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Yes, it works. The popular Asus G73JW can be upgraded with a Kepler card The G73JW isn't what I'd call "easy to disassemble", but it's doable. If you haven't disassembled this system before, follow the instructions very carefully. It's crucial not to rush anything, a lot of cables and plugs are really fragile. The upgrade is rather difficult, especially when you compare it with an Alienware / Clevo system, but it's really worth it. I want to thank MXM-upgrade for providing the test card, and @Conker for providing his G73JW for another experiment (we already disassembled this system several times... ). Check the end of the post to see some benchmarks. *** *** *** What you need for this upgrade: Nvidia GTX 660m, preferrably pre-flashed with the proper VBIOS. I assume MXM-upgrade.com will provide you the card ready for the upgrade, so you don't need to worry about the VBIOS and the involved procedures. In case you get your card somewhere else it's very likely you'll need to blind flash the card in order to get a picture on the screen. That's a relatively inconvenient procedure, especially since you can't be 100% sure whether it's your fault or possibly a defective card in case the blind flash doesn't work....I only tested the card from MXM-upgrade, other 660m may work as well, but I can't tell for sure. . . Asus G73JH GPU heatsink - The 460m which Asus put in the JW is a complete abomination when you compare it to an MXM card... it uses the same physical pin layout, but that's it. You won't be able to mount the JW heatsink on a proper MXM module, but it works with a (slightly modified) JH heatsink. You can grab one at asusparts.eu, ebay, other online notebook parts shops, etc., whatever you prefer. . . Screws which fit the backplate of the card you buy, or a Dell GPU backplate from a 6900m / 7900m series card (as those backplates have the proper thread size for the screws of the JH heatsink) . Screwdriver (make sure it really fits the screws) . Metal file or tool with similar effect to do some small modifications on the JH GPU heatsink . Thermal paste & some stuff to clean off the old paste (e.g. rubbing alcohol) . Some tape to keep the 660m in place . and I highly recommend: ESD-mat and wristband!! While it will also work without this equipment (you have to be really unlucky to damage your system by ESD), nevertheless, l won't recommend anyone to do so. Keep in mind that you're going to completely disassemble your system. Modifying the heatsink: No need for a lot of talk, it's pretty straight forward, look at the picture and you'll know what you need to do. When you're done with the modifications make sure it fits. Preparing the backplate: You need to slightly grind down the 'poles' of the backplate in order to get enough pressure on the die. Take a look at the pics and you'll see what I'm talking about. Without this mod the 'poles' are too high and won't allow you to properly mount the heatsink. Disassembling the system (step by step): - Uninstall your current Nvidia drivers. - In case your card doesn't already come with the required vbios: Set the first boot priority to USB (!!!) Else it will be rather difficult to blindly flash the card. - Shutdown your system, remove the battery and the AC adapter. - Press and hold down the power button for about 15 seconds. - Remove the quick-access panel of your G73: - Remove all the regular sized screws on the back (green), the two drives (red arrows), two small screws in the battery compartment (red) and unplug the WLan antennas (encircled red). Make sure you don't miss a screw. - Remove the optical disc drive. - Remove two small screws which previously have been hidden by the optical disc drive: - Now the display assembly, six screws. Then carefully lift the display and place it as shown in the next pic. - Once you have the display like this, remove the keyboard. You need a small flat tool for the five clips. Then lift it carefully. It gets hold in place with double sided tape, so you need to apply some force. Always use care, there are cables attached to it. - Four more screws. Then remove the cables which are connecting the motherboard with the keyboard. Carefully pull on the black part of the connector (see arrows) to unlock the cable, then you can remove it. - More cables: - Three screws on the mobo, 2x3 screws for the fans and a lot of cables to unplug. Also pull out the WLan antennas through the hole. Again, be careful with the cables. Once everything is detached, remove the fans and then the mainboard. - And finally... the heatsink(s). Remove the screws which are encircled with green first. Lift the heatsink and then you can unplug the card after removing the 'red' screws. - Put in the 660m and keep in in place with some tape. Unfortunately you can't use the screws as the holes on the motherboard aren't conform with the MXM standard. Put a small amount of thermal paste on the die of the GPU and as well on the VRAM modules. Using thermal pads for the memory isn't a good idea in this case since it would increase the distance between the die and the heatsink. Then mount the modified heatsink and reassemble the system. Make sure the heatsink really fits well and doesn't touch any component it shouldn't. After reassembling your G73, start it up. When your card already comes with the proper vbios it should boot just fine, else you messed up something during the dis- and reassembly. In that case check all the cables etc. If your card didn't come with the required vbios, then you need to blind flash your card now. That's why I stated earlier to set the first boot priority to USB in case the 660m doesn't already come with the proper vbios on it. The required vbios is attached to this post. Once your system is running and booted the OS it's time to install the GPU drivers. Download the desired drivers from Nvidia and unpack it, then put the modified .inf file (see post attachment) in the 'Display.Driver' folder, delete the old one with the same name in there. Then start the installation. That's it! Have fun with your upgraded machine!! And some benchmarks... 3dMark11 run at stock and overclocked... Gotta love the 660m, it's so much fun to overclock it, just look at the core clock Just ask if you have any question! As already mentioned, this upgrade procedure isn't easy for a beginner, but it's totally possible as long as you take your time, no need to hurry. 660m_G73JW.zip modified inf 660m G73JW.zip
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The LCD stays black, no display but the external monitor works normally.It seems not to be the "backlight", the "F8" function key does not alter the problem. Does the video card deliver signals to the LCD AND the external monitor connector? Thanks for your help
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Hey guys... I'm in modding mood, again, hahaha Got my hands on a Nvidia 470m and put it in a G73JW. Unfortunately Windows won't boot.... "Valid MXM structure not found". Does anyone of you have any idea about this? Every idea is greatly appreciated. Here's all the info of the card that nvflash gives me: Btw, I'll try the 6970m again later, maybe I messed up something last time... I mean it did boot with the 6970m...
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