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    Help with Videocard upgrade!

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by Kafe420, Apr 8, 2009.

  1. Kafe420

    Kafe420 Newbie

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    Hi everyone! It's not much that I know about laptops so I really need your guys help.

    I bought an Acer Aspire 7720G the other day. It's a good computer for me but all I need is a better videocard. There is a Geforce 8400M GS 256mb card so u know.

    Im now wondering. Can I just buy any videocard and plug it in? Or is there special videocards for laptops? Am I able to change it at all? Im clueless!! Please someone help me!

    Thanks
    Kafe
     
    Kafe420, Apr 8, 2009
    #1
  2. TehSuigi

    TehSuigi Notebook Virtuoso

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    Hi Kafe, and welcome to the forums.
    I do wish you had done some research before posting - there's a ton of topics here on NBR and elsewhere on the 'net detailing the procedure for upgrading a mobile graphics card.
    The Aspire 7720G has an MXM-II slot in it, which takes MXM-I and MXM-II cards. MXM cards are special video cards sized for laptops, and they're usually only available to manufacturers and service centres. Thankfully, some have leaked onto eBay, along with sites like MXM-Upgrade.com and MXMVideoQuest.com.
    The 8400M GS is an MXM-I card, and rather anemic. You can upgrade to either the Nvidia GeForce 8600M GS or 8600M GT without any problems, and most likely the 9500M GS as well. The ATi Mobility Radeon HD 3650 is likely compatible, but may be somewhat difficult to acquire. And upgrading to the GeForce 9600M GS and 9600M GT is VERY hit-or-miss.

    If I were you, I'd seek out the 8600M GT/9500M GS. They'll serve you well, and probably be compatible without much hassle.
     
    TehSuigi, Apr 8, 2009
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  3. Kafe420

    Kafe420 Newbie

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    Nice thanks ALOT!!

    When you are talking about upgrade do you mean "upgrading the software" or buying a new card?

    And what is the difference between 9600M GS and 9600m GT?
     
    Kafe420, Apr 9, 2009
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  4. MrButterBiscuits

    MrButterBiscuits ~Veritas Y Aequitas~

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    He means the card.... the difference is that the GS is a lower performance model compared to the GT
     
    MrButterBiscuits, Apr 9, 2009
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  5. Kafe420

    Kafe420 Newbie

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    Oh okay Im starting to getting it now haha.

    Would for example this videocard match my computer?
    http://cgi.ebay.com/nVIDIA-MXM-Graphics-Card-GeForce-9600M-GT-Laptop-9600_W0QQitemZ280330892373QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCC_Video_TV_Cards?hash=item280330892373&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50
     
    Kafe420, Apr 9, 2009
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  6. nklive

    nklive Notebook Evangelist

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    Like TehSuigi said getiing a 9600M GT card is a hit or miss. It might work, it might not. It should work but there many people that have my laptop and tried to upgrade to that card and they have failed so far. Of course there is couple of people (like 'boruta' and 'Acer7720-6395 User' that had your laptop and their upgrade was successful.
    But again as TehSuigi said search the forum there tones of info about.
    Try this thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=277267
    To me the card looks fine, just ask if it has Acer bios or not. You might need to flash the card with Acer vBios in order to work with your laptop.
     
    nklive, Apr 9, 2009
    #6