E1505 GPU change

Just wondering...

I have an Inspiron e1505 with ATI Mobility Radeon x1300, but this GPU doesn't satisfy me as my primary OS is Linux. For the last year I've been playing with fglrx proprietary drivers but still have many problems. And the situation is not going to improve: ati doesn't seem to put much effort into their Linux support, and opensource drivers team doesn't have all the required specs.

So the question is whether it is possible to change my ATI GPU for an nVidia one, which won't have any problems in Linux environment? My e1505 is almost out of warranty, and I know skilled technicians who can install me a new GPU. However, will it work after installation? I've heard about some motherboard issues, but haven't found any substantial on the internet. Also there may be some size/power/heat dissipation mismatch problems.

If the answer is positive, which of the GPUs are suitable for installation in e1505? Performance is not my biggest concern, so some 7300 will do. However, if something better is possible (maybe from other laptop), it would be very nice.

As for getting the parts - i saw some of the GPUs on eBay, so this should be no problem. Regarding compatibility, any e1505 gpu should work, but maybe there are some others? i've heard that Dell uses modified MXM socket for its GPUs; is it true?

Well, thank you for reading all this. Sorry for my English. I will really appreciate any help.

 

The only upgrade you can possibly do is to the ati x1400, as that is the best gpu offered (and that fits) in your notebook.

You can try contacting Dell directly and asking them for that part.

 

Dell uses a proprietary interface for its graphics cards, and doesn't use MXM. You can chnage the graphics cards for the E1505, to those offered for the notebook. The three offered were the Go 7300, Mobility X1300 and Mobility X1400. Since you need an nVidia card, the Go 7300 should be fine.

Bear in mind, that replacing the graphics card will probably void your warranty, and it could be diffcult to find a Go 7300, as it has to be one from an E1505.

 

Thanks a lot for the replies.

However, one of my questions persists: it certainly _is_ possible to upgrade X1300 to X1400; however, does the fact that 7300 is a card from a different vendor matter? I've read something about ATI <-> nVidia motherboard issues on that forums, but can't remember where. Can it happen that my MB won't accept the nVidia GPU?

And if considering the change at large, maybe it is possible to install something midrange, like gf7400 or gf7600 from e1705? I know this will kill the battery life, and the latter maybe even dangerous for the laptop, however, the slots and installation procedures in service manuals for 1705 and 1505 seem the same (at least not considering the scale).

 

No, just like Zero said

So that's ALL YOU CAN CHANGE IT TO, there's no other choices, period.

So you either go to an x1400 to get slightly more power, or you stick with what you have. Only way you will ever be on anything besides those 3 cards mentioned above is by buying a new laptop.

 

Yes, the E1505 and E1705 use the same modular graphics card, and thats why the Mobility X1400 is offered in both. Since the E1705 is not sold with a Go 7600, but rather a Go 7900 GS, its difficult to install it into the E1505, because of clear heat and power issues.

The change of manufacturer of the card, from ATI to nVidia, shouldn't have any compatibility issues. So long as you install the correct drivers, the notebook should work as normal as before.

 

The 7300 is about as good as the X1300, but the X1400 is better than both.

 

Ok, thanks then.
I'll consider buying a 7300 TurboCache from Dell.

 

Have a look online and on ebay aswell. Dell normally charge a fair bit for their graphics cards. Also, make sure that you can install the card yourself, or get someone else to do it.

 

Hm.. The price doesn't matter as long as it is below $100. But considering that I live on the other side of Earth relative to Dell HQ, it would be nice to order the GPU in Europe to minimize transportation time and the risk of damaging the GPU. Is it possible? Btw, how "raw" (fragile and static-aware) equipment can be delivered overseas?

Luckily, that's no problem.

 

My fears confirmed - neither eBay nor Dell official site offer delivery to Europe. Is there any site where it is possible?