Hello.
I own an Alienware M17x-R3 and I'd like to upgrade the GPU. The current GPU is an Nvidia 460M, and i've acquired and installed a 780M. Unfortunately I'm running into a common problem, after I enable the IDT audio device in the BIOS Windows either goes to a blank or solid coloured screen right at the point where the Windows credential manager displays (the password prompt). I believe I've followed all of the instructions I've read about on this and other forums, but I'm still having the problem.
Here are my details
Laptop: M17x-R3
Original GPU: Nividia 460M
New GPU: 780M
OS: Windows 7 x64 and Windows 10 x64, same symptom on both.
New Graphics Driver Version: Nvidia 364.51
IDT Graphics Driver Version: v.6330
BIOS: A12 Unlocked
One concern I have is the 780M GPU I have is of unknown provenance, it came out of some other laptop, but I don't know the manufacturer. I do believe it is working because with HD audio disabled it runs fine with no crashes.
Here is exactly what I've done.
With the laptop still in it's stock unmodified state I did the following.
Installed the A12 Unlocked BIOS
Downloaded modded display drivers from here (http://downloads.eurocom.com/support/drivers/upgradeyourlaptop/Alienware/) I've tried the 364.51 drivers for Windows 7 and Windows 10. I didn't install them at this point.
Used the GURU 3D tool in safe mode to completely clean out the existing NVIDIA drivers (http://www.guru3d.com/files-details/display-driver-uninstaller-download.html)
Rebooted into the BIOS and disabled the HD Audio, Disabled the Internal Graphics and set the primary display to PEG.
I removed the old GPU, attached the existing heat sink and pipe to the new GPU using thermal paste and pads and installed all of it back in the laptop.
Turned the laptop on and immediately went into the BIOS and confirmed the NVidia graphics were detected.
Booted into Windows with digital signature verification for drivers disabled and installed the 364.51 modded driver I downloaded in step 2.
Rebooted and did a few tests, display had the proper resolution and device manager indicated that I had a 780M installed.
Rebooted went into the BIOS and enabled the High Definition audio, then immediately booted into safe mode.
Installed IDT drivers version v.6330 (http://www.dell.com/support/home/uk/en/ukbsdt1/Drivers/DriversDetails?driverId=Y037W) in safe mode.
Booted into normal mode and I get stopped at either a blank or solid coloured screen right when the credential manager shows up (the password prompt)
I've tried a few other things including various combinations of versions of the Nvidia and IDT drivers, Windows 7 OEM image and Windows 10 scratch install. Various orders of enabling the HD Audio and graphics.
There are two things I haven't been able to try but which I saw suggested.
Enable the Internal Graphics and HD Audio, remove the 780M GPU and boot using Internal Graphics, then do one or both of the following
Install the IDT Driver at this point
Disable Audio power management in the advanced tab of the IDT Control Panel Applet
After doing those things disable Internal Graphics and HD Audio again, reinstall GPU, boot into Windows and Install Nvidia drivers, then reenable HD Audio.
I've been unable to do these things because when I enable the Internal Graphics and remove the 780M I get no display at all and need to reset the BIOS to default using the Fn power one technique, after reinstalling the GPU.
I'd appreciate some direction on how to proceed with troubleshooting.