Upgrade graphics of Thinkpad L420 with hm65 chipset

Hey guys!!

I am a college student (mechanical engineering) and the college is providing us with Lenovo Thinkpad L420 notebook which has i3-2310, 4gb and built in Intel HD 3000 graphics.
I would like to know if it is possible to upgrade the graphics card and if yes then which graphic card would be suitable for gaming (nfs shift)? My budget is $300. If not then, out of curiosity, why not? There must be a free pci-e slot or something, right?

Don't suggest to change the laptop. Don't have that option.

Oh and does this have SATA 6gbps for a nice ssd or am i stuck with SATA 2? Any suggestions for ssd too? And has anyone overclocked the i3-2310 processor or the HD 3000 graphics?

Thanks a lot in advance guys! Waiting for your replies. Do reply!

 

Only way you can do it is using the L420's expresscard slot to host an external desktop GPU. A x1.1Opt GTX460 for can be done easily for < $300. See http://forum.notebookreview.com/gam...ards/418851-egpu-experiences.html#post5324240 for details.

 

Thank you!! That was fast and helpful.

Looks too complicated though and not sure if I can get the parts here in India.

Will finalise after further research.

 

hwtools ship their US$55 PE4L-EC2C or US$85 PE4H-EC2C kit worldwide.
ATX PSUs are available everywhere, even business district dumpsters for $0.
GTX460 video cards would surely be available.

Plug them together and away you go.