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why is there always more bad news than good?

A
Automan21k

Well, the good news is that I know what is wrong with our laptop, and it is a part I was thinking about upgrading anyway.....now for the pile of bad news.


 


1. the problem is the video card. a video card that my tech tells me MUST be an exact replacement because of some "Matched Set" thing with the Alienware 5500I-R3 motherboards.


2. my tech will not get a replacement part, he insists that I provide a replacement.


3. this is a part that hasn't been made in a long time. Specifically an Nvidia GeForce Go 6600 256mb or 512mb.


4. there is ton's of other bits of bad news but since it is not relevant to the subject at hand, I'll move on.


 


So, I ask the community ....


this "Matched set" thing sounds a bit fishy for a brand name video card, is this true that there are no upgrades that can be done? I have looked everywhere for one of those things and they are particularly difficult to get.


Anyone have any idea where to find one? or have any clue if there is something compatible that CAN be acquired?


is there a difference between Nvidia GeForce Go 6600 and Nvidia GeForce 6600? why can't I use a 7600? or heck, any other laptop video card out there?


 


Grrrrr.....this is getting frustrating.


 


 


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Comments (4)

T
TANK·
This is a laptop right? Laptops aren't as easy to swap parts in as desktops. But I have found the following out which should make you happy:\r \r In a 5500I-R3 the following cards are said to work \r 8600M GS (not the GT version)\r the\r 8600M from an alienware m15x\r \r Anyway here's a conversation thread you can read where this info came form\r http://forums.laptopvideo2go.com/topic/17912-8600m-gt-in-uniwill-259n1-aka-alienware-area-51-m5500/page__st__20\r \r \r
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Automan21k·
Tank, you are a level of awesomeness that my Tech guy wishes he could be. I'm calling him right now to test this out (assuming he has one of those cards on hand).
R
redeye·
Hold up a mo. You have an Alienware. You payed through the nose for that machine so surely you can phone up customer support and ask them? I almost bought one a few years back and I remember something about a personalised after care package? Make them work for their $$ :)
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Automan21k·
I have an email out to their service department, they won't help me unless I am still under their waranty...we didn't pay the extra $300 for their extended protection plan but I'll give them a shot anyway