Is it possible to add an additional GPU to an Alienware 17 laptop?

[JohnnyT2413]

I just purchased an Alienware 17 laptop and while looking at recommended GPU memory for some games, I noticed my 2GB may not be enough to thoroughly handle them. Would I be able to add an additional 2GB GPU at some point, would I have to find a better replacement, or neither option?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

no, you cant add RAM to a GFX card.

 

[zeph_yr]

Additional graphics card RAM is only necessary if your resolution somehow increases. You can't replace the GPU/add another gpu in a laptop though.

 

[JohnnyT2413]

no, you cant add RAM to a GFX card.

I know. I meant buy another physical 2GB GPU, or buy a 4 GB GPU to replace the 2GB I have now, or if I wouldn't be able to either. I figure the second option is viable since they offer the 780m, but just not sure if I'd be able to find one that isn't attached to a computer.

 

[zeph_yr]

The GPU isn't removable, and there's almost no performance difference between 4gb and 2gb except for gaming with multiple monitors.

 

[JADOLLA]

The GPU isn't removable, and there's almost no performance difference between 4gb and 2gb except for gaming with multiple monitors.

WRONG.
Alienware 17 is MXM, which means you can upgrade its dedicated GPU (by replacing it)
I asked dell btw cz i wanted to know too

 

[Guest]

The actual hard thing is buying a new mobile GPU, but If you give dell a call they might be able to help. Sager and xoticpc replace GPUs if you handle your device to them so that they can replace it (price = fee + GPU)

 

[JADOLLA]

The actual hard thing is buying a new mobile GPU, but If you give dell a call they might be able to help. Sager and xoticpc replace GPUs if you handle your device to them so that they can replace it (price = fee + GPU)

Agree, and it would be very expensive, especially for a mobile GPU

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Mobile GPU's are certainly removable , depending on who made it..... I can't speak for how it stands under Dell ownership but before Alienware was sold to Dell, the units used Clevo Chassis and Clevo certainly allows you to select from among various options upon ordering and assemble.

http://www.lpc-digital.com/sager-np9377-special.html

NVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX 880M 8GB GDDR5 Memory $0.00
Dual NVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX 870M's with 2 x 6GB GDDR5 SLI® Enabled! $50.00
Dual NVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX 880M's with 2 x 8GB GDDR5 SLI® Enabled! $600.00

http://www.lpc-digital.com/sager-np8298.html
NVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX 860M 4GB GDDR5 Memory $0.00
NVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX 870M 6GB GDDR5 Memory $150.00
NVIDIA® Quadro® K1100M Graphics with 2GB GDDR5 $200.00
NVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX 880M with 8GB GDDR5 Memory! $450.00
NVIDIA® Quadro® K3100M Graphics with 4GB GDDR5! $650.00

When swapping a desktop card, there;'s an easy outlet for the old card via e-bay but selling a notebook card appeals to a extremely small audience. That makes the process quite daunting due to the expense and loss of warranty. The other issue, unlike a desktop, on a notebook it's quite hard to obtain data on the power and cooling systems..... can the power delivery system deliver the required power ? can the cooling system handle the heat ? will the effect on battery life be an issue as the battery in the unit was designed for x hours with the old card.

 

[Se4njo]

I just purchased an Alienware 17 laptop and while looking at recommended GPU memory for some games, I noticed my 2GB may not be enough to thoroughly handle them. Would I be able to add an additional 2GB GPU at some point, would I have to find a better replacement, or neither option?

Add more RAM, I have an M17X R1 and have 8GB installed,

Also an SSD drive will improve performance tenfold.

You can upgrade internal graphics as well, my cards, nvidia 9400m and GeForce GTX280M are mounted on Mxm 3.0B form factor cards, I am looking to upgrade my 9400 when I have the money.