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February 19th, 2025 13:58
M17x R4, compatible with RX 480 eDP?
Hi all! I love to play with vintage hardware, especially machintos, build hachintos, make mods, etc. I have a RX 480 MXM working just with eDP, and I love to build an alienware laptop triple-boot machine: Windows, Ubuntu and MacOS. Please tell me what models are suitable for this graphic card. Also, I found on second hand stores in my cowntry only alienware laptops with LVDS monitors. Can change to eDP? What I suppose to do? And what hardware do I need? I'm new in Alienware world, so please, be pacient with my lack of knowledge. Thank you!
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ejn63
10 Elder
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28.6K Posts
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February 19th, 2025 15:17
No, you can't change a system that uses LVDS cabling to eDP without major modification, and even that may result in a less than functional system.
If you're looking to use an external GPU, a system that has Thunderbolt support would be a better basis for starting. And most newer Alienware systems do not have Linux support at all, so starting with something more generic -- like a Clevo notebook (think Sager, OriginPC, AVA Direct, etc.) notebook would be a better starting point.
StefanAM
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February 19th, 2025 16:19
I understand. I had the questions above because I bought 2 RX 480 MXM from aliexpress and there was this sentence: "This card can only work with Dell Precision M6800 / Alienware M17x R4 laptops that use eDP (embedded DisplayPort) screen. It doesn't work with LVDS screen." I used one (after I flashed with the right vbios) in one 2010 iMac and I have one spare. So, after you explained the LVDS, eDP problem, what I need to do is to find an Alienware M17x R4 laptop with eDP display and put inside the RX 480 MXM. Do I need to do anything else?
PS. I need AMD (not NVIDIA) because NVIDIA has no drivers in MacOS from some time.
ejn63
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February 19th, 2025 18:41
Look for a Precision M6800 then -- I would not make the assumption the GPU will work with the Alienware M17x R4 -- the only Radeon card for that system is the HD7970M.
mattyb3
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February 24th, 2025 01:55
The M17x R4 has an eDP and LVDS connector on the motherboard so it is relatively easy to switch panels if you need. The M17x display usually comes as a full assembly as it is glued into a frame with a plexiglass front panel. It is exceptionally difficult to remove the display panel from the assembly without cracking the plexiglass.
The eDP displays for these will only work with an Nvidia card but I think you have a decent chance of getting your RX 480 to work with LVDS. A few of us have got Nvidia cards like the GTX 1060, 1070, RTX 3000 cards to work with LVDS even though they are supposed to be eDP only. These cards can run through the Intel graphics instead.
I don't think I have personally seen anyone try the RX 480 though.
I see you've found the NotebookTalk forum so there should be a bit of information for you there. I can also add you to a whatsapp group I'm in with a bunch of guys who still modify these old systems.
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StefanAM
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February 24th, 2025 21:34
@mattyb3 what a nice answer! Thank you for all this info! Can you point me to a full assembly or tell me the part number? For LVDS and also eDP.
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mattyb3
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February 24th, 2025 23:12
@StefanAM Here you go, all the display part#'s are listed in the link below. They don't have stock but you will get the info you need.
There were 3 display options.
900p 60Hz (HD+)
1080p 60Hz (HD)
1080p 120Hz 3D (HD). It's this 3D display that will not work with any AMD cards.
https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=category&id=151&subid=399&refine=lcd+screen
The R3 and R4 displays are interchangeable.
You could be better trying to find a cheap R3 or R3 to use for parts. I have rebuilt quite a few of these laptops over the years and display assemblies can be hard to find on their own for a decent price.
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