NVIDIA GTX 780M in Alienware platforms

Read these directions in full BEFORE taking any action.

1.       PREPARATION

a.       Verify your BIOS and update to the latest revision for your model PRIOR to upgrading.

b.       Obtain the service manual for your system prior to commencing installation. These are available online from your manufacturer’s website, in the support area for your model.

        c. REQUIRED TOOLS CHECKLIST                                                                          

□ESD strap & mat                             □ Small flat screwdriver                  □Extra tools as per your service manual

□Service manual                                □Philips PH00 screwdriver              □Modified VGA driver (link below)

d.       Ensure you have an ESD ready, static free area to perform the installation. VGA modules are highly sensitive to ESD.

        If you do not take ESD precautions you can damage your card and/or system!

e.       Open your system to verify the placement of the key components before actually upgrading.

INSTALLATION

2.       Uninstall any existing video drivers from your system.

a.       PARTS REQUIRED BEFORE STARTING UPGRADE (There are included in our upgrade kits)

□780M card                        □Thermal Paste                                □Thermal Pads

□X-Bracket for NVIDIA    □Four X-bracket screws

3.       Disassemble your system to reach the VGA card(s). Remember to use ESD!

a.       Remove the 780M from the bag. Make sure you cut the bag carefully; you will need it in the next step!

b.       Remove your old card(s) and place them in the ESD bag.

c.       Clean your heatsink from any old thermal paste.

4.       Apply your thermal pads on the 780M according to the image included in this package. Your heatsink will likely only have two large rectangular thermal pads applied at first. These pads will be insufficient for your new card.  

a.       Verify pad placement and contact by placing the heatsink on the card. Look around all the edges and confirm that the pads are making full contact with the heatsink and that there are no components on the card touching the bare metal of the heatsink.

THIS IS IMPORTANT – DIRECT METAL-ON-CARD CONTACT CAN DAMAGE YOUR CARD.

****Some heatsinks may require physical modification to fit correctly. A rotary tool is helpful should your heatsink need modification.****

5.       Install your 680M in the system, apply a small amount of thermal paste and secure your heatsink. Reassemble your system.

6.       Download and install the modified driver we have prepared for your system here:

http://downloads.eurocom.com/support/drivers/zip/Alienware/

7.       Verify proper operation of your card (fan speed, temperatures performance)

a.       We recommend running the latest version of Unigen or 3DMark11 along with HWINFO64 for temp/fan log.

RESOURCES

LaptopUpgrade YouTube channel

NotebookReview forums

If you cannot get the drivers to install correctly or if you run into issues with your installation, please contact our service and support department via our Support Form, found on the Eurocom website.

Please include the following data so we can help you faster.

Your name and the email address you used when making your payment

Model and revision of your system

Your current BIOS revision

If your system is equipped with a 3D (120Hz) panel

The model of your previous VGA card

Your AC adapter wattage

A photo of the placement of your thermal pads on the card

The driver version you are attempting to use.

Thank you for choosing UpgradeYourLaptop.

Happy upgrades!