Can I upgrade the graphics card on a G74SX 3DE?

I read the FAQ, but I don't know much about computers, so I'm not clear on the difference between video cards and graphics cards. Also the G74SX 3DE is advertised as being upgradeable.

If so, what would be involved with upgrading, what do I need to consider and what are the most powerful things it's compatible with? And can I use SLI if I'm not currently?

Thanks in advance.

 

I believe video cards and graphics cards basically mean the same and are interchangeable. You can upgrade its CPU, memory, HDD, ODD and wireless interface at least.

You can upgrade your CPU up to i7-2960XM and memory up to 32GB if I'm not mistaken. You can replace your HDD with a much faster SSD depending on your budget. You can choose between a DVD-drive or a BluRay-drive for your ODD. I'm not sure what options you can choose for your wireless interface though. I believe the G74 can't be turned into an SLI, and it's graphics card is not likely to be upgradable (not unless very expert dudes like those upgrading their G73JH's 5870m to 7970m dare to do an experiment with upgrading the G74SX's gpu.

If you would like to have a gaming notebook with upgradable GPU, try checking out Alienware or Sager the next time you buy.

 

Would I get any noticeable benefit out of upgrading the CPU and memory?

 

It depends on your task. If you do CPU and memory intensive tasks like rendering videos using applications like Adobe Premiere for example, I believe you'll get noticeable gains; or games that are CPU intensive like Starcraft 2. If you run a lot of virtual machines, having a stronger CPU and bigger memory would enable you to run more VMs simultaneously and responsively.

 

You could upgrade the cpu, ram, her on it.

As for GPU, Asus uses propriety slot which makes you upgrading practically impossible

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

 

What parts would I need to install the upgrades?

 

Hello. G74 modell has its gpu chip soldered directly to the motherboard. So sry but there is not much you can do about gpu upgrades. G73 and G75 have mxm slot but on G75 asus gpu is to short in lenght but long in width and thus not compatible with standard MXM gpu`s out there. Looks like after G73 series asus decided to make gpu upgrades if not impossible then next to it.

 

Like jmhdj daid the G74 video card is soldered on the mainboard:

 

Yes the G73JH is about the last one you could properly upgrade, all later models are soldered or use REALLY funky cards.