is it compatible?

hey guys, is there a way for me to see if a video card is compatible with my motherboard? like an online test or something?

 

Umm, we need more information. Most laptops can't change their GPU. What laptop you have?


Fixed shadow, just a typo

 

Actually, most of them can't. About 25% of laptops out there have the ability to change the GPU.

And no, AFAIK, there is no online test. You will most likely need to take apart the laptop if you can't verify what type of connector it uses.

EDIT: Oh, I see that you have an 8400M GS. If you're lucky, it is probably MXM.

 

Ignore what Dell says about it being not upgradable - it's laughable.

You're using a proprietary 8400M GS in your 1720, and therefore upgradable to the 8600M GT proprietary, highest. You will gain at least 20% performance and an approximate running max temperature of 67*C. With DOX 195.65 drivers you are able to get 3800+ 3DMark06 score and P1300 in Vantage. The 8600M GT is a 256MB DDR2 card



http://supportapj.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1720/en/SM/graphics.htm#wp1179839

 

ok, they said it was like intergratated, did they say the same thing to you?

EDIT: what about the 8600m gt sli?

 

I didn't even need their advice. Unless if you own an X3100 which is integrated and requires a motherboard change to support the card.

No you can't have an SLI setup as there is only one slot available for the system. I would recommend buying a new computer instead.

 

If you have a Dell, you can only upgrade to a card that was offered in your system, and only if you didn't purchase a system with an integrated graphics card.

But also remember that the 8400m GS and 8600m GT have the solder issue. Upgrading to either card is not recommended.

 

ye, i was thinking of building my own soon, but for now, i just have enough money to upgrade this video card

 

I would just save up and get a new system if I were you. The 1720 is a great machine, but it's kinda showing its age and at some point in time it has to retire. I see you're planning on a CPU upgrade to T9300? Oh and, how's your 8400M GS running? Any overheating issues and problems? And how old is your system?

 

i was going to but decided not too, would rather build my own system. hoping to get a system with like at least 3 ghz processor, 2 gigs video card, 8 gigs ram, and 2t hard drive

 

Ah, a desktop?

 

it hasn't overheated as of yet, and it was my brothers friend, but for somereason, it wouldn't work with vista backthen, so he gave it to my brother, who gave it to me. i belive its about 3 years old now, according to dell.com

 

yes a desktop, then a laptop hopefully if i get the cash

 

I see... Good ol' 1720. I would have to agree the cooling is the greatest thing about it. It's based on the previous Dell Vostro heat dissipation design. Though probably the 8400/8600M GPUs -may- be faulty in the 1720s, but I guess its efficient cooling have made it so, thus balances out the equation, making the card last for so long till today. Maybe right now I would just recommend cleaning the insides from dust, fans etc; Have you done that?

 

ye, there wasn't much dust when i opened it, and i think it was the first time it was opened.

 

Correction: the 8600M GT can also come with GDDR3 VRAM, which adds a significant performance boost, as i will attest.

 

so where might be able to find a cheap 8600m gt with gddr3 vram

 

Correction: The 1720 has no GDDR3 variant. The 8600M GT 256MB DDR2 card is the highest available. The GPU uses a Dell proprietary PCB, you can't just stuff an MXM GPU in the 1720.

 

soooo i can only get a 8600m gt 256mb? and 1 dat looks like the pic u posted(someformofhuman) right?