Can the ThinkPad P70 GPU be upgraded?

Since my trusty Alienware 17 died, I am in the market for a new gaming laptop. I really have liked my ThinkPads, and wouldn't mind going with the P70 if it can actually be upgraded. I know the GPU is MXM - but can it actually be swapped out? I ask this, because Lenovo has been bad about whitelisting in the past, and I would like to have a machine with real upgrade options.

 

We won't know until somebody tries, but given Lenovo's history, I'm gonna say no.

 

P775DM (or whatever the next iteration is called) is going to be your best bet

 

Thank you both.

 

P70 is a workstation, less of a gamer. Designed for workflow.

 

That's rather limited view on the matter. I got my 8740w because of the display (as a lot of other people) and it is capable to game too, even more so when you upgrade the GPU. There are users with 780ms and another one tried 980m, but it has issues with the DreamColor. AMDs have issues with the BIOS, which is really sad. In the end - you can play on MobileWorkstation, but you'll pay quite the premium (because pro software certification and premium built quality), which is WELL worth it, especially if you get the DreamColor/PremierColor display. So far only HP ZBooks and DELL Precisions are upgradeable.

+1 Sadly lenovo has quite the track record when it comes to upgradeability. A W701 owner went to great extent (modifying BIOS and what-not) but still was unable to get unsupported GPU to run on the internal screen.

 

I didn't say it can't game. I said it was not gaming oriented and marketed to the gamers. And why do you need to upgrade the GPU? It is great for the market Lenovo aims at here, which is the Workstation market. Meaning CAD, 3D Modeling, Video Editing, Audio Editing, etc. The P70 can do gaming. But there are better machines for gaming.

 

The P70 will not have an upgradable GPU.. Go for something like Clevo P750/770/775DM or even a P870DM.. Pascal/Polaris is coming soon so if you can wait a few months, you won't be buying last gen tech..

Sent from my LG-H850 using Tapatalk

 

I understand what it is designed for. And it is for that reason I want one. I bought a W520 to game on years ago. It is sitting on my desk right now. The Alienware I bought since then died... upgradable parts mean nothing when the machine doesn't last. And therein lies the reason for my question. I would love a machine that can be upgraded, and one that will last. Lenovo can do the later for certain.

 

This last part is what I am afraid of. If worst comes to worst, I suppose I could use the TB ports to drive an external card, but that is less than idea for people like me who are constantly on the move.

 

There are other machines designed to game, but I wouldn't call them better. To be better, they have to do more than just gaming better. I love my ThinkPad keyboard. I love the battery life, the build quality, etc. Things that typically aren't "better" in other machines. Only HP gets a nod here for their better display.

 

Which I agree with. I don't game, but the P70 does what I need very well. And I agree overall it is a better laptop as an all arounder. Definitely better built, battery life is better, support better, and that keyboard is terrific.

 

would be interesting to know if you can put other GPUs in the MXM slot lol

 

They'll fit but the way Lenovo locks down the BIOS/vBIOS they'll probably not work..

 

Oh well

Also to note, based on the service manual for P70, you would need a brain surgeon to perform a repaste on the laptop