Acer Aspire 8920G Upgrade

HI.
Great Forum.
I ve any question for Upgrade my Laptop.

Now i ve this configuration:

CPU: T8300
RAM: 4GB DDR2
GPU: nVidia 9500M GS 512MB DDR2

Where is the best upgrade hardware for this Laptop?
I like to improve performance qith games, like Skyrim, PES 2012, Crysis 2, Virtua Tennis 4.

I know for now i can upgrade so:

CPU: X9000
RAM: Cant upgrade
GPU: Ati Mobility HD 4670 1GB DDR3 (..but im not sure this is 100% compatibile)

The first question is, the ATI HD 4670 1GB DDR3 is compatibile with any problems to my laptop?

Any improve Video card is available?
Difference of performance % of upgrade?

All recommendations are accepted!!!

Thanks!

 

The CPU is OK, you can also go for a X9100 E0 (if you find one), because it runs cooler, but you need to do some mods in order to work (see my sig).

About the RAM - not all PM965 laptops are the same (some run up to 8, some recognize only 6, and some wont work with more than 4 at all), but you could give the 8Gigs a go, if the seller accepts returns.

GPU - you are probably looking at MXM 3.0 Type-A (MXM-A), which is NOT compatible with your machine. The best working out-of-the-box are ASUS GT 240M 1GB DDR3 and MSI HD4670 512MB GDDR3, which are pretty rare. There are also Toshiba GPUs (GT 330M, HD4650 1GB DDR3), but they require some soldering in order to work.

 

Thanks a lot for your answer triturbo.
I understood the situation of the CPU and RAM, thanks.
I still have some doubts about the graphics card.

For your opinion, is worth to switch from the 9500M GS card that you listed?
Which best? How much will I earn as a % in performance with games like CRYSIS2, Skyrim, PES2012?
out-of-the-box what does it mean?

Among GT 240M 1GB DDR3 ASUS and MSI HD 4670 512MB GDDR3 which is the best?
They are 100% compatible with my laptop? Not require MOD? The Watts/alimentation are compatible?

Sorry for so many questions, I am comfortable with PC prevents this, but now I can not play for nothing can decently.

 

Is very hard find the 4670 with DDR3 memory to MXM 2.1.. Uff..

I find only the 240 here: http://www.mini-laptop-accessories.com/asus-c90s-c90p-nvidia-gt-240m-1gb-ddr3-mxm-ii-vga-card-p-8355.html

I also found a MXM 2.1 nvidia 260m http://www.ebay.it/itm/Asus-G71GX-Nvidia-GTX-260M-1GB-DDR3-MXM-VGA-Card-tested-/250806740446?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item3a653f25de, would be great!
But unfortunately the reverse is ASUS with the slot ..
Do you know if there is a solution to fit the slot opposite?
And even if I could connect the card by changing the heat sink, in your opinion would be recognized by the BIOS??

 

8920G is limited to the 800Mhz FSB CPU.
8930G gets the full 1066 bus.

As far as I know x9100 will not be compatible.

 

Check my signature, and you'll change your mind

 

Sorry,
Among GT 240M 1GB DDR3 ASUS and MSI HD 4670 512MB GDDR3 which is the best?
I need to bios modding for the 240m and HD 4670?

 

No, you don't need to modify anything. The problem is to find them.

 

About the GTX 260M, look for the version made for the G60J/Jx. It has a normal, non-reversed connector.

There is also a GTS 360M for the same machine.
However, keep in mind that both of these are oversized cards (they need some extra space compared to MXM-II, especially the 360M). Also, IIRC they come ROM-less, and require the same modding to work as Toshiba cards. I seem to remember that the 260M also has nonstandard heatsink mounting holes, so cooling modification may be required for fitting it.

EDIT: OS-Store is now selling pre-modded Toshiba HD4650 cards. Their price is a bit steep, though.

 

The nvidia 240m I found it, the problem is that costs about $ 200, just gotta figure out if it's worth spending the money for the performance increase from 9500M GS.
My problem is I can not evaluate how much performance difference there between the two card to %.

For 8920G, space is not problem! is a MXM II and III capable (but not HE or MXM III A or B), space is OK, just i dont know problem of electrical/watt and Bios recognize.

If 360m GTS is sure compatible for my Laptop i go for it very fast, but i cant find this card in MXM 2.1, im just find a 360m type HE but this is incompatible with my laptop.

For now i find just nvidia 240m with 1gb DDR3, but i dont know if this card increase a lot of performance of my actual 9500m GS 512 DDR2, but i hope find the 4670 with DDR3 (now im find only with DDR2 -.-) or the best 360m (but im find just to HE or MXM type A or B, ore mxm 2.1 but ASUS reverse socket -.-), but is very hard.

Thanks for help boys.
If any know a place for buy this card, please say me.
Sorry my bad english ^^

 

Asus 60-NYLVG1000-C11 Video Card | eBay This is a GTS 360M. (The key part is "NYLVG1000" - any card with this in its name is a 360M.)

Keep in mind that it requires the same mod as Toshiba cards.

 

What is this mod? What do I do?
Will be incompatible with my Bios? I have to modding the bios?

This board has an irregular shape, height-there 'problem, but now I open the laptop to control space in width, but in width, perhaps there is not enough space exists because the fan, but maybe I can do some editing, now I see .

However, the 360m memories that mounted? DDR3?

The 360m is the most powerful of the ATI Mobility HD 4670??

 

I have an 8930g what's this I hear about the gts360m being compatible.

I'm liking the idea.

 

GT 240M is slightly less capable than MSI HD4670, so in my opinion it worth it.

MSI GT628 (as other MSIs as well) can run MXM-HE even though it has MXM-III connector in there. I'm not sure about 8920G though.

Here you go.

It is, but it requires the mod above.

 

Thanks for the link and for the Help.

I think HE is not MXM compatible with Acer 8920G, because HE MXM cards have a little bit more in the lower right slot on the motherboard of the 8920G is not present, I can put mechanically HE MXM cards, but then I do not know if they work, I think most of the piece in both HE MXM cards for extra power, and therefore I believe that HE MXM cards will not work with motherboards only MXM III, or perhaps work with a reduction in power, I do not know so I prefer not to risk , I still never heard of who have installed 8920G 9800 or 8800 GTX so I guess it is not possible.

In your opinion the MOD work with my 8920g???

And look this:

this is the 9500m GS and Acer Aspire 8920g:


And this is the asus 360m:


mmmmmmmmm....



I do not know if it is' possible to get it.

Honestly, the MOD software, such as MOD BIOS scares me.

With the manual work but I'm good, I might try to adapt the card somehow.

But then I would be sure that this card works perfectly, with correct voltage, and that the drivers will not cause any problems like that the fan always runs at maximum, this would be a very annoying problem for me.
I hope that the fan can work properly.


By tomorrow I would buy a card, but still are unsure whether to risk for the 360m, or go to 240m becouse and it should operate more quietly, I think ..

What do you think?

EDIT: I'm thinking that maybe the card on the right side may be cut because it seems to me that there are no tracks and components, I think ...

 

OK, I made some measurements, and by cutting off the card 360m to the right I can easily put it in my Laptop.

sorry netroller 3d, english is not my language and i dont undestand at 100% your lesson here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/acer/575866-acer-mxm-bios-mods-discussion-x920g-vs-9600m-gt.html

For Acer 8920G + Asus nvidia 360m, i need just a Bios Modded (I cut the card to the right, but I can do that easily)?

Or should I also run the electronic mod??

In this case, give up right away because I do not have the proper tools.

Please Help me, i need to chooce to 360m or 240m!!!

 

You will need the electronic mod - the 360M comes with no ROM chip; no amount of software hacking will ever change that.

 

Then maybe I'll have to give up ..
However, what should I do exactly?
I dont understand much..
Is it very difficult?
If you do everything correctly, the card will work perfectly 100%, or the fan always runs at maximum speed without changing speed according to the heat?

On the contrary, 240m and HD 4670-4650 goes without problems, right?
No hardware MOD or MOD of bios is needed, right?

Sorry if I make too many questions, netroller >. <

 

ASUS GT 240M and MSI HD4670 (also HD4670 DDR2, but it seems that you aren't interested in it ) are PnP. Toshiba's HD4650 requires mod as well.

 

If I spend money on a 4670 to change my 9500m, I wish it was DDR3.

What is the best choice according to you, 4670 or 240M, with regard to performance in games? And to 4650 and 240m where is the best (in game performance)?
Obviously both with DDR3.

But I can not find the 4670 with DDR3, you know where I can find it?

If I change my 9500M I want to take the best existing card can be compatible with my laptop, otherwise it seems pointless to spend money.

 

@triturbo: OS-Store sells Toshiba 4570 and 4650 cards pre-modded, that's what I was referring to.

@CristalDarkhoN: The 4670 DDR3 is virtually impossible to find (the only way to get one is from a dead MSI laptop - MSI only issues it as a replacement part if you send in your broken card as proof, they don't want it to be used for upgrades of rival brands). The closest you can get without modding is the Asus GT 240M, or the OS-Store 4650. With modding, you can get GT 330M, and possibly GTX 260M and GTS 360M. Note that the GT X 260M is actually faster than the GT S 360M.

 

If I find a GTX 260m, will be very complicated for the MOD?
What should I do in practice for the MOD?

EDIT: I find 260m GTX only a type HE or mxm 2.1 but Asus reverse.. -.-

 

Really?! WOW! I couldn't seem to find them.

@CristalDarkhoN - I don't know mate, but you'll never know until you try to put HE in there yourself. There aren't many 8920G users left and you are among the few that's willing to spend money upgrading it. If you find a seller that accepts returns, even if there's a tax, it worth it. I got a WXGA+ display to try it, didn't work, returned it, was charged a tax, but hey, at least I tried.

 

Thanks triturbo.
But before im ordering the card, I need to understand what MOD i need, because if I need to weld, im no god for this.. And i go for the simple install of 240m.
Although I think a switch to a 240m 9500M will not change much, so maybe not worth it.

 

GT 240M = 48sp, 500/1100MHz, DDR3, 40nm (runs cooler than higher values).
9500M GS: 32sp, 475/950MHz, DDR2, 80nm, potential Bumpgate risk

So, a 240M is significantly better.

 

uhm..
Ok, finally i go for the 240m, i hope it go with never problem to original Bios.

I like gaming, But in my opinion is not worth even change the CPU and RAM.

What do you think?

If I put X9000 and RAM800 I'll have a good increase of performance to game? Or change just little?

If no change lot, i preferred spend the money for an HDMI IN, like i can connect the PS3 and XBOX360 to Laptop 18" for play in nice Full HD Display.
Or in altenative i buy a SSD for my primary Disk.

 

@.NetRolller 3D - Found one, it's listed as DDR2 though.

@CristalDarkhoN - You wont notice any real world performance difference going to 800MHz RAM. 8920G is SantaRosa, so it's going to downclock the RAM to 667MHz and the only difference is that it would run with better timings. I don't know how cool 8920G runs, but clocked X9000 would bring notable improvement. It would also helps with the HDMI in.

 

heres a dr3 one

?ATI? HD 4650 M96 DDR3 1GB MXM II Video VGA Card LS-5001P Free shipping VC001 | eBay

been eyeing it up.

would get a gt 330m for my 8930g to upgrade the 9700m gt but only if someone could solder and mod it for me :<

 

@triturbo 4650 DDR2 vs 240m DDR3, nvidia win, right?
Uhm, ok, i no need to RAM upgrade.
Yes x9000 is in my project, after cooling i hope it have a good upgrade to performance in game.

Now i ve:
CPU: T8300 35° (In game 45°-50°)
GPU: 9500m GS 512DDR2 60° (In game 80°-90°)

Yes, i play with this Laptop to PC game, also i play with XBOX360 and PS3 to This display with HDMI-IN Express card, and i play to FULL HD, im hope dont have any problem of LAG.
I dont have space for another Monitor, and thsi solution is better for me.

@squee666 thanks, but i dont good for Toshiba-Mod, if i need to chooce to 4650 with no mod and 240, im choose 240 becouse not need a mod, and i know the performance is very similar.

PS: Next Mod: Illumined Keyboard..


EDIT: hey boys, 1 question..

Slot MXM HE is compatible with MXM 21 Video Card.
But, Slot MXM 2.1 is compatible with the MXM HE Video card????

 

@squee666 - We were talking about pre-moded ones, this one isn't

@CristalDarkhoN - Yes you can put any MXM 2.1 in MXM-HE slot (without IV, but it's rare anyway), and as I said, some laptops would run MXM-HE even if they only have MXM-II slot.

 

Thanks a lot for Help boys.

Finally i go for the 240m with 1gb DDR3, i hope work fine with never problems.

In future, i go for X9000, and 1 SSD for primary Disk, but i dont know if with these new entry the performance of gaming change a lot..

Really, the T8300 i ve impression to work fine, RAM onestly 4GB are ok and timing not change a lot improves with game.
Now i ve a 5400rpm HardDisk, in future go for SSD, but i dont know this improve a gaming perfomance.

Or, im change just a Video card, im waiting 1 years and after buy a new Laptop.

If any search a 9500m GS 512Mb DDR2 used but in good condition, i have, ^^

 

Man, I wish I had advised you sooner. First of all 2 Acer laptops with MXM 2.1 II slot have been tested with MXM HE cards no problem.

Second, I think this card is cheaper and more powerful:
HP FX3600 PCI-E 512MB VIDEO CARD 492189-001 | eBay

And it comes with a heatsink.

 

Excuse my ignorance, but what exactly is this?

 

Its a normal MXM 2.1 HE Quadro FX 3600m, built onto a Mezzanine adapter for use in servers.

Same card used in the HP 8710p. It requires a vBIOS flash to 9800m GT to function on built in displays otherwise it will only work over VGA.

In general its the most powerful mxm 2.1 card out there for about 100$, which is why I wont pay for a 9600m GT or any type II card and why I have removed the ethernet and USB ports on my 5720g in order to use these cards.

 

Now I see.

Extreme mod, but at least you made room in there

 

niff, thanks for the info, but im search to google the question and now i know this.
MXM 2.1 HE Card can work into MXM 2.1 (NOT HE), but only for desktop application, becouse the card HE into Not-HE slot dont have a extra power supply.
This extra power dont need to desktop application, but it is request for the game.
If you play game, card dont have a good power supply and after this you have more problem, crash, friize or lower performance.
If i buy a 9800 but after the performance not are a 9800, i dont buy.
Right?

If i go for 1 9800, i preferred this 260m: 260m

There 's enough space in my laptop for this, but I do not know if there' need to make electrical modifications on the board for recognition.
If there was only the problem of flash bios, the buy now.
But I saw in this forum that sometimes you have to do welding, etc. .. and I'm not good at this, also because I have not a welder.

 

Nope. Many laptops have run cards at full performance without an HE tab like the gt627

Do you mean welding, or soldering?

You do have to solder these Asus cards because they do not have an EEPROM. This means you cannot flash the vBIOS, because there is no BIOS chip on board. Its not easy.

But you might have heard about welding heatsinks, which you would have to do for an upgrade from MXM II to MXM III/HE because the mounting holes are farther apart. This is more like welding but still soldering and can be done with a heatgun.

Either way, you'd have to do BOTH of these things to use the Asus GTX 260m. The 2nd option is certainly easier.

 

Also, the link to the 260m you showed is NOT a 260m, at least the picture isn't, its of a GTS 360m.

And, I really think its a very bad idea. That card will stick into the fan, you would have to really chop up the plastic!

Trust me, the asus cards will be impossible!! The 3600m is still MUCH better performance and a much easier option!

 

Hi, thanks for a lot of information, and sorry my bad english.

Please exclude the problem of physical space and sink, I calculated the space and I can insert the card because my laptop is spacious.
The right side you can cut a little because there were no tracks and circuits as you can see from the photo.

But thanks for having advised that the card is 360m.
The seller wrote GTX 260m, so maybe he's cheating, now ask him.

In summary, do not worry for space, my only doubt is if I can do to recognize this card from BIOS.

I think, if this 360 can working, it is more better than your mentioned card, right?

I remember that I use the laptop to play, I'm interested only increase performance for gaming, the graphics effect do not interest me much, but I like to play full HD resolution.

EDIT: At card you mentioned i cant see the MXM slot..
Arte you sure working in my laptop?????

EDIT 2: I asked the seller of the 260m,
he tells me it is an original GTX 260m, not a 360m modded.
In your opinion, I believe him???
I refer you to the link: Buy GTX260M, G60 G60JW GTX260M 1Gb DDR3 MXM VGA, CARD, G60 G60JW GTX260M 1Gb DDR3 MXM VGA card at Aliexpress.com

EDIT 3: Now seller say is a Mistake, and the card is a 360m GTS.

niffcreature, I bow to your wisdom

 

Hi boys, i need a fast help!

I found this card to photo, seller say is a 260m GTX 1GB DDR3 from Asus G60JX Notebook.

In you opinion, the information is right? Seller say this card dont have a bios into, i just need change my bios to motherboard.

Please another, and i hope last question.

The seller have this 260m, and another 360m GTS 1GB DDR5 (no bios chip into card) from same Acer.

If the Video card dont have a bios-chip into, is easy to install? i dont need welds or other, just i need a Acer Bios MOD, right???

260m GTX 1gb DDR3 vs 360m GTS 1gb DDR5, where is the best???

 

Yes thats the gtx 260m.

Its hard to say which is better, the GTS 360m or GTX 260m, because the TDP is different, so the the 260m might be faster but will probably overheat. The GTS 360m wont be as fast but if its still running cool you could easily overclock it to beat the GTX 260m.

No, that card wont work with a simple BIOS mod... you need to solder (not weld) a vBIOS chip onto the card.

This is why I tell you the 3600m is the best option...

 

Thanks for the fast reply, niffcreature.

The problem is this, if I decide to spend money on this old notebook now, I want to at least try to take the most powerful video card available.
The 3600m will I take it if not 'install a 260m or a 360m, but first I will try to take the card with the best performance.
Since you said that the 360m heats less, perhaps now more determined to buy the 360m.
I do not know what the 260m heats, but if more heat 'of the 9500M, I prefer a little less performance but also less heat and opportunity' to overclock.
In addition, the 360m has DDR5 perhaps, DDR5 card is better, right?
However, still do not know if the 360m has DDR3 or DDR5, the seller does not know me yet.

If I install a chip in the card bios, will be able to run everything perfectly to my laptop?
I'm no expert, but I would try to do it, or find someone who does it for me, is very complicated?

Then, find a card without a chip inside is not a good choice? better than a card that has the chip in? if a card has a chip inside, this chip i can flash and make it work with my notebook without the need for physical mod?

Card with chip inside is better?

Sorry for asking too many questions, but if I can do this upgrade you will have also helped create a monster!

 

@CristalDarkhoN - Don't you have repair shops around you to do the soldering?

 

No.. Im in Japan now, in japan dont exsist Computer Reapair shops
What do I need to do this mod?
I make a list of what should I buy?
Then give me instructions on what should I do?
I would try, but I need your help MASTERS!

 

normal soldering are ok? or need a air soldering?

 

No, you just need a good soldering iron (I use a Weller myself). However, keep in mind that the components in question are VERY small. Also, they are SMT components, so the soldering process is a bit different from conventional through-hole work.

 

Can I ask a favor?
Could you give me an appropriate guide for the 360m?
I would groped, but I need a clear description (with pictures if possible) and a list of all the necessary equipment.
If I then light a topic to help others who feel that Acer is not worth anything because of poor performance graphics card.
Can you help?

EDIT: i dont know why, but seller say me the card dont need a chip-bios for working, but it have a Asus Laptop, but he say with Acer can work, just i need to change Motherboard Bios..
But for sure I trust most of what you say.

 

Unfortunately I have not yet done a mod for this card, so I can't give pictures; the general instructions apply (use a multimeter to find the resistor connected to SCLK, replace it with one that's 20kOhm larger, and add a ROM chip).

Asus laptops with this card have the right VBIOS integrated in their SBIOS; while it's possible to inject a VBIOS into an Acer SBIOS as well, it appears that Acer laptops will never load an integrated VBIOS for an MXM card.

 

Why is that?

 

I guess Acer simply left out the code to match integrated VBIOS images to their respective devices, perhaps to save space in the ROM. Also, integrating VBIOS data into the SBIOS is a grave violation of the MXM standard.