Considering upgrading my graphic card

Please don't dis or throw stones.

I've already read most of the recommended links and I know that upgrading graphic cards is almost impossible

But i searched online for solutions because I thought that my laptops CPU deserved a better graphic card.

My laptop uses "NOT INTERGRATED" PCI-E graphic cards. And I came across several mobility graphic cards on Nvidia Websites that uses the PCI Express, so i'm thinking about upgrading my laptop

Just to be sure, i'll list my computer's specs

Asus M51V series

CPU: T9400 Clocked at 2.53
15.4 WXGA+
4 GB RAM
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 512MB (Link Width x16)

I'm thinking about getting one of the mid-range Nvidia Quadro FX cards (something like FX 1700 M)

I've opened up laptops several times before (Yes, I didn't just open up the RAM slot for petty upgrades, I opened up laptops to repair mainboard defects). Upgrading hardwares will be no problem for me.

But before I jump to a conclusion and buy the card, I want to know the compatibility.

Well, by looking at the picture, I could see that Quadro FX cards looked very similar to the mobility Radeon. Is it just the matter of taking out and slipping in the new one? Or are there more complecated issues?

Also, If i'm going to buy the card, i wanna make sure I get a good one. All the high-end ones' (FX 2700~ FX 3700)descriptions said something about " pushing the limits of a 17" mobile workstation" But since they use the same x16 Link width, can it be installed on a 15.4 laptop.

P.S

NEVER MIND. I JUMPED TOO QUICKLY TO THE CONCLUSION

Hmm, I'm not really sure now. I think my notebook supports MXM...hmmm any ideas people? Words of information and sharp criticisms are appreciated

 

well first off, your motherboard was specifically designed for the 3650, anything beefier/nvidia will not work because the voltage is locked for the 3650 and the cooling system/heatsink was also designed for the 3650.

 

Ah, didn't think about the voltage..;;;
I was too pre-occupied with slipping in the new hardware...;;
Oh well, maybe i'll get a new laptop in about a year or so lol

 

Exactly /\

Also the amount of heat produced by the FX1700M will be much greater than the HD3650. Meaning you cooling system that was designed for the HD3650 won't be able to handle it. Hence it is used in 17'' notebooks.

 

Hmmm, wouldn't it be possible to get a new cooling system?

Also, Nvidia's product description said that FX 1700 was a mid-range card designed for 15.4 laptops. Then that changes a lot of things. I may not be able to get the FX 3700, but FX 1700 just might work.

But I can" think of a place to get mobility graphics cards anyways. So i'll just have to live with HD 3650

 

Good luck trying to fit a bigger cooling system into you notebook...lol The FX1700m is 65nm where as the HD3650 is 55nm. The ATI cards runs way cooler.

 

I was thinking about a cooling station, but then that would totally take away the laptop's mobility

Well, I guess i'd either have to wait untill i save up enough for a new laptop or the XG Station to be out on retail market

 

I too am either going to get the XG Station or build a desktop.

 

am sorry, there is a whole host if issues such as heat, geometry, voltage etc, you simply CANNOT upgrade the gpu in a laptop

 

plus the 3650 is probably the best thing that would fit anyway.

 

Hang on - the Nvidia page states that the power consumption is "up to 50 W."
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the limit on MXM-II cards is 25 W, so if your Asus has only an MXM-II connector, you can't upgrade to that card.
Heck, the Radeon HD 3650 is currently one of the fastest, if not THE fastest, cards in a MXM-II card.