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    Confusion with Dell Inspiron 1521 graphics

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by hockeynutpat49, Aug 9, 2007.

  1. hockeynutpat49

    hockeynutpat49 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just ordered a Dell Inspiron 1521 with an ATI Radeon Xpress 1270 integrated graphics chip. Now I've heard Dell notebooks features upgradeable graphics yet on their site I can not upgrade the graphics on the 1521. I presume the motherboard is a AMD 690G but i'm not positive about that. I've also heard that integrated graphics can be disabled in the BIOS. I would like to do a bit of gaming on it (i.e Call of Duty 2, NHL/Madden 08, Need for Speed Carbon) and think that I should buy a dedicated video card, however I do not know what or how I could disable the integrated graphics and jam a dedicated graphics chip in. So does anyone know any compatible dedicated video cards or any advice :confused:
     
    hockeynutpat49, Aug 9, 2007
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  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You cannot upgrade the graphics card when it is an integrated card. Ever.

    Dell has two motherboards for the 1520 (one for dedicated cards, one for integrated), but apparently only have the one (integrated) for AMD.

    Even when you have a Dell dedicated laptop, the modular graphics card is a Dell design so you'd have to get it from them. The only cards that will ever work will (most likely) be the cards that were offered in that specific laptop. For instance, a X1600 would never work on the E1505 because it was only able to be configured with a X1400.
     
    Greg, Aug 9, 2007
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  3. 000111

    000111 Atari Master

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    i think you have been misled. desktops can update, laptops generally can't. your only option, really, is an external graphics processing unit, of which only one exists at this time;

    www.engadget.com/2007/01/08/hands-on-with-the-asus-xg-station-external-gpu/

    it costs an arm and a leg. however, there seems to be a demand for this kind of product, and it may come down in price if it takes off! let's hope. seems like a cool idea if the price were right. note, that it will only be useful for an external moniter!

    if you want a laptop that you can update- i think asus is the way to go;

    http://stuff.tv/news/asus-upgradeable-laptop-never-grows-old/default.aspx

    word.
     
    000111, Aug 9, 2007
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  4. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    That XG Station never really did come to market. I'd say you don't want this laptop if you game with newer 3D stuff.
     
    Greg, Aug 9, 2007
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