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2014 Alienware 17 R1 GPU compatibility.
Hello,
I have a 2014 Alienware 17 R1 with the i7-4700qm cpu (which I am deciding on a good cpu upgrade at the moment, and 32gb of ram, and originally had the gtx 765m gpu, been upgraded to the 780m gpu..
I have a 240w psu for it, and was wondering if it could handle the gtx 870m, or if I would need an unlocked bios for it. and if so.. Dell branded or Clevo.. I hear they are pretty much the same.
Fortunately my gpu cooler is the style with the three heat pipes and it manages to stay cool with the gtx 780m.
I don’t do intensive gaming on it so I’m not worried that (1) it’s an older system, or (2) it’s an older gpu. I can promise you i paid less for the laptop than what the gpu will probably cost (let’s thank storage unit auctions for that)
Alienware Area-51 ALX 2006
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April 12th, 2023 09:00
I’d recommend you upgrade to a 330w PSU,
and the 870M is a problem you don’t want.
try and use the 9xxM series GPUs and I’d recommend talking to the professional about this stuff: @mattyb3 .
and the max cpu is a 4940MX.
mattyb3
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April 12th, 2023 16:00
The 17 R1 was released with the 8xxM series cards so there shouldn't be any issue with using an 870M. I don't know if the R1 was ever released with the 870M though. If it was then I've never come across one. It's possible that it won't have native driver support but I don't have any experience with the 870M so I can't say for sure.
DELL-Chris M
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April 12th, 2023 06:00
Read through the threads found when doing an Alienware Laptops board search for = 17 R1, GPU upgrade
RsParrish82
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April 12th, 2023 07:00
I could not find the information on the specific card I am asking about in those threads. I’ve already looked, and that is why I started a new thread.
RsParrish82
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April 12th, 2023 15:00
I’ve got a 4940mx in my cart on ebay, so that’s good to know, thank you!
i didn’t even know they made a 330w power supply! Definitely good to know.
ah, good to know about the 870m.. I’ve heard mixed reviews on the 880m as well.. both sides from those who’ve had it work fine, and those whom have had nothing but problems. I’ll research more the 900 series cards because I believe I read somewhere you need and unlocked bios.. for now I’ll keep the good ol 780m, and then buy the 4940mx
mattyb3
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April 12th, 2023 19:00
A 780M would be the best option if you want a 'Plug & Play' solution.
There are quite a few more options if you want to go higher and have the ability to play more recent games than what a 780M can deal with.
RsParrish82
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April 12th, 2023 19:00
I think it’s fair to say lll be sticking with the 780m as there is really no issues at all to speak of.
I have definitely learned a lot from you @mattyb3 and others in the community for the two Alienware laptops I’ve come into the possession of in the last few months. So thank you all!