JJ90

Hi everyone, thanks very much for the replies so far - really appreciate the help. I’m actually away for a couple of weeks at the moment, so I won’t be able to test anything until I’m back, but I wanted to clarify a few things in the meantime so I know what to try first. Just to recap: the system boots fine on Intel integrated graphics if I remove the MXM card completely, but with the 980M installed I get immediate 8 beeps and no display. A few questions I was hoping you could help with: Is a Clevo GTX 980M known to cause 8 beeps on a stock M17x R4 BIOS if the system is set to PEG? Which BIOS version is generally recommended for the 980M upgrade on the M17x R4 — stock A11/A12, or unlocked BIOS? Does the 980M need a Dell-specific VBIOS to work properly in this machine, or should a Clevo VBIOS work as long as the system is in SG mode? If the laptop boots on Intel graphics with no MXM card installed, does that confirm it’s the 60Hz Optimus board (not the 120Hz/PEG-only version)? Has anyone successfully run a Clevo 980M with the copper backplate still installed in an M17x R4, or is removing it generally required? When I get back, I plan to check BIOS version and graphics settings properly and try the suggested steps. Thanks again for the guidance -just trying to understand the correct direction before I start flashing anything.

bump

Many thanks for the reply. When I initially fitted it, it did seem to slot in as normal and screw down with no problems. I did however notice what appeared to be a slight bulge in the case where the heatsink seemed more raised than with my previous card. It certainly wasn't immediately obvious how the plate would have been causing this though being on the other side, where there seemed to be plenty of room for it. Although, maybe I'm mistaken. Is it perfectly safe to remove this plate? There appears to be thermal pads between it and the card - will it not make it run too hot if I remove it?

Hi everyone, I recently bought a 980m graphics card for my M17xR4 as my old 970m developed problems. I fitted it to the heatsink and it seemed to fit ok, but on starting the laptop I get 8 beeps. Is this simply the wrong graphics card for the laptop or is likely another issue? The card doesn't seem to have the usual x-shaped plate on the back like my last one and instead has a copper backplate (image url inserted below). https://imgur.com/a/lh7JkFS Thanks in advance