[Guide] Installing AMD Radeon Mobility 6970 / 6990 in your M17x R2 (Single GPU and CrossfireX)

[Douse]

Good News!

I have received my 6990's!

YAAY!

Only problem is that they did not come with the bracket so I am little torn about what to do with the 5870 bracket..

If I order some then I have to wait even longer.....grrrrrrr

[paul5015]

I am little torn about what to do with the 5870 bracket..

I had no issue removing the bracket from the 5870's.

Leave the insulator attached (to the bracket) and cut the threaded end off each arm with a pair of cutters. Then pop these bits through the hole in the card and attach the heat sink. Worked for me

P.

[Douse]

Yeah thinking about that, but I still have warranty on my laptop :P

Although, I doubt the dell technician will look under the card and worst case scenario I can order a new 5870 bracket.

[TurbodTalon]

I also cannibalized the 5870 retention bracket by cutting the ends off of it. I am probably just being paranoid, but I don't like the idea of the bracket pressing on all those small components. If you have the right bracket, you'll see that it doesn't press on anything under there. My new 6990 came with retention bracket, thankfully.

[DR650SE]

Congrats on getting the 6990s. Can't wait to see how they work out for you. Definately a long time in the making.

[Douse]

Thanks DR650, definitely been waiting for faaaarr to long

I think I am just going to cut the retention bracket. It make sense not to have unnecessary pressure on components.

Hopefully I have enough fujiypoly lying around otherwise i might have to wait till I get my delivery from Frozencpu...

[aldam]

I have the second R2 with single 5870m. I don't know if I should buy the second 5870m or 6970m (single). I have a possibility to buy a single 6970m from Clevo.
Are there any problems with these cards - not working fan, temps etc...
Is it just plug and play or not?

[DR650SE]

Clevo cards are plug and play. I got my 6970s when I had them, and my 6990s direct from Clevo through a forum member who no longer sells them. The Clevo cards, with Clevo vbios are plug and play and fans work just like 5870s.

[Greywolf22]

Hey guys,

So, one of the other folks here had the same problem I did with their crossfire not being detected and he fixed it with a crossfire cable from Eurocom. So I'm betting my clevo cards will work in crossfire with a cable from Eurocom. Granted I could test it, but my temps are too good for me to mess around with it.

Thought I'd pass that along though, so for folks who are considering dual 6970's, it might be a good idea to order a x-fire cable from Eurocom or Mythlogic (for the Panther 2.0) as a backup just in case your 4870/5870 crossfire cable(s) don't work.

Would be interested to see if there is a model number or something that differentiates the crossfire cables that work vs the one that don't (from alienware).

Very odd indeed

[Greywolf22]

Good News!

I have received my 6990's!

YAAY!

Only problem is that they did not come with the bracket so I am little torn about what to do with the 5870 bracket..

If I order some then I have to wait even longer.....grrrrrrr

Woo Hoo Douse!!

Finally! Congrats!!!

Hope you can sort out a bracket work around and can enjoy your cards.