what mxm variant is this?

Hi, this is a nvidia gt 120m that i pulled from my asus n81vg-x1. I looked around on the web but was unable to find one that exactly matched this. Any mxm pros out there know what variant this is?

 

It's not MXM, it's ASUS specific GPU, though it does have MXM connector.

 

yup... its definitely another ASUS non-MXM videocard module.

 

Gotcha. I'm gonna start researching upgrade options. If anyone knows anything off hand, feel free to point me in the right direction

 

doubt that you will find an upgrade option other than replacing the same videocard module.

when its non-standard... you are stuck with the notebook's proprietary module

 

You're pretty much stuck buying another ASUS GPU.

looks here maybe we'll find something:
http://www.asusparts.eu/index.php?cPath=81222_81946

 

If I remember correctly, ASUS uses a flipped MXM card - the connector's similar, but the GPU and memory chips are on the other side. Since it's a newer notebook, it could be MXM-A based.
(and is that a Penryn QC I spy in the background?)

 

Yes, it was a qx9200 that I tried to install. I couldn't get it working though http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=395954 So I returned it and ordered a T9400 ES for $111 shipped

 

SO when you guys say that I am stuck with an ASUS gpu, does that mean that i'd be stuck with this exact gt120m?

Or do you think it would be possible for me to grab something from a newer asus notebook and stick it in this thing?

 

well to me it looks like a 2.1 connector. i'd say type II or III card but i can't work it out without measurements of the entire card, the only difference being that Asus make them backwards as mentioned before, and that one has screws in different places. really any type II or type III 2.1 card from asus 'should' work in theory, but the holes won't line up for the screws so it would take some modding on your part of not just the heatsink but of the laptop case itself

 

Hmz, your notebook does not ship with a better card in any configuration unfortunatly as that would be an obvious place to start.

 

So lemme ask you this then, are there any 'riser cards' for these type slots?

something like this???

 

no, first the limited space prevents such, second theres no market for it. I mean the only reason they make those things modular is to be able to lower costs if the gpu should fail. as well as power requirement of the gpu itself instead if replacing and designing an entire mainboard.

 

its asus MXM..

 

Re: what mxm variant is this?

xD nice specification of the variant there....

 

Look here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...m-gs-montevina-mobile-platform-review-10.html. It looks like ASUS N81Vp-C1 use that same MXM-like HD4650. That's will be nice upgrade from gt 120m. Offcourse if this radeon will work with your laptop.

 

i have an n81vg-x2a and i am also trying to upgrade the gt120m
how did you manage to remove it? i removed the screws but it was so snug inside my laptop i didnt want to force it out

im trying to buy a used hd4650 to see if itll be possible to upgrade it

hows the t9400 compared to the p8600?

 

Asus uses a proprietary MXM-variant in most of their laptops. It will be difficult, if not impossible, to find an upgrade that fits. The best you could do would be to see if your model comes with a better GPU and contact Asus to see if they sell the GPU separately, although that usually does not work.

Even if you manage to find a different GPU that fits, there are many other factors besides form and connectors that determine whether or not a new GPU will work. The power draw may be different and the cooling system may not be adequate enough.

All things considered, I would not waste time trying to upgrade a mobile GPU - it's expensive, risky, and usually not possible.

The two processors are similar with the T9400 being a little faster overall while the P8600 has a lower power draw (at max load).

And welcome to NBR

 

ah alright thanks a lot =)
the reason why im even considering upgrading the GPU is because i might be able to get my hands on an HD 4650 for $20

 

It is MXM-II alright, Asus just decided to flip it so that standard MXM modules are not going to fit in their machines to stop people from upgrading easily.

 

That's a great price, but I don't think it will work. Sorry!

 

that's why i call it asus MXM..

 

Just because you speculate that certain aspects of the card swap may be different, doesn't mean that one should bail out on the project.

Combating the issue of cooling is simple anyways.

 

You do realize that "combating the issue of cooling" isn't just replacing the thermal paste, right? Feel free to get back to me when you've machined a new heatsink and copper tubing.

Anyways, we concluded that Asus uses a proprietary MXM variant, so it isn't possible to upgrade with any old MXM card you find lying around.

 

Combating heat is not of any concern to me. There apparently is a gtx 260m that asus uses in some of their clunky 'gaming' laptops. I believe that this will be a feasible upgrade.

 

It would be IF the card is supported/accepted by the BIOS of your machine, and you have the capabilities to build, attach and encase a new heatsink for your chosen card (otherwise it could run substantially hot to the point of dying/failing, even when idling); as a GTX260m would take substantially more cooling than a GT120; which is why it's in Asus's, as you put it, 'clunky gaming laptops'; because they have the room for adequate cooling.

Good luck with the project (I actually mean that, and am not trying to be sarcastic, it'd be a nice upgrade if it works).
There are also some 48xx series cards in Asus in this format, but again...heat. (You might be able to recover one of these from a dead w90vp if it was just the mobo that has conked it, as I believe they were Asus inversed MXM2.1)

 

this seem like asus mxm 2.1 typ II or type III maybe a II.5 what ever it's still an asus reversed MXM

 

This is a proof of concept project. I am a senior in mechanical engineering with a focus on TFS (thermal fluid science). My coursework focuses on similar applications. I also have access to machine shops, and am surrounded by many that would be far too eager to help. As I've said, combating heat is not of any concern to me.

So hacking the BIOS eh?

 

if it's not an inside bios it can be quite eseay soem one over the acer forum could be able to help you

if it's not an inside bios you generally have acces to rom files to flash it

 

Cool, good luck with that. I'm an Mech/Aero student and I'm starting my senior year at the end of September (quarter system). So are you actually planning on going about this or just toying with the idea?

 

I'm a Aeronautical Engineering student from october.. can i join the club?