6970m to 7970m upgrade service

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leo99756

Member
Hi,

I've been checking out the upgrades section on the PCS site and am very seriously considering purchasing a 7970m to replace my current system's 6970m. If I choose to have PCS install the graphics card with the pick up, install and then post back service, will new drivers be installed as well? Also, how should I prepare my laptop for the upgrade service?

Thanks.
 
steaky360

steaky360

Moderator
Moderator
leo99756 said:
Hi,

I've been checking out the upgrades section on the PCS site and am very seriously considering purchasing a 7970m to replace my current system's 6970m. If I choose to have PCS install the graphics card with the pick up, install and then post back service, will new drivers be installed as well? Also, how should I prepare my laptop for the upgrade service?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I've not used the upgrade service myself but I suspect it would work in a similar way to RMA's if you had to send back your laptop.
If you package the laptop up in the original packaging (you can request PCS send additional packaging if you don't have any) and send the laptop itself (no plugs etc.) back to them they will replace the graphics card and return the laptop to you.
I don't know if they'll install the latest drivers, but if not its should be simple enough for you to do so yourself.
 
L

leo99756

Member
steaky360 said:
I've not used the upgrade service myself but I suspect it would work in a similar way to RMA's if you had to send back your laptop.
If you package the laptop up in the original packaging (you can request PCS send additional packaging if you don't have any) and send the laptop itself (no plugs etc.) back to them they will replace the graphics card and return the laptop to you.
I don't know if they'll install the latest drivers, but if not its should be simple enough for you to do so yourself.
Click to expand...

Okay thanks for the quick reply. I was curious to know about the drivers because I've heard that the 7970m drivers are pretty hit and miss, and I wouldn't know which ones are known to give you a BSOD :S.
 
steaky360

steaky360

Moderator
Moderator
I would imagine the system will be tested prior to dispatch so it shouldn't BSOD with the drivers they install but in my opinion it is ALWAYS worthwhile checking you have the most up to date drivers installed at the time. So that would be the best advice from me I think, when you got your upgraded rig back, just check the AMD site to see if the most recent updates are installed :) Then you should be fine.
 
L

leo99756

Member
steaky360 said:
I would imagine the system will be tested prior to dispatch so it shouldn't BSOD with the drivers they install but in my opinion it is ALWAYS worthwhile checking you have the most up to date drivers installed at the time. So that would be the best advice from me I think, when you got your upgraded rig back, just check the AMD site to see if the most recent updates are installed :) Then you should be fine.
Click to expand...

Well cheers for the advice - I might just treat myself this Christmas ;).
 
V

Vortexs

Member
I strongly suggest not getting a 7970m. I have it and I wish now that I chose a nVidia card... The Enduro problems on the graphics card means that on the performance is reduced due to the faulty software... As for the drivers for it, I installed one, got a BSOD, restarted my laptop, then it told me the card stopped working, so I had to use system restore...
In short, if you can get a nVidia 680m or better, do so! 7970m isn't great for the hardcore gamers.
 
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leo99756

Member
Vortexs said:
I strongly suggest not getting a 7970m. I have it and I wish now that I chose a nVidia card... The Enduro problems on the graphics card means that on the performance is reduced due to the faulty software... As for the drivers for it, I installed one, got a BSOD, restarted my laptop, then it told me the card stopped working, so I had to use system restore...
In short, if you can get a nVidia 680m or better, do so! 7970m isn't great for the hardcore gamers.
Click to expand...

This is what I fear, as I've seen many people who have had this problem for months on other forums/Youtube. I don't want to 'upgrade' and then be lumbered with a crashing card.
 
SmokeDarKnight

SmokeDarKnight

Author Level
Leo what laptop do you have? is it a Vortex 2 at all.

As far as i am aware Enduro is a function that will switch an AMD GPU off when it is not in use to save battery life. The problem here is that you have to tell the GPU which programs it has to run on. Result being if not set up for each program games will run on internal graphics and look bad.

From what i've read, if you have a Vortex 2 laptop, is that this is not a problem as the Vortex 2 is not compatible with Enduro so the GPU is active all of the time.

I'm also considering this upgrade after one of my friends had his Vortex 2 upgraded to the 7970m and i was impressed. His computer will run Borderlands a lot better than my Vortex 2 with a 6990m. Cooler Tempratures and a far more stable FPS. Also i do agree with Leo that if i had the choice i would change to a Nvida but that is due to the Physix process, my ATI card struggles a bit with the Physix graphics but its still a beast of a card for a laptop and changing to Nvidia is not an option through PCS as they do not stock last years GPUs.

For further clarification i would give PCS a call as they have tested the Vortex 2 with this card as they said previously that they wouldn't sell this option if it was not proven to work.

Hope this helps.
 
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L

leo99756

Member
SmokeDarKnight said:
Leo what laptop do you have? is it a Vortex 2 at all.

As far as i am aware Enduro is a function that will switch an AMD GPU off when it is not in use to save battery life. The problem here is that you have to tell the GPU which programs it has to run on. Result being if not set up for each program games will run on internal graphics and look bad.

From what i've read, if you have a Vortex 2 laptop, is that this is not a problem as the Vortex 2 is not compatible with Enduro so the GPU is active all of the time.

I'm also considering this upgrade after one of my friends had his Vortex 2 upgraded to the 7970m and i was impressed. His computer will run Borderlands a lot better than my Vortex 2 with a 6990m. Cooler Tempratures and a far more stable FPS. Also i do agree with Leo that if i had the choice i would change to a Nvida but that is due to the Physix process, my ATI card struggles a bit with the Physix graphics but its still a beast of a card for a laptop and changing to Nvidia is not an option through PCS as they do not stock last years GPUs.

For further clarification i would give PCS a call as they have tested the Vortex 2 with this card as they said previously that they wouldn't sell this option if it was not proven to work.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply, it has definitely helped clear things up!

I do in fact have a Vortex 2 laptop. If it does not support Enduro then I hope that, as you say, I will have no problems with any underutilisation caused by faulty software. As I currently have the trusty but now fairly old 6970m I am looking forward to the huge performance increase that a 7970m will bring :D. Contacting PCS will hopefully fully explain the situation.
Thanks again.
 
L

leo99756

Member
UPDATE:

PCS have confirmed to me by email that the Vortex II does not have problems with Enduro, although the Vortex III has reportedly had some issues with this. No word on 8xxx series cards and Vortex II compatibility (although their best guess is "no" at the moment).
 
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ryafre496

Bronze Level Poster
i had mine upgraded via pcs upgrades. all smoothly done. sent me the 6990m back too. they installed drivers. i just updated them to most current beta drivers all ok
 
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