P170HM 2011 model random shutdown/battery problem/warranty

[doombug]

Hello!

I'm writing with concern towards several issues I've been having lately with my laptop.

My model:
CLEVO P170HM (bought in the summer of 2011)
17.3" FHD 60% Glare LED Backlit
Intel i7-2630QM
AMD HD 6990M
8GB Samsung DDR3 1333Mhz CL9
SSD Crucial m4 128GB
WD ScorpioBlack 500GB 7200rpm 16MB
Bigfoot Killer Wireless-N 1102 | Win 8.1 Pro 64-bit

I've always been very careful with my PC. The vents and fans have been cleaned from dust every 6 months. The OS/drivers are always up to date and I keep my PC clean from malware, etc. I always monitor my temps and I rarely get my CPU and GPU over 90 degrees (80deg average on both GPU/GPU) when playing games or doing some other demanding stuff. However, lately my PC has started shutting down randomly during gaming sessions, sometimes 2 or 3 times in a row in a 5 hour period.
I've noticed a pattern before the actual shutdown. The game runs without any response from the peripheral input for a few seconds (3-5 seconds) before shutting down. I've checked the temperatures and, like I've mentioned, they seem normal and never go beyond the TDP/threshold for auto shutdown. I'm afraid this occurs due to a hardware failure and I suspect the GPU to be the culprit. I've heard 6990M's have had numerous issues since launch, but it has served me well since I made my purchase. I was hoping it would last me a bit more.

My warranty is still valid and I would like to turn the PC in for a check-up and a possible replacement of the GPU.
Since I will have to do this anyway, I would like to know if the GPU can be upgraded to a 7970M or later.
The battery needs replacing as well, as my current battery is 87% worn out.
Are there also any extended warranty services available?

I'm currently in Romania, but I will be within the UK during the 20th - 29th of June period. Is RMA possible during this period?

Thanks!

 

[mantadog]

Seems fairly reasonable to assume faulty hardware here. However as far as upgrading the GPU, that is something you would need to ask PCS directly. You would have to assume the full cost of the upgrade if it were possible though. As far as replacing the battery, that should be easy enough as PCS carry stock of those for older models.

Arranging an RMA for that 9 day period could be tricky as I suspect PCS would need to order in a new 6990 for you, that is likely to take longer than a couple of days.

 

[doombug]

I've probably asked the wrong question with regard to the GPU upgrade. A 7970M upgrade is possible and I'm willing to assume the full cost of the upgrade and installation. The tech savvy guys over at notebookreview have managed to install the 7970M on the HM models: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo/688656-guide-blind-flashing-amd-7970m-modded-vbios-clevo-p1xxhm-laptops.html.
The question is whether the guys at PCS are willing to order and install one for me. It is more likely for them to have a 7970M in stock rather than the year older 6990M.

 

[mantadog]

They do provide a service for upgrading the GPU on laptops, so I don't see it being a problem if it fits the motherboard and is within the power limits of the laptop.

Best call PCS ASAP and an idea of the timescales involved, also they could order the GPU now and make it much more likely you will be able to get it back while still in the UK.