Graphics card compatibility and upgrading for DELL XPS models

I'm looking to buy some form of Dell XPS, and have got conflicting reports on how easy it is to replace the graphics card. Some people on this forum have suggested that the graphics card is soldered to the motherboard- is this just for 'integrated' graphics hardware, or for all?

Also, is there any way I can tell what cards are compatibile with (say) a Dell M1710 XPS, because some don't fit different laptops, yes?

Sorry, totally new to all this. Is there anything else I should be thinking about- like thermal output etc.?

Thanks

 

I'm gueesing only the M1710 and M1730 have easily replaced GPUs. The others should be soldered on the motherboard themselves.

Only Dell laptop GPUs for their respective model will fit in either M1710 and M1730. You can't really use the same card from a different manufacturer.

 

Dell XPS 1710 and 1730 have dedicated GPU's that are not soldered on the board. if you wish to upgrade, prepare to pay a premium for them on either ebay or on dell's website. and that the cards and specifically designed for dell.

 

The Dell XPS 1710 has a removable graphics card. It can have the X1400, 7800GS, 7800GTX, 7900GS, 7900GTX, 7950GTX, Quadro FX1400M or Quadro FX2500M.

The XPS 1730 has a cartridge type graphics assembly, where both graphics cards are in one package. You can get a entire 8800GTX SLI cartridge or a 9800GTX cartridge.

With both laptops, you need to take the entire system apart to change the graphics cards. I have done this on a number of XPS1710's, it takes about 75-90 minutes from start to finish, including cleaning all of the fans and dust. If you leave the dust in, the swap takes 45 minutes or so to strip it down change the card, and put it back together.
I havent changed a card on a XPS1730, but I have watched a video where you have to take the whole thing apart to change the module

K-TRON

 

You should consult a technician first before trying to experiment with your laptops graphics card, RAM and HD are easy to change but most laptops have a different story when it comes to graphics cards.

 

Graphics cards are rather easy upgrades for most Dell high end systems. The XPS1710 and 1730 both have a removable graphics system, based on a proprietary Dell connection. Dell even provides service manuals and instructions for taking your computer apart. It is just a matter of gaining the courage to take your system apart.
Just be careful, and remember to unplug all power sources before taking the system apart.

K-TRON