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    I need a recommendation

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by GreyFawkes, Feb 28, 2011.

  1. GreyFawkes

    GreyFawkes Newbie

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    I want to upgrade the motherboard on my Compaq presario CQ50
    I want to be able to play games such as Fallout: New Vegas on it
    I have the standard motherboard that comes with the package
    What would be a good alternative that would be relatively cheap?
    Also, I'm new to this so I have no idea what motherboards would be compatable with this laptop.
     
    GreyFawkes, Feb 28, 2011
    #1
  2. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Are you sure you can change the motherboard in your laptop?
    I think I heard it mentioned that there are actually some where you can do it.

    But in most cases you cannot change the motherboard - and even if you had a model that was sold with different GPUs you'd need to replace the heatsink and there might be other minor design changes too.
     
    DetlevCM, Feb 28, 2011
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  3. GreyFawkes

    GreyFawkes Newbie

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    No, I'm not sure at all if I can or not
    I know I can't simply replace the video card, as it is built into it I think
    So I did some google reading and I need to replace the motherboard in order to do so I suppose
    All I want any replacements for is to be able to play games like Fallout: New Vegas
    What all do I need to replace in order to do so?
     
    GreyFawkes, Feb 28, 2011
    #3
  4. kosti

    kosti Notebook Virtuoso

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    A game like Fallout will need dedicated graphics. Your laptop has Nvidia integrated graphics (8200m). It may run, but not very well probably. It's also a budget laptop so it's not designed for 3D gaming. If you want you can look at something like Onlive which allows you to play the latest games over your Internet connection with no heavy requirements as far as specs on your end. But in all honesty, I would look into getting a laptop with a decent GPU or one designed specifically for gaming.
     
    kosti, Feb 28, 2011
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  5. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    As stated, you'd be better off saving up for a new laptop. You might be able to play at super low resolution and low quality. Even high end gaming desktops struggled to play Fallout.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Feb 28, 2011
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  6. KillerBunny

    KillerBunny Notebook Evangelist

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    Or you could get a DIY vidock, although I'm not sure if its compatible with your computer or not. Your laptop is mostly bottlenecked through GPU, so the vidock would help. I'm not sure how much more it would help your laptop, I would look for someone else with your laptop that has tried it.

    Best of luck mate, btw the DIY vidock stuff is in the gaming subsection
     
    KillerBunny, Feb 28, 2011
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  7. miro_gt

    miro_gt Notebook Deity

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    if you cant achieve what you want with overclock of what you have, better save up for another laptop.
     
    miro_gt, Feb 28, 2011
    #7
  8. mbarry

    mbarry Notebook Geek

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    +1. I was into this whole upgrading thing as well, but in the end, it's actually cheaper just to buy a new laptop, with prices coming down so much.
     
    mbarry, Feb 28, 2011
    #8