What is the deal with HP laptops and MXM Technology

I have a hp 8000 with the 7600 series card.
I like the hp laptops but it really ticks me off that they don't offer any more advanced cards like dell and others do. that leads me to my only other option, upgrade.

I've been searching the web, and have gone to the laptop mxm list site, http://www.mxm-upgrade.com/index.htmland I still can't find any info on whether HP actually utilizes mxm technology or their own proprietary tech that everyone now seems to do.

I wrote HP and they gave a canned message about how you can't replace laptop video cards. Obvious, they want more business without us being able to upgrade our machines.

Any ideas? There has to be other HP users who have run into this problem. Thanx!

 

MXM is still not standardize, thou it says it is standard, but not much ppl use it anyway, so u cant blame HP. They are like Asus, who never put high end cards inside their laptops.

 

I'm not sure there's even an MXM card that's more powerful than the 7600.

 

well I know that Dell, alienware and others have modified the mxm design a bit and are offering quick swap out upgrades for their gpu's, including cards like the 7900gtx.
Have you known of anyone who has actually attempted a gpu mod on a hp?

 

Dunno, if anything has to do with MXM, ask Ice-Tea.

 

You rang, m`lord?

Check this page.

The nxwhatever series has a MXM formfactor.

Stuff tried:

Bought a HP card, tried it: no go. Broken card or not compatible -> dunno.
Send a 7900GS card to an owner, no go because of mechanical constraints.

So, nothing conclusive, but not going in the right direction.

 

Thanks! looks like I may have a chance here

 

Eh? Pilot, I`m sorry, but I`m afraid my reply was a bit ambiguos. While there are some HP models that are fooling around with MXM, I don`t think your notebook has it...

 

I have queried both Hypersonic and Clevo regarding this (want to be able to slot in mxm DX10's despite Turion) but no conclusive replies. Probably up to nvidia (does ati do mxm form factor? - not that it would help me..). Let's keep hoping.

 

Well, I guess we will have to wait then to see what develops in the next few months.. The 7600 is still a great card for the $$, Thanks for the help!

 

Realize that using a form factor for a video card like MXM prevents HP from building the video card onto the motherboard to lower costs. Any time you separate the manufacturing of 2 components, cost goes up and profits go down. It also restricts the design of laptops, making them larger than they have to be. The cooling solution for higher end GPUs either forces the company to create a special cooler for it, or use something on the lower end. HP is NOT a gaming company and doesn't care about that. Plus, HP would rather you buy a new laptop whenever you want a new GPU.

And for OEMs that DO use MXM, you usually end up paying so much for the laptop initially, they don't care anymore. Not to mention MXM video cards aren't readily available.