems the VBIOS needs to be modified in order to alter the voltage of the card. I am going to post a copy of the VBIOS on the techinferno forum and see if anyone takes the initiative to modify it.

I cannot really find a problem wrong with the card. I use HWinfo to modify the fans to their top RPM and the card's temperature stays in the 50c to 56c range(it can thermally manage it's self where i've seen the temp reach in the 60s. Note: I prefer to do fan control while playing games). OSD and other Alienware oriented software works fine.

For fitment, no modification is needed, it fits right in(MXM 3.0 type b standard). The card's embedded ICs do not interfere with heat sink fitment. The supplied heat sink screws have the right thread length for a proper tight fit of heat sink with no looseness. The thermal pads have good contact with the heat sink and corresponding components on the card. I'm guessing this is your first time upgrading your M15x. Be sure to remove the foam like pads under the X-braket before inserting. I was reading through Eurocom's Ebay feedback and came across a filed case that gave the description of a wrongful install of a card with the pads on the bottom (PCB destroyed from excessive bending).

I was granted some free time, so i'll post a benchmark later toinght.

 

Due to time constraints, I post what I have so far. I made a mistake with the stock benchmark, so I will post it later. This is my first overclocking experience, so I do not own 3Dmark 11. I just ran the basic benchmark test. If I misrepresented any data, i'm sorry.

I ran into a driver problem. I plan on looking into it on the weekend when i'm granted another break.

Overclock benchmark:

I managed to overclock the 670MX's memory and core clock to values that are very close to what I assume is the limit set by the VBIOS. The sensor data had shown that there was no strain on the card. It conveys a message of needing a VBIOS upgrade. In the end, I had an outcome of 718mhz on the core clock, and 1181mhz on the memory clock(as listed on HWinfo). My max temp was 61c. Note: I ran the fans @ the highest allowed RPM. I also noticed that the PSU started emitting a sine type noise like coil whine under full load.

 

I got my card. Installed without a problem, the nominal cooling system completely went. In the photo when ordering the card was green, and blue came Cooler regulates the throttle, Far Cry 3 goes to very high settings - just wonderful. Temperature card in the game 68 degrees maximum. I am very pleased.
Install the latest driver from Nvidia site 310.90. Added only 3 lines to the nvdm.inf. Section number taken from GTX 675M. Instructions here - link.
Unfortunately leaving for the weekend, time for more detailed tests yet. I think the closest to the truth test can be found here - link.

 

Stock clock 3D mark11 benchmark for the GTX 670MX. I got a max 61c on the max temp. 601mhz on the core clock, and almost 700mhz on the memory clock. This card is very thermal efficient. I overclocked my card a little and was able to play Borderlands 2 maxed with Phys X on high. IMO, it is worth shelling out a little extra cash for this card instead of going for the 660m. I have high hopes that someone will try the 675mx in their M15x.

Photo:


Link to log file(excel needed to view): Stock Clocks 3468.CSV

I made a copy of the vBIOS rom via nvflash. Link to the copy: 670MX.ROM
I looked at the info of the bios and seen "GK104". I'm guessing this is a modified version of the 680m vBIOS(a guess, I could be wrong).

Just modified the nvdm file and the new 310.90 drivers work for Windows 7(thanks HardSE for the info). I tried to install the same drivers on Windows 8, which resulted in a failed install. Note: I chose the filter for compatibility with Windows 8 on the Nvidia driver download page. There seems to be more needed modification of the driver files to get the drivers to work on Windows 8.

I will post some in game logs and overclock benchmarks in a few.

 

I believe if you modify the drivers and try to install on Windows 8, it will fail unless you disable driver signature enforcement. If it works in 7, it should work in 8, especially since the latest drivers are certified for 8 as well. Most likely need to disable driver signature enforcement.

 

Correct, driver signature enforcement needs to be disabled at startup, otherwise the installation won't go through on Win8.

@MH-PALA Great benchmarks with your new 675MX!

 

Has anyone tried taking GPU from M17x R2 and put it inside M15x ?

I am considering upgrading M17x R2's gpu's and putting one of the cards in my M15x.

 

It should work. The M17x and M15x support the MXM 3.0 standard, so you should have no problem with switching a card into the M15x. Also, if you have not done so, upgrade the BIOS on your M15x to version A09.

Link for BIOS upgrade info: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m15x/549258-m15x-bios-a09-discussion-thread.html

 

I'm thinking of getting either the 7970m or the 6970m for my m15x but I know my processor will be a bottleneck (i5 540m). What I would like to know is how much of a bottleneck will it be? I don't want to pay $400-$500 for a card that my system can't take full advantgae of. Any insight is appreciated.

 

Is the i7-840qm 3.2 GHz a reasonable processor? If so I might consider getting that and a 6970m which will keep it under $600. Not the best setup but better than what I've got now. Thoughts?

 

i'm sure 840qm can handle any of those GPUs

 

Skip all the qm chips and go straight for the 920xm. Much better as you can hugely OC it using a simple free program called throttlestop. Stock 2ghz on all 4 cores. Max stable frequency for me is 3.3ghz on 4 cores and 3.8ghz on 1 core. The 840qm is a good bump of around 500mhz over the 720qm across 4 cores however the 920xm will catapult you 1.5ghz faster. It is that simple. Sandy bridge 2820qm performance or 840qm performance

Nice upgrades to the 675MX guys. Isn't it a OCed 675M/580M though? Must consume lots of power. This card will certainly throttle when used in conjunction with an XM chip due power requirements. 660M owners have been able to push their cores to over 1300mhz and get performance to 675MX stock levels. At such an OC though heat and power consumption would be similiar.

Due to throttling the 680M is the better chip for the M15x as it is the most efficient out of the new gen offerings. I am still testing the 7970M with 920xm and so far can get up to 875/1400mhz with a moderate cpu OC without throttle problems however it is pushing the limit.

Zlatko my recommendation is to wait a little (1 or 2 months) and get the 8870M card. It is just 35W tdp and is a little more powerful than the 6970M at stock clocks. OC it and it will leave it in the dust and still consume much less power. The new card is basically half a 7970M (half the shaders, ROP's and memory bandwidth) with great efficiency to boot.

 

Thanks for the advice King of Interns. However, I can't justify spending more than $600 to my better half. That's why I'm looking at a budget solution. I'd buy the 8870m (or even the 7970m) if my processor could handle it but I know it will just bottleneck. Also, I doubt I'm gonna get the 840qm now because I just realized the one I was looking at is QS model which is probably why it's so cheap.

 

Nothing really wrong with qs/es chips...plenty of people use them and that to oc'd

 

I just talked to Eurocom support and they told me the complete opposite. They said they do not offer or support the 670mx in the m15x. They said the only cards they offer for the m15x are the 660m, the 6790m. Shame, I was ready to buy it too.

 

They also offer the 6990m which is $114 more expensive. Judging by the stats on notebook review the 2 cards are pretty close in performance. I'm seriously considering taking a chance on a 670mx. For those of you who bought it, have you had any problems with it since your last post?

 

Alienware-Luis_Pardo misread my post. I have a 670MX. The 670mx is a kepler card from what I read on other sources. The card runs cool during gaming, and I noticed no symptoms of throttling (60c to hardly reaching 70c). The 675mx has been tested in a m17x R2 thus far (NOT IN A M15X yet).

Unfortunately my 670mx went into a deceased state. I think my heatsink was the cause of the problem. I will be buying a new heat sink before installing a new card. The representative at Eurocom gave me $20 discount off on a 675mx. I also went ahead and purchased a M17x R2 PSU. This will be my last upgrade on my m15x.

 

To all 7970M owners or M15x owners that want to upgrade to one the card is a great buy. I have also found a fix for the common throttling issue found with the M15x.

It is very simple. The M15x requires the GPU load to be gradually increased not suddenly.

To do this simply run the gpuz built in render tool for 30 secs or so then quit and load straight into your game. Sit at menu for another 30 secs or so while the fans speed up and then play.

Now you shouldn't encounter any throttle. I have tried this trick with up to 900/1400 at 1.025V and 20/20/25/27 at 73Wtdp on the CPU and no throttle at all.

Playing FC3 for 30 mins or so at these settings brought to card up to just 75C.

 

I am thinking of getting the 7970m. However, I do not mess with overclocking anything. I guess I am just a 'stock' kind of guy (I don't want to ruin anything).

Anyhow, I have a M15x with a i7-920XM and a 240-watt PSU. I'm also using the A09 Bios. Will I be able to just "plug and play" with this card with everything stock? Also, I will be buying a Dell version, so does that mean I won't need to flash the vBios? Will the native fan controls work -- or will I need to monitor the temps with HWInfo? Will I have to undervolt?

Sorry for all the questions, but I am a n00b, lol. I appreciate any advice. I just want to be able to drop this card in and play -- with no tinkering whatsoever -- if possible. I also just want to make sure that everything will go smoothly. I plan on buying this 7970m on Friday. I really want the GTX 680m, as I heard it is the better card, but it is also $200 more.

 

Should I get the 7970m or GTX 680m? Opinions?