8600M.. Think we can upgrade later?

Well I'm well aware the graphics card in the 1520 can come out, I took it out myself. But do you think the possibilities of upgrading to a 8700m or 8800m are plausible?

taking in the consideration that they are the same size and adapters for the mobo.

Or is it something only a 17" laptop will be able to do.

What's you're opinions?

 

due to power and heat constraits, the 8700M is only available for 17"
the 8800M isn't out yet, but logic dictates it'll be 17" as well

 

Power constraits, as in battery life will blow, or theres not enough juice for it. Heat isn't a issue, I can mod up some heat sinks. but bottem line, if I had the car in my hands right now, would it fit in or is it massive lol

 

Its difficult to say if it will fit. In the previous generation notebooks (E1705 and E1505), Dell used very similar chassis for both the 15.4" and 17" models. Thats why graphics card could be interchanged from one to the other. The only problem was the heat output and power requirements of the graphics card.

If Dell has continued using similar chassis for both of the newer 15.4" and 17" models, then its probably possible to change graphics cards from one to the other. In that case, there may be an upgrade path for the 1520, but it would depend on the heat output and power requirements of the replacement card.

 

there probably won't be enough juice for it

 

so then is it possible to replace the 8600M GT DDR2 with a DDR3?

 

that "should" be possible
though the easiest way to get this info is talk for 5 miutes on Dell chat, and print the answer (so you have proof in case it isn't working )

 

If Dell releases one, sure. but they haven't, and I doubt they will.

 

there's no way to buy the GDDR3 card by itself?

 

Dell does not use a MXM format. They use a proprietary format only Dell can use, and only Dell can sell. You're at their mercy.

 

What about the next series of cards for 15.4" notebooks? We gonna have to wait for the 9xxx series?

 

Well getting the card isn't hard. I'm pretty sure you can call dell and request any part for any of the machines if they got it available and they'll send you it. Although you obviously have to pay a slight premium.

It looks like someone with a 1720 has to open up they're system and take pictures! I think it'll all workout fine. Due to the fact that the 17" model's extra space goes to, adding bigger hard drives ect.

With some research, maybe some homemade mods, it's quiet possible we maybe be able to upgrade. Maybe eveen these new 9 series cards that will emerge down the road.

 

The nVidia 9 series card for the 15.4'' inch Dell's would probably fit into current generation 15.4'' Dells. I wouldn't put too much hope in trying to fiddle a card made for a 17'' into a 15.4''. Patience is a virtue .

 

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