Member Avatar for Malpal

I made the biggest mistake of my life when i purchased my Area-51 770. The overheating is outstanding- unfortunatly my video card was already shot by the time i knew there was any issue.

I have a 3500$ Laptop sitting here rotting. I would love Love LOVE to know where i could buy a new video card. Alienware just sends me through the eternal loop. They wont let me know the price of the damn card before I actually purchase the card.

My laptop wont turn on at all now.

If anyone has any suggestions- please speak up. Any help would be appreciated!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by extermin8tor

Dani AI

Generated

Short primer and a practical plan of action, tied to points already raised by , and .

First priorities: preserve data and avoid making warranty problems worse. If the drive contains important data, remove the HDD/SSD now and connect it to another PC with a USB-SATA adapter or enclosure to copy files before troubleshooting further. If the machine is still under warranty, stop and contact Dell/Alienware — do not open the case or replace parts yourself unless they explicitly authorise it.

Quick diagnostic checklist (do these before buying parts):

  • Power checks: unplug battery, try AC-only; confirm adapter LED or test output with a meter or known-good adapter.
  • POST basics: remove and reseat RAM modules, listen for beep codes, try powering with minimal removable components.
  • External video: connect an external monitor. If external output works the GPU or LVDS cable/screen may be the issue.
  • Visual inspection: open access panels (only if out of warranty), clean dust, inspect heatsink/fan for burnt components or melted pads, and check for obvious signs of board damage.

If you confirm a GPU fault:

  • Determine whether the GPU is an MXM/removable module or soldered. Get the service manual or parts list (use the system/service tag when talking to Dell). MXM cards can sometimes be sourced used or new; soldered GPUs usually require a motherboard swap.
  • When sourcing parts, match exact part numbers, cooling assembly mounts, and BIOS compatibility. Third-party sellers (refurbishers, specialty laptop parts retailers, auction sites) are common sources, but verify returns and seller reputation.
  • Replace cooling paste/pads and ensure airflow is restored; heat damage often recurs if cooling is not fixed.

If repair cost approaches the value of the laptop, consider professional diagnostics or replacing the system. This keeps data safe and avoids repeated failures.

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Member Avatar for alc6379

You've called them with the exact model of your video card and the exact model of your system, and they've not told you the exact price? That's a bit odd...

Member Avatar for Dani

Please don't scare me while I have an AlienWare machine about to be shipped out before the end of the week.

Member Avatar for extermin8tor

thats odd, is the warranty ok??? if not, alienware might still not charge you, it is alienware after all, :)
Just call them up or take it to where you bought it (please dont tell me that you bought it online)

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