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    Used video cards

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by TNA, May 10, 2009.

  1. TNA

    TNA Newbie

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    Some of you might have read my other thread about a new video card for my dell inspiron e1505. I wanted to know what are the odds a used video card will not work, or go bad? Is it really a gamble to buy a used card? My dad is refusing to buy a used card to fix my laptop, because I just got an error about video memory, and he believes that since it happened to me it is a common problem and if we buy a used card it will most likely go bad also. However I still have not been able to find a new card anywhere online, but I still need to call Dell tomorrow.
     
    TNA, May 10, 2009
    #1
  2. runtohell121

    runtohell121 Notebook Deity

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    do dell e1505 actually have a video card? isn't it an integrated to a motherboard gpu? which is more likely not changeable?
     
    runtohell121, May 10, 2009
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  3. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    Here is the original thread, the video card is interchangeable with video cards from other Inspiron 6400/e1505 laptops.

    Well, I emailed Dell for ya. I wonder what they'll reply back..
     
    namaiki, May 10, 2009
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  4. TNA

    TNA Newbie

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    Dude you are awesome! Just more so out of curiosity and proving my dad wrong at this point can I ask your opinion on used cards?
     
    TNA, May 10, 2009
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  5. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    Well, it might be your only option...

    If you get one, make sure to clean it, test it, benchmark it, monitor temperatures, etc. within the warranty period.
     
    namaiki, May 10, 2009
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  6. JWest

    JWest Master of Notebookery

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    Video cards tend not to be user replaceable, unless they're based on an MXM module- in which case, the likelihood of it being user replaceable is still iffy.
     
    JWest, May 10, 2009
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  7. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    The Inspiron e1505 was available with 3 video cards, the Radeon x1300, x1400, and Geforce 7300; as long as it's a pulled card from another e1505, it will work.
     
    namaiki, May 10, 2009
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  8. JWest

    JWest Master of Notebookery

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    Ah. So it wasn't soldered on I take it? 'Cause that would be one difficult upgrade :p
     
    JWest, May 10, 2009
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  9. raduque

    raduque Notebook Evangelist

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    The Inspiron 6x00/EXX05 series had removable GPU units. They weren't MXM standard, but you could easily remove and replace the GPU with another unit from the same model laptop.

    TNA, I don't think you'll have a problem with a used video card. I'm betting at this point it's the only thing you're going to be able to find. Nobody aside from Dell would make a NEW one, and they probably don't make or stock them anymore, the 1505 is a pretty old laptop.

    Just tell him you've checked every search engine and you couldn't find anything about your issue, therefore there's no way it's a "common problem". If it were, you would've found thousands of posts about it
     
    raduque, May 10, 2009
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  10. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    The reply:

    Please contact our sales department at: Toll free phone-1-800-289-3355 Monday through Sunday 8:00 am CST to 9:00 pm CST. They will be able to assist you with this concern.


    The used ones on eBay are ~40-70 USD (and one part at $199), so when you call Dell you can compare the price.
     
    namaiki, May 10, 2009
    #10