Hi [NAME] welcome to this free user to user Alienware laptop discussion forum.  The Alienware Area-51m (R1) is too old to reactivate Dell service warranty. Please visit Warranty and Service Extension - Dell Community.  The PCIe and GPU can be replaced by service center, example: $100 Dell Laptop Repair | Dell Repair | Laptop Repair | Notebook Service Center (parts-people.com)  Getting an eGPU enclosure + powerful PSU and installing a modern full-size powerful external graphics card is a good solution. Have a look at the sliding table in Best eGPU Enclosures - September 2022 External GPU Buyer Guide, to get eGPU enclosure for your full-size powerful graphics card option.  
After much research and deliberation, I am certain that I need to replace my graphics card. I don't really want to dive into my Area-51m because it seems like it's never as easy as it looks. An upgrade would be great, however. The PCIe is also damaged - they both showed up on the Dell scan as failures. I'm thinking of getting an external gpu with a case. Then I could avoid opening the laptop. I'm very open to thoughts, ideas, suggestions ... I can reactivate my service warranty and send the laptop in, but then I'm without it for probably 3 weeks, at least. None of these are great answers. Thanks for reading.
Alienware Area-51m GPU is fried