The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Downgrading from PM45 to GM45 - drawbacks?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Starlight5, Aug 10, 2014.

  1. Starlight5

    Starlight5 Yes, I'm a cat. What else is there to say, really?

    Reputations:
    826
    Messages:
    3,230
    Likes Received:
    1,643
    Trophy Points:
    231
    I am considering changing my notebook's motherboard from PM45+MXM to GM45 in order to have x1.Opt for eGPU (which is comparable to x2) using expresscard slot alone. I have other plans for both mpcie slots, I play games quite rarely, and anyways DOSBox and MAME should both run perfectly even on X4500MHD, or whatever it's called. However, I do really want to play GTA V when it's out on this exact notebook, and e-gpu+e-monitor is the only way to do it. The exact replacement motherboard schematics are yet to be investigated, but so far I have an impression that it does have absolutely the same slots&ports layout.

    What are the possible drawbacks, performance-wise? Will Windows 8 be running worse? Will I be able to use internal+external monitors at the same time in non-clone mode withput egpu? Will the iGPU performance be enough to output any movie to a 1280x720@60Hz HDMI-connected TV? In the end, I can use my current motherboard to accomplish the goal, but it will be painful, and there is a big chance I would have to buy an extra one just for experiments. Also, performing this swap I could get +$200+ for the parts or build a home pc using them - I've got everything necessary to run it except power-button board for this mb, and a nice vcr case to house it.

    It is also worth noting I'll be upgrading notebook display to 1920x1200@60Hz, thus if this iGPU doesn't handle Windows & movies at this resolution it's definitely a no-go for me.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 5, 2015
    Starlight5, Aug 10, 2014
    #1
  2. Starlight5

    Starlight5 Yes, I'm a cat. What else is there to say, really?

    Reputations:
    826
    Messages:
    3,230
    Likes Received:
    1,643
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Deletedelete
     
    Starlight5, Aug 10, 2014
    #2
  3. Duct Tape Dude

    Duct Tape Dude Duct Tape Dude

    Reputations:
    568
    Messages:
    1,822
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    56
    You have the equipment to swap out a BGA chip?
     
    Duct Tape Dude, Aug 10, 2014
    #3
  4. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    3,905
    Messages:
    6,116
    Likes Received:
    89
    Trophy Points:
    216
    Are you quite sure that your CPU will be up to scratch for GTA V?
     
    namaiki, Aug 10, 2014
    #4
  5. Starlight5

    Starlight5 Yes, I'm a cat. What else is there to say, really?

    Reputations:
    826
    Messages:
    3,230
    Likes Received:
    1,643
    Trophy Points:
    231
    Duct Tape Dude, nah, I've just got skill to disassemble notebook and replace fully compatible motherboards. =/

    namaiki, I'll be upgrading CPU to X9100, I believe it is good enough when overclocked.
     
    Starlight5, Aug 10, 2014
    #5
  6. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    3,905
    Messages:
    6,116
    Likes Received:
    89
    Trophy Points:
    216
    One of my older laptops had an Intel 4500MHD and it was able to playback some 1920x1080 videos onto a screen via VGA in Windows 7. I couldn't find Windows 8 drivers for the Intel 4500MHD, but from a quick skim it seems the Windows 7 drivers or the built in Windows 8 drivers should be sufficient.
     
    namaiki, Aug 10, 2014
    #6