Upgrading graphics on e1505/6400

Hi, I am just about to purchase a new inspiron 6400. I am not too impressed with the graphics cards offerings on this laptop (in Canada, they have the ATI x1300, x1400 (with a shipping delay) or the Nvidia Go 7300. As far as I understand this, these are on a PCI expansion slot, right? So it should be possible to purchase the laptop with the integrated graphics and upgrade with a graphics card purchased from another store, right??? If yes, do you have any recommendations for relatively cheap yet half decent upgrades? Where can we buy those cards (Canadian suggestions would be nice).

Thanks,

GL

 

The slot the graphics cards use is not compatible with desktop video cards. If you get the Integrated graphics, its a special motherboard with the chip built on, and it doesnt have the slot for an external video card, meaning if you get Integrated Graphics, youre stuck with that. If you get a video card, like the ATi ones or the Nvidia 7300, yes it is upgradable, but only to one of those 3 cards that are available as options. For example, you cant take a 7800 from an e1705 and place it in a 6400 and expect it to work

 

Humm, then why was I just told by the Dell product advisor that I should be able to upgrade the integrated graphics card after purchase by using the pci expansion slot?

GL

 

Because their only job is to sell you a new computer. Once they sell it to you, and you find out they lied to you, it's not their problem.

It is true the external video cards use the PCI Express bus to run from. But the cards are totally proprietary to that model Dell laptop.

The laptops with integrated Intel graphics do not have the expansion slot on the motherboard to add an external video card.

 

The only upgrade path you have available to you would be from the x1300 or 7300 to the x1400 (or a new video card available for the e1505). If you have integrated graphics you can never upgrade.

Buy what you need now without the intent to upgrade later.

By the way, the x1400 is the best choice, wait for it if at all possible.

 

Like the other have said, it is not possible to upgrade te graphics cards in most notebook. Ins ome you can upgrade to what the notebook was originally offered, like the E1505. If you are not entirely happy with the Mobility X1400, there are many other notebooks on the market that offer better graphics card, at an affordable price. If you want to game well, then a good graphics car will be the Mobility X1600 or Go 7600.

 

im sure this will intrest you

 

That XG isn't supposed to be available through retail channels from my understanding. I wouldn't rely on that showing up.

 

Ok, the product advisor was wrong. I'll see if they can give me a rebate for thath ;-)

GL

 

That little express slot gadget sells for more than your notebook cost. There are others making them as well. Already looked into it. Waaaaayyyy expensive.

 

Anyways the XG station requires a separate monitor to display the video therefore making it a not so portable solution and more of pro-desktop product.

 

seems like the XG station aint a such a good option as i anticipated and aint going to work


BTW ,when you say expensive how much are we talking about?

another good point which makes the XG statoion an useless option

i acctually had high hopes of it but didnt bother finding out more about it
so guess this is how the XG turn out to be!!!!