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    Is it possible to change the nVidia 8600 GT card in my Inspiron 1520?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by yrneh12, Sep 2, 2008.

  1. yrneh12

    yrneh12 Notebook Enthusiast

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    After reading this article
    http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/31/figuring-out-which-nvidia-gpus-are-defective-its-a-lot/
    I have become a little worried for my laptop's life. I really like this laptop, and rather than getting a new laptop that costs a lot and won't have a dedicated graphics card, I was hoping to just replace the current nVidia 8600m GT card in my laptop. Is it possible on the Inspiron 1520? If it is, what's the next best card I can upgrade to on a budget?
     
    yrneh12, Sep 2, 2008
    #1
  2. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    You can replace your current 8600M GT for another Dell-Specific 8600M GT. (in case it goes bad)
    These are the only two GPUs compatible with your system !!
     
    Andy, Sep 2, 2008
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  3. yrneh12

    yrneh12 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Wow, really? Refurbished products from Dell? That's really a kick in the butt. I was really hoping for something a little more positive.
     
    yrneh12, Sep 2, 2008
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  4. LaptopGun

    LaptopGun Notebook Evangelist

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    You're lucky to even have the option. It's near impossible to find compatible replacement cards for most laptops as no one follows the MXM standard or at least have their own standards (ie Dell). Most have to scour Ebay or various parts sites for a GPU and it's very rarely new unless its MXM. Usually it's salvaged from another laptop or refurbished to at least be close to new. $150 plus s/h is not so great a price, and you have to install it or pay someone to. It maybe a better price than some others have had to do, though.

    Good luck with your Inspiron. My Think Pad has a 8600 derived card so I could be in the same boat.
     
    LaptopGun, Sep 2, 2008
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  5. Onesueh

    Onesueh Company Representative

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    Dear All,

    You will not be able to change the VGA card at all! Unless you bought a notebook with interchangeable GPU cards.

    Even you did, you can not upgrade from a 8xxx series to a 9xxx series.
     
    Onesueh, Sep 3, 2008
    #5