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    Graphic Card help

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by 0jpm, Jan 14, 2011.

  1. 0jpm

    0jpm Newbie

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    I have a Toshiba Qosmio X505 with a Nvidia geforce GTS 250m on it. I want to know if it is possible to replace that with a GTX 485m
     
    0jpm, Jan 14, 2011
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  2. niffcreature

    niffcreature ex computer dyke

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    nope. maybe a gtx 260m.
     
    niffcreature, Jan 14, 2011
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  3. 0jpm

    0jpm Newbie

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    Ok so it has to be in the 200 series ? or is there another way you can tell ? Thank you
     
    0jpm, Jan 14, 2011
    #3
  4. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    It's an MXM 3.0 Type-B card, as long as Toshiba doesn't change the MXM implementation like Asus... I don't really know a lot about Toshiba.

    So theoretically you should be able to exchange it for a MXM 3.0 Type-B card with a similar TDP... The question is whether there won't be any Bios issues or similar.

    Chances are that someone already upgraded his X505, so I recommend googling a bit and maybe you'll be able to find a compatible card.

    Otherwise it's trial and error. But in case Toshiba released the same laptop with a better card as option, that card should work.
     
    svl7, Jan 15, 2011
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  5. niffcreature

    niffcreature ex computer dyke

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    They do.
    These toshibas seem pretty new, at least the ones with cards you could upgrade to. I wouldn't bet anyone has done it before.
    I guess they have some with gtx 460m too now - you could likely upgrade to that if you can find it.
     
    niffcreature, Jan 15, 2011
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  6. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    I've just seen that the Qosimo x500 series is offered with the 460m now... so this may be an option. but I can't tell whether it will work.

    Best chances to get it working would be getting a 460m from toshiba (directly or from ebay or whatever).

    Of course you could try a 460m from eurocom or Dell too...


    However, first of all make sure it really is a standard mxm card (service manual or opening the laptop)
     
    svl7, Jan 15, 2011
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  7. niffcreature

    niffcreature ex computer dyke

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    I already said, it almost definitely is NOT a standard MXM card. Toshiba does things very similarly to asus in terms of manufacturing their own PCBs for the cards, except they are even worse. A lot of them don't even have the MXM connector, and they have more laptops with removable graphics than acer, with more variation that are usually all incompatible.

    Also please do not mention eurocom as if they are some sort of manufacturer of MXM cards. They really are not that great and they take advantage of peoples ignorance. You'd get a card from a clevo to try if anything.
     
    niffcreature, Jan 15, 2011
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  8. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    That's why I said the first thing to do is check whether it's a standard mxm card...

    And I only mention eurocom because you can easily order a card from their website. Those gpus are difficult to get and that's one of the possibilities to get the latest mxm cards.
     
    svl7, Jan 15, 2011
    #8
  9. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    This is why I hate MXM.

    MXM is not the panacea of upgradeable graphics cards on laptops by any means. Yes, it gives you a little bit more flexibility. But you have no guarantee that your MXM GPU can be upgraded to anything worthwhile.
     
    kent1146, Jan 15, 2011
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  10. niffcreature

    niffcreature ex computer dyke

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    You also have no guarantee that extremely subtle environmental conditions will not render your entire laptop useless with no explanation. You have the experience of this not happening too often.

    It is a panacea of projects and research to be done. There is always a way. The problem is that most people think its way easier than it is.
    I think my success with some related things only lies in the fact that I'm not as interested in performance as I am the industry. You can't go around looking for perfect compatibility and upgrade paths. They have to surprise you.

    E. G. I just found one standard (looking) toshiba graphics card. I don't know what laptop it was for, but its a GT 130m MXM 2.1 II
    The only place these have ever existed before AFAIK is on a single MSI barebones model.
     
    niffcreature, Jan 15, 2011
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  11. reaversedge

    reaversedge Notebook Evangelist

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    nope its not. if you want a 485m card in your laptop then you should buy a new unit, the laptops that have some mxm cards i saw is sager. others idk. asus no. i have one friend who had x7200 and he has a default 460m to 485m sli upgrade. he changed the card himself and the system is stable.
     
    reaversedge, Jan 15, 2011
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  12. niffcreature

    niffcreature ex computer dyke

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    ....you act as if you have new info? why?
    you are also wrong. Asus and toshiba use MXM its just not standard. There still is a chance the clevo cards would work.

    and are you trying to impress us with the fact that someone upgraded their card in a clevo? seriously. :rolleyes:
     
    niffcreature, Jan 15, 2011
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  13. alexUW

    alexUW Notebook Virtuoso

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    alexUW, Jan 15, 2011
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  14. niffcreature

    niffcreature ex computer dyke

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    niffcreature, Jan 15, 2011
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  15. reaversedge

    reaversedge Notebook Evangelist

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    impress? no. share? yes. seriously.
     
    reaversedge, Jan 16, 2011
    #15