Is it possible to update XPS M1710 GPU ??

guys i was just wondering if its possible to update the XPS M1710 by changin the GPU once the default Nvidia 7900 becomes obsolute....

have heard that Dell has made it possible for the XPS systems....havent got a clue myself...am a rookie

 

If you have the GS, you can upgrade to the GTX. As for anything beyond that, I'd go with no. Dell MAY update their current line with a newer GPU, they have done it before. If they do, you'll be able to upgrade. But definitely don't expect that

 

Buy the laptop with the video card you want. If you are getting a top-end card like the Go7900GS/GTX, then there is no need to worry about upgrading for a long time. And by then, you will be wanting to replace your entire laptop and not just the video processor. Also, Dell will probably have changed their chassis design, so none of the newer cards would fit/be supported anyway.

 

an absolutely convincing point Chaz...thanks a lot

 

I don't think that the 7900 will be obsolete in the next year, but mabe in the next 2, due to dx10. The only company that I know that will upgrade a notebook is VooDooPC, but that costs thousands, which isn't worth the price unless your ultra rich.

The only way a notebook can have it's GPU upgraded without a Motherboard upgrade is if you have an MXM GPU.

 

Although DirectX 10 is coming out, that's not the end of DX9 gaming. I do not know how fast DX10 will catch on, but DX9 is going to be what the vast majority of people have/will use for the next two or so years. No game developer is going to abandon DX9 support. It still has quite a bit of life left in it.

 

They are upgradable within Dell's current GPU offerings on the current line (i.e. the e1705 can handle x1400 all the way up to the go 7900 GS). Beyond that they can't guarantee that future technology changes will work with their systems. If they could, everyone would be doing it.

Basically if upgrading the GPU is a priority for you, you'll be better off with a gaming desktop. Tomorrow's performance cards will not be compatible with the designs of the most powerful of systems today as Chaz has pointed out.

This is key.

I think that the 7900 line will be showing its age in a couple of years, but I really don't think that DX10 will be that quick to take over and make today's high-end cards obsolete. Game developers would have to be suicidal to knock out support for DX9 in new games right away. They want to be able to reach the broadest market available. You just won't be able to enable DX10 effects on your DX9 systems.

And don't forget that a DX10 desktop card (gaming-grade) has yet to emerge. It will still be quite a while before a mobile version is made available after that.

MXM is also problematic for the reasons above--future systems won't have the same thermal/power designs as current ones--so unless GPU designers create solutions for specifically for older platforms, there is the same problem with upgradability. MXM is a wonderful idea, but I suspect it really hasn't gained a lot of support from manufacturers for this reason.

 

alright guys thanks a lot..i will stop worrying about it for now but i guess in a couple of years DX10 is gonna start giving me nightmares.....

well it would then be the time to buy a new Laptop

 

Only if you need to play the latest and greatest at max settings. I'm sure a 512MB go 7900 GTX will still perform well beyond 2 years from now.

Don't let future changes ruin your ability to enjoy what you have now. When it is no longer powerful enough you can start to worry about it again .

 

I have the 7800GS would I be able to upgrade to the GTX??

If so, would dell do it? or an independent?

Many thanks

 

First you'll have to get the GTX, afterwards you can even think about upgrading. Dell can do it, but it will probably cost you a lot. You can do it, but you may end up screwing things up. Ask Dell for the price of that.