Acer Aspire AS8930-6448 - Upgrade to 9800M GT?

Hello All! I am new to these forums, but I like what I see so far. I hope to become a regular poster here since I am getting into gaming laptops now, and my overall love for computers.


I just bought this computer from newegg. Here are the specs:

Intel Core 2 Duo T9400(2.53GHz) 1066mhz FSB & 6mg L2 Cache
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit
18.4" Wide UXGA 1920 x 1080 Full HD
4GB Memory DDR3 1066
320GB 7200rpm HDD
DVD Super Multi
NVIDIA GeForce 9700M GT
Intel PM45 chipset



My question is this; it comes with a 9700M GT card, but I was wondering if I was able to upgrade it to a 9800M GT card. I don't know if the MXM is the same type or not or even if that mattered. I know it will be difficult finding one considering Acer doesn't even offer this card in any of their laptops.

Could someone tell me what MXM type I will need, and if what I want to do is even possible?

I really appreciate it!


Aaron


edit: Also, what would be the best SSD drive be for this computer. There are to HD bays, and I was thinking about putting the OS on an SSD and having the 7200rpm drive as my secondary.

 

Hi, luv2increase, and welcome to the forums!

The 8930G uses MXM-III cards, so in theory you shouldn't have a problem installing it.
It's whether or not it'll work that's a problem - I don't believe Acer has released a video BIOS for this card, and as a result it simply may not work with your system.
I'd check with MXM-Upgrade.com's forum just to be safe.

Until then, enjoy the 9700M GT that you have, and feel free to visit the Acer forum here on NBR too!

 

Thanks a lot for your fast response!

The computer will be here tomorrow, and I can't wait! I have an HP dv7 with Turion 64 x2 right now, and an upgrade is due.


I talked to Acer yesterday, and I asked him if the Vista Ultimate was 64-bit or 32-bit because it doesn't say on newegg's site. He checked and said it was a 64-bit. I didn't feel comfortable with his knowledge though. I also asked him if I could upgrade to the 9800M, and after hessitation is said I 'should' be able to. I just didn't trust this guy. After reading more, I see that some of the vista ultimate OSs on the 8930 are indeed 32-bit. I am confused, and I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out.

Does anyone have this particular model of the 8930? Is it 64-bit or 32-bit Vista Ultimate?

Thanks!

 

I found somewhere where I can get an MXM III Ati Radeon Mobility 3870 card. Would the BIOS in this computer support an Ati card?


edit: I just saw an 8920 on eBay with these specs for the video

So, I am really wondering now if the BIOS in the 8930 will support the ati 3870 card... I'd really like to get a 4870x2 mobility when it comes out, especially if it is MXM III! Looks like I will have to call Acer tomorrow.

 

No, you won't be able to get a 4870 in there. That is a 8920, with a different chipset and everything. ATI cards won't work and I doubt a 9800M GT will either

 

My computer is MXM-III, and it has the latest and greatest Intel PM45 chipset. As far as I've read thus far, it appears that it would support the 9800M GT because that is an MXM-III card as well as the ATI 3870, 3870x2, & 4850 mobility cards because they are MXM-III. The PM45 chipset also supports all these cards. The only limiting factor I can see would be the Acer BIOS on the computer.

I'm too lazy to call Acer right now. Besides, I'm waiting on the computer anyways; it is out for delivery as I am writing this

 

Don't depend on Acer for getting such technical info on your laptop. I doubt the call-center staff would even know what MXM is.

And, it'll be a PITA to find a MXM-III card, w/a good return policy, and at a price which would justify the increase in performance you'll get.