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    Studio 15 graphics question

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by venkateshkumar99, Oct 30, 2008.

  1. venkateshkumar99

    venkateshkumar99 Notebook Guru

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    Hi!

    I have a studio 15 with the x3100 on board graphics. I want to know if there is a possibility to add a discreet graphics card at a later time?

    Thank you!
    Kumar
     
  2. PhoenixFx

    PhoenixFx Notebook Virtuoso

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    No, integrated graphics adapters are built in to the motherboard. Only option for you is to get an external card like the Asus XG Station. AFAIK that is the only external card with a decent GPU, I think ATI is also working on an external adapter but if I remember correctly it needs a special connector not available in Studio 15.

    In "general" notebook graphics cards are NOT upgradable.
     
  3. Jstn7477

    Jstn7477 Sam I Am

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    Well, if the Studio 15 uses the same exact motherboard throughout all of the configurations, then you can drop in a Studio 15 graphics card if Dell actually soldered the connector onto the motherboard and the dedicated GPU isn't actually part of the motherboard. For instance, the Dell Inspiron 6000 that I am using right now has Intel GMA900 onboard graphics, but Dell offered an ATI X300 video card on the i6000D line. I was going to buy the Dell card off of eBay, but I found out that the PCIe slot where the GPU was supposed to be plugged into was never soldered on. Your results may vary. Take note that taking apart your laptop will void your warranty.

    -J.B.
     
  4. venkateshkumar99

    venkateshkumar99 Notebook Guru

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    Thanks for the replies guys! That was helpful!