graphics card on Studio 1737

Just bought a 1737 yesterday but the dell website crashed after I'd made he specification, so I had to do over.

Long story short, second time I selected the components I managed to miss upgrading the graphics card from integrated intel to dedicated ATI.

The status is currently "preparing for delivery" and I need to have the order amended to include the dedicated graphics.

I just want to know if I can buy the card and add it myself, ie are the motherboards the same for both versions, and the upgrade is simply a plug-in card, or am I going to have to stop dell's delivery and have them make the change. Last think I want is to have to change the motherboard on a brand spanking new laptop.

Any ideas?

thanks
Guy

 

They use two different motherboards. IF YOU PLAY GAMES CASUAL STILL GET THE HD 3650 ITS WORTH IT AND YOU WONT REGRET IT. THE INTEGRATED IS CRAP IT CANT PLAY ANY GOOD GAMES. ONLY GAMES FROM 03 DOWN AND LETS FACE IT THERE NOT AS GOOD.

 

Okay, so dell tell me I can return the original order when it arrives for a refund and purchase a new S17 with the correct confirguration. The thing is that the WUXGA (1900x1200) is no longer available - that's changed in the last 24hrs.

So do I return the S17 with the WUXGA screen and get a S17 with ATI, but only the WXGA screen (1200x900), or keep the hi-res screen and live with the Intel Integrated graphics?

I feel like I'm banging my head against a wall...

sorry, I should have mentioned I'm using it primarily for Photoshop CS4, but no video and no games.

 

I decided to switch it for the ATI version with the lower res screen (and also benefitted from a new £100-off discount deal too!). I'm guessing 1900x1200 on a 17" screen would be pretty OTT.

So I saved £100 on the price, got free delivery, upgraded from the P6400 to the P8400 and added the backlit keyboard, but have to pay £20 to return the unit which is already on order, and have to make do with 1440x900 instead of 1900x1200ish.

I think I made the right decision - what do you think?

cheers,
Guy

 

good job on the processor upgrade that will make a big difference. I love my 1920x1200 screen though, it's the best bit about the lappie! backlit keyboard is great, feels like a gadget indulgence at first but really is useful [I often turn it off in the evening when typing just to prove how useful it is - and it is!] did you get the same colour?

 

The processor will certainly help when using Photoshop. The 1440x900 screen may not be ideal - I would recommend 1650x1080 or more for a 17" screen, but the 1440 will not be too bad. Good choice, though.

 

Although dell can't supply a new computer with a WUXGA screen any more, they still offer those screens as spare parts for people who crack their LCD on an existing WUXGA laptop.
As such, I've purchased a new WUXGA screen as a spare part, which I will fit as soon as the machine arrives (unfortunately it's been lost by the courier)