E6410 Owner's Thread

Hey guys,
I just recently purchased a dell latitude e6410 (core i7-620m,4gb ram,512 3100m graphic card..) Unfortunately it did not come with an integrated camera. Is there any way to do an aftermarket upgrade to install it myself? If so, is the latitude e6400 webcam compatible? Thanks

 

Hi folks! I have a dilemma I hope you guys could help me with. I am torn between 2 different configs of the E6410. So, I thought I'd ask the experts.
In your opinion, is upgrading to the NVIDIA dedicated graphics and the camera worth an additional $125? I might play an occasional game (Need for Speed etc.) but mostly it is for work and movies etc. Please, any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

Going with the Nvidia solution, will provide you with the best experience (compare to Intel) if you do any multiple display configuration, supports game, color accuracy (well a laptop screen won't help you there, but if you plug a IPS/PVA panel LCD via Display Port (or DVI with the use of an adapter) then yes), and provide you full software support on software which uses the GPU (no software compatibility list), and also, provide you with OpenCL and CUDA support. However, the downside is a reduction of battery life.

If you need a very long battery life out of system then perhaps an Intel solution might be best. It really depends on your usage, and how much battery you need. Please note that battery life degrade over time, and quickly. For example: My Latitude E6400 with the Nvidia solution (slower and more optimized CPU (last generation Core 2 Duo and has a slower GPU), and 9-cell battery, provides me with almost 9 hours of battery life (pushing everything to save power, wireless ON), but today, a year and half, I only get 2 hours out of it. I need to buy a new battery to fit my needs again.

 

See the service manual for installation instructions. You will need to find the webcam module and, I assume, a new display bezel.

The Intel HD graphics is approximately equivalent to the nVidia 8400M GS. Aside from being more economical when running on battery, the Intel graphics means less heat production when running on the mains. It is included in the CPU's 35W power rating.

John

 

Having both Intel and Nvidia E6410's, I would say go with the Nvidia even with the reduced battery life. Being able to run more graphic intensive applications is worth it. I can't even run a simple OpenGL butterfly screensaver with the Intel HD graphics.

Get a 9-cell to go with the Nvidia.

 

I take back what I said, cause last night I tried the Vertex 2 on my XPS 420 desktop and the problems came back. So it is something with the Vertex 2 and Deep Freeze that doesn't play nice together.

So we can take the E6410 out of the equation.

 

Correct. But John you have to stop comparing GPU's with Benchmark. We don't know if Intel GPU detects via it's driver 3D Mark and decide to skip drawing things or cutting down on polygons, remove or reduce anti-aliasing, and other things just to gain extra points. I am not saying that Ati and Nvidia doesn't do this as well, but I already saw insane scores for Intel GPU's from 3D Mark, while they can't even play Monkey Island 1 Special Edition, which uses advance2D graphics, and the Aero experience was poor, compared to a much slower Nvidia solution. Again, I am not saying that THIS Intel GPU is crap. I am just talking in general, same applies for Nvidia and ATi/AMD graphic cards.

Always compare using games.

 

Hey, quick and probably easy question..... I'm looking at a e6410 in the outlet. It doesn't come with bluetooth. That can easily be added after the fact, can't it? Just buy the part and stick it in?

Thanks,

 

Yes, kind of a pain to get to, but do-able. Check out the service manual on Dell's website.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/late6410/en/SM/TD_Bluetooth_Card.htm

 

Yikes. That's a bit more involved than I would have thought. Thanks though. Much help.