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    How to tell GPU and CPU compatibility for upgrading

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Sasquatch202, Feb 16, 2011.

  1. Sasquatch202

    Sasquatch202 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm about to buy a Sager 8150 for the purpose of its ability to handle high end CPUs and GPUs. I'm sticking to the base CPU and GPU options for now, but will prospectively upgrade in the future. My question is, how do you know which CPUs and GPUs are compatible for a specific system. I know the currently listed upgrades are allowed:

    Nvidia GeForce GTX 460M GPU with 1.5GB GDDR5 Video Memory
    Nvidia GeForce GTX 485M GPU with 2GB GDDR5 Video Memory [+$495.00]

    2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM Processor ( 6MB L3 Cache, 2.00GHz)
    2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2720QM Processor ( 6MB L3 Cache, 2.20GHz) [+$160.00]
    2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2820QM Processor ( 8MB L3 Cache, 2.30GHz) [+$350.00]
    2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2920XM Processor Extreme Edition ( 8MB L3 Cache, 2.50GHz ) [+$895.00]

    but how will I be able to tell what will be compatible of future CPUs and GPUs.
     
    Sasquatch202, Feb 16, 2011
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  2. Thisisalamp

    Thisisalamp Notebook Deity

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    Haha, I was going to reply to ya on your other topic but you made a new one.

    Anyway, first thing's first.

    GPU. Easiest and most user-friendly way is this (however the new SB laptops are not featured yet):
    MXM Upgrade Home Page

    The site lists laptop models that can be upgraded. However for your info, there are currently two types, MXM 2.1 and MXM 3.0 Type A or B.

    Newer laptops, e.g. the Sager your looking at @ the previous thread, supports MXM 3.0 type B. So any GPU upgrade for the recent Sager models falls into this category. Currently the NP8150 will support the GTX 460m, 485m and the ATi 6970m soon. Later on, the forums here will tell you the newer cards that it supports. The MXM type is a good indication of what will you expect from a new GPU that will be released.

    CPU. Usually this comes with the specs.

    It's the type of socket for the motherboard that allows the upgrade for CPUs. Usually I won't concern myself in upgrading the CPU unless you're really wanting to.
     
    Thisisalamp, Feb 16, 2011
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