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    Inspiron 1520, Graphics Card

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by 94dan, May 24, 2008.

  1. 94dan

    94dan Newbie

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    Hi, I know this question has been asked before ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=219198), but I just need to confirm.

    I have an inspiron 1520 with an intel integrated card which... Really sucks. It won't even work properly with linux! I want to get a GeForce 8400M GS, but I need to know if I can use it.

    That topic says yes, but is it different if the existing card is integrated? I don't know much about hardware...

    Googling, I've found people say yes, no, and yet others say you put in a new card and it just ignores the intel one.

    I joined this forum for this sole reason, and I'd really like some help. I want to play TF2 with a better framerate, and AoE:III with higher settings.
     
    94dan, May 24, 2008
    #1
  2. Just Lou

    Just Lou Notebook Evangelist

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    From what I've been told, if you ordered a notebook system from Dell with integrated graphics only, the MB will not be able to use a dedicated card. Apparently Dell uses different MBs for systems that ship with and without cards from the factory. I've seen this posted many times on the Dell support forums. What you said is true for desktops. You can just install a card, and disable the integrated graphics.
     
    Just Lou, May 24, 2008
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  3. nizzy1115

    nizzy1115 Notebook Prophet

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    You will need to get a new motherboard to add the card. If you do that you are better off getting the 8600gt which is much better than the 8400m gs.
     
    nizzy1115, May 24, 2008
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  4. 94dan

    94dan Newbie

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    Erm... How much would that cost? And where could I buy one?
     
    94dan, May 24, 2008
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  5. Leon

    Leon Notebook Deity

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    You can get a motherboard and card on eBay or special order from Dell. Except by doing this fixture, you will void your warranty and need special tools and skill to access the inside of your computer.
     
    Leon, May 24, 2008
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  6. Just Lou

    Just Lou Notebook Evangelist

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    It would be a lot easier and probably cheaper to sell your current system, and buy a new system.
     
    Just Lou, May 24, 2008
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  7. Lefix

    Lefix Notebook Evangelist

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    That's the easiest way, changing out the motherboard and get one with a 8600M GT is so difficult its not worth it.. Its almost impossible to do that..
     
    Lefix, May 24, 2008
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  8. millermagic

    millermagic Rockin the pinktop

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    You will not be able to do this from Dell's website anymore. The motherboard is not listed. The video card is.

    The best you can hope for is to come across the motherboard on ebay.

    Also - you will need a different CPU heat sync. The heat sync for the CPU on laptop with intergrated video is different from the heat sync for the cpu on laptop with dedicated card. If you can't come across one on ebay, you can modify your current one but it will not work that well.


    http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&mfgpid=190453&chassisid=8451
    Is the video card. Apparently Dell is selling the better card for less
     
    millermagic, May 24, 2008
    #8