Upgrading video card Yes its Possible.

UPDATED - The Mobile Graphics Card Info Page - Most GPU Qs answered

It seems this info is incorrect as it is possible to upgrade your video card. It really depends on the model of your laptop and the available ports. Its not easy but it is very possible but not always cost effective. Here are some links. As with the links provided it is possible to upgrade your video card. I find the sticky misleading and incorrect maybe the mod can realize this and possibly update.


External Video Cards:

Vidock 2
http://www.powernotebooks.com/product.php?itemId=2893

ATI XGP (for XGP port equipped notebooks only)
http://www.fudzilla.com/content/view/15736/1/

Overclocking:

ATI tool
http://www.techpowerup.com/atitool/

Rivatuner
http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=163

MXM (internal dedicated card yes its possible)

http://www.mxm-upgrade.com/

 

They do realize it. It's right in the sticky actually, second post. It's just the vast majority of notebooks all have soldered GPUs. And even if they were MXM, the cost of upgrading usually makes it unfeasible to do so.

 

I find this misleading and incorrect.

Also misleading and incorrect.

 

OP: Did you try re-reading the whole post?

Including the quoted post from you near the bottom?

As for the video RAM question, that's tricky.

It's designed to answer the assumption that comes up among less knowledgeable users that a 1GB card is better than a 256MB or 512MB card, when clearly, it's not always the case. E.g. the 512MB and 256MB 8600M GT showed little performance difference.

Nonetheless, you do make a valid point, with the newer, more powerful cards, we are seeing some differences between the 512MB and 1GB cards when it comes to certain games, i.e. GTA4.

 

Well, I think Chaz made the generalization to avoid tons of posters asking "does my notebook have MXM?" because chances are, it does not. And if it does, the buyer probably knew about it before they purchased.

It's still unfeasible to upgrade 99% of laptops' graphics cards. And adding an external solution is not really upgrading the video card, although it can be a good, cost-effective idea.

EDIT: Beat to the punchline by MGS2392 and dtwn

"Video memory i not that important" is again a blanket statement, but it's largely true - there is no point giving a 64-bit bus graphics card 1GB of video memory. There is very little to no gain over, say, 128MB. The bus width and memory type (DDR2, GDDR3, GDDR5, etc) is far more important, in general.

I think the objective of Chaz's guide is to give a simple take and correct some common misconceptions. Overloading it with asterisks full of technicalities would dilute its purpose.

 

Yep it is possible to do...but very impracticable for the average consumer.
Tim

 

Yes but $200 is hardly an expensive upgrade for XGP equipped notebooks.

Or for $200 you can buy the kit to make your own external video card (using expresscard slot) add an extra $100-130 for the video card you should have a decent gaming setup.

(using Nvidia 240 GT or 4670 cards)

 

Not quite. Please check links, the XGP card should be available soon.

 

It's not really upgrading, it's more of a docking solution. As for the ExpressCard route, your performance is severely limited by the fact that ExpressCard is only PCI-E x1.

 

Yes I did, Bandwidth, Ram type and amount are all important aspects thank you very much.

 

From integrated cards its a huge upgrade. Please check the links before posting. There was a demonstration with an 8400m vs external 4670, the 4670 performed nicely, also I can show it vs Intel 950 if necessary.

 

But again, it's not upgrading. I can tell you right now that all of that stuff isn't very lappable. And if you are doing the DIY dock, then chances are you're already well experienced enough to know what you're doing (ie knowing better than the sticky).

(And please stop double posting. It is against the forum rules).

 

You just hit the nail on the head.

While you realize this, many less knowledgeable consumers don't and are more likely to assume that more RAM = faster or the higher the number, the better, when clearly, you and I both know that this is hardly the case.
i.e. Would you say the Nvidia 9600M GT is better than the ATI 4850? Or for the matter, the 9600M GT is better than the 8800M GTX?

Firstly, I never mentioned anything about the type of RAM, bandwidth as that discussion is pointless. Of course it matters. It matters even more in most cases than the amount of RAM, WHICH IS THE STATEMENT's point. Or do you not understand that?

Hence the blanket statement in the sticky.

Note, it does say less important, not irrelevant.

Secondly, the FAQ is designed to answer questions that often come up, hence the blanket statements.

And how many XGP capable machines are there currently?

 

On the contrary the average consumer rarely upgrades there video card, that's usually done by gamers and enthusiasts. And I am debating valid points with multiple users sorry I am double posting.

Rarely do people game on there lap, Id like to see someone playing Crysis on there lap using the touchpad, (very poor gaming experience) and yes docks allow people the opportunity to play newer games without buying a whole new system so I cant agree with you when you inherently state:

"Its not an upgrade"

How many expresscard slot laptops are there?

That's when the consumer usually asks a sales associate for that info not a laptop forum.

 

The higher the resolution equals the more GPU memory needed.

With these newer laptop screens more is better.

 

You need to spend a bit more time in the WNBSIB forum before you make that statement. This is a laptop forum for EVERYONE, not merely enthusiasts. You would be surprised at how often questions like those come up. Hence their inclusion in the sticky.

You've been on NBR for a grand total of less than 2 weeks, and none of the 100 posts I looked at feature you posting in the WNBSIB forum. You spend your time posting in gaming/accessories/hardware/linux/windows and the like. You ARE NOT the user who comes to NBR for help, like the dozens, perhaps hundreds, daily who come in here, post a question about a notebook they want to buy, may return for a few more days, and never return again till they need another notebook. This is not a putdown, regardless of what you think, merely pointing out that guide is meant to give a rough GUIDE for the less informed, and it's exactly that. It is not meant to be an all-knowing God.

I don't know, you tell me.

My question was out of genuine curiosity. Again, how many XGP laptops are there? I only know of two. Do you know of more?

PS: I like to edit posts. Be sure to read the edits.

 

Gamers aren't enthusiasts either.

Expresscard slot has been around since 2003....

2 at this point. But the possibility upgrading via "Expresscard slot" is more viable if you havent noticed. Vidock 2 allows gamers the chance to play games on system that isn't equipped with a decent video card through expresscard slot. So it is an upgrade IMO sure beats using the beloved X3100 or Intel 4500.

I find that interesting you track my posts, you forgot that I post in the Security and antivirus forum as well btw.

 

Was actually referring to enthusiasts, casual gamers may very well pose the same questions answered in the FAQ, again, as mentioned, go hang out more in the WNBSIB forum. You would be surprised at the questions that gamers can come up with.

Oh, I know, and what year is it now? When did upgrading via Expresscard become a viable concept?
Well strictly speaking, I didn't know it was 2003, but I knew it had been several years.

2 after 2 years, no? Might be a while for the others to show up.

1) I did not say it was not an upgrade. Lay off that line with me, try it on MGS instead.

2) Did I mention anything about Expresscard? No. Why not? Because my point earlier was to point out that XGP might not be the best option, and is severely limited currently, and not that Expresscard is a less viable option. It's definitely more viable than XGP, currently anyway.

Try not to jump to conclusions as to what I'm trying to say.

I did mention (Note bolded section). I actually checked your posts after you brought up this thread and seem to be lacking an understanding of what the guide is designed to do. Hence, why I brought up the WNBSIB forum.

Done editing for now, feel free to reply.

 

How is not viable?, its allot more inexpensive then buying a whole new laptop.

$400 tops plus current laptop and external monitor. (Vidock 2)
$1400 for a new laptop to play games decently.

Also Vidock 2 is plug and play so its relatively easy to use and comes with instructions, its not that difficult plus universally plugs via "Expresscard Slot".

 

Question-

What did I say was not viable? If you think I'm referring to ExpressCard, you need to reread my post.

Asus G60 at $999 is a decent gaming laptop cheap, no?

 

Yes but XGP is not the only slot on Laptop that allows external video cards to be used.
Your post was irrelevant.

If the build quality is what I think it is. No its not worth the price tag.

 

I should probably explain myself when I say that using an external solution is not an upgrade...

Personally, in terms of a laptop, I view upgrades as upgrades only if they are fully self contained, either replacing a previous component, or supplementing the component in question without adding any extra space. You don't say you upgraded your laptop when you get an external hard drive do you?

The ExpressCard method does improve performance, but only at a desk. It is completely asinine to try and use those on the go. Personally, I need graphics performance on the go. Autodesk Inventor is one demanding program, and I use it more often on the go than at the comfort of my desk (which is why I got such a powerful mobile workstation). What about people with a GMA950 or X3100? Try asking them how HD videos play. Graphics cards are not just for gaming.

 

/facepalm.

1) Did not say that EXpresscard is not viable, in any way.

2) Did not say that XGP is the only slot,

3) Said that XGP is not a viable option for most users, as it is very limited currently.

Regarding the G60, that's a fair statement. Build quality is of course, subjective though.

 

Your posts are irrelevant and lack analytical thought, spending $1000 over $400 is still an expensive upgrade.

 

And so $400 includes the laptop + dock? Unfortunately, not. It's a good option for those with existing laptops, but for non-owners, there may be better options. Was merely pointing out that $1400 (figure you came up with for a NEW laptop) is hardly conclusive.

Was attempting to address your issues with the guide, but you're wasting my time.

And, now, I'm done wasting my time with you.

Because personal attacks are the best way to "win" an argument.

 

Hence why you stated "Facepalm" insinuating you were hitting my face? Sounds like a "personal attack".

If they bought a laptop for that purpose perhaps its suits them for that purpose however for gaming uses its a very poor choice. Its an upgrade for consumers who plan on gaming, no its not portable in the sense that it could be brought to a starbucks but offers abit of solution for a gamer bringing it to a lan party.

My biggest point.

 

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh: Thanks for the laugh. Remind me to rep you for that one.

Here's a tip.

Google /facepalm.

No, really, do it.

 

Sorry I misunderstood but the excessive emoticons shows how much thought your putting into this thread.

If they bought a laptop for that purpose perhaps its suits them for that purpose however for gaming uses its a very poor choice. Its an upgrade for consumers who plan on gaming, no its not portable in the sense that it could be brought to a starbucks but offers abit of solution for a gamer bringing it to a lan party.

My biggest point, you seem to miss it again but yes your posts are irrational.

 

So, your biggest point, from complaining about the guide, is now about bringing a new solution? The same "new" solution that is mentioned in the very guide that you are complaining about, quoted from you, no less? How is this new? I like the solution, I just don't see a point in your complaints.

One thing at a time please.

My excessive use of emoticons denotes how ridiculous your earlier statement was, and in case you're wondering, I did find it extremely entertaining that you made that assumption.

And once again, as I've told you, kindly lay off the assumptions.

Am I missing your point? Hardly. I do agree with some of your points; if you actually paid any attention, you might see that. I disagree with your concept of what the guide is for, as you do not seem to understand what it is for. Oh, and do please continue calling my posts irrational, I'm sure the Mutaween will find that just as entertaining as I do.

Are my posts irrational? Again, hardly, I'm merely addressing some of the assumptions that you make. If there is any irrationality in them, perhaps you should be looking at the posts I'm replying to.

PS: your =/= you are.

 

From reading the posts

external video cards are not an upgrade because you cant bring it conviently anywhere
However any place that sports a monitor can be used for it, School, Lan party. ect. Offers gamers something better than what they may have say X3100 GM950 ect.

External cards are to expensive.
$200 -$400 is sure better than $1000-$1400 for a new laptop.

XGP is not universal in laptops
Expresscard slot is more widely used. Vidock uses Expresscard slot.

MXM modules aren't universal or easy to upgrade.
No they aren't but yes its possible to upgrade with certain models.
http://www.mxm-upgrade.com/

Overclocking can damage your laptop

Yes it can damage your GPU and is not for an average user to be doing but increases the fps.
Requires additional cooling in most cases.

 

wow. didn't know a company had created an external product. I thought it was just DIY.

I might have to pick up that VidDock 2 setup.

 

You can buy the box for $200 and add your own card as long as its not a 5870 (something smaller like a 4670, 240 GT.) There are some external cards being offered by ATI soon, they exclusively for the XGP port on certain laptop models.

 

Might not be that useful for you, as the cards that fit in there will show some improvement over your 9600M GT, but not as much as you might hope for.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=397296

You can always change out the GPU though, so that does help somewhat.

 

If you owned laptop with an integrated card it would give you better fps for gaming. At this point Vidock is limited by the bandwidth of Expresscard Slot.

Expresscard slot 2.0 should be released in 2010 offering the ability to use higher end cards for future vi dock products.

 

....

1) I'm addressing a poster whose signature has

How will Vidock 2 help this poster? Not very much at all. There is no integrated card in this case. Of course, he/she might own a separate laptop with an integrated card, but we would be making assumptions again, wouldn't we?

2) Again, you are correct on both points. Once 2.0 is out, that will help, unfortunately, it does not help the particular poster.

3) If your earlier post with several points was addressed at me, I'll just point out that I failed to make any of those statements with possible exception of the one about XGP being limited. And only with a caveat. I mentioned XGP is limited, but did not mention Expresscard being limited.

 

Well I see this thread have gone off track.

Regarding the definition of upgrading used in the FAQ, the one MGS clearly explained below is spot on. An external solution is not considered as an "upgrade" in this case. It is merely, an external solution. Consider how many notebooks in the market that have removable graphics, then consider how many uses standard MXM format, lastly consider how many manufacturers of those notebooks provides BIOs' that allows for future upgrades. There you have your answer, very few notebooks. The people who have notebooks which are possible for these upgrade will know exactly what they are looking for. Hence we simply eliminate the hundreds of questions per week which will end up receiving the answer no anyway.

External solutions at the moment have yet hit main stream in terms of price or availability hence the lack of mention in the FAQ. Sure, that can be updated in the future. But as of now, it's fine.

I hope this clears up our view point about "upgrades".


Thread closed,
Johnny T - NBR Moderation Team