Removing SLI for single GPU

[Gforlife]

So I didn't know if I should put this here on in the laptop section forgive me if its in the wrong place...

Ok so my friend has an alienware M18x, i7, 2670QM 8 GB RAM ,GTX 560M sli, and is basically looking to play overwatch requirements i5, gtx 660 ,6GB Ram and I know the 560m's won't cut it. I can easily get a hold of an 880m for $400 or a 980m for $750, but will the laptop run if I take out the 560m's and only insert 1 card leaving the other slot empty?

 

[Rogue Leader]

The only one who can truly answer that is Alienware, that said it should work, SLI is not normally required for a system to operate, and on top of that they likely don't have a unique motherboard for a single card setup.

 

[Eximo]

Having only one card installed shouldn't be a problem. Just have to make sure it goes in the "Primary" slot.

http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_alienware_laptops/alienware-m18x_service%20manual_en-us.pdf

Now as to whether you can install such a card and expect it to work.... You absolutely need to stick with the TDP of the current card. 560M = 75W

770M or 860M or 970M looks like the top of the mark at 75W

 

[Gforlife]

Thanks for the post, feeling confident at convincing him of a single card

But if its sli then each card pulls their own power so a 880m at 100 TDP or a 980m at 122 TDP should be ok unless its a single slot power issue in which case a 970m should be doable since it beats the 880m in a lot of ways

edit: nvm the 900 series doesn't work in r1 series

 

[Eximo]

Well the way the heatsinks are configured concerns me, quite far apart so I doubt it would have the same cooling potential as direct contact. I don't think it would be a matter of dissipation anyway. The slot circuitry itself may only be rated for 75W or it will be limited in what you can plug in.