Please advise me on upgrading my Acer Aspirer video card

I have a aspire 8730 and would very much like to replace the GForce 9300 GS that came with the machine. It seems like it would be possible to replace because its not a built-in chip, and theres little panels on the back for easy access to the motherboard. So my first question: is it possible? My second question is: are there any guides for this sort of activity? Where would I buy laptop video cards? How do I determine which are compatable with my machine? Thank you.

 

Seems to be an MXM card, see here. He also mentioned that he exchanged the card... So it should theoretically be possible to replace the GPU with another as long as it's the same MXM type. I said theoretically because the MXM standard is never fully implemented by the manufacturers, so there might be a bios issue or similar.
But I think you'll be able to find a different card quite cheap on ebay... I'd say give it a try.

 

Well looks like a 9600M GT was available for this model, and I believe some Acers that take the 9600M GT can go to the Mobility 3650 as well, might want to move this thread to the Acer thread or wait for some 8730 owners to post on this thread.

 

How do I move this thread? Also I researched on ebay how much the 9600 GT would cost and its something like 200$. Is this a worthwhile upgrade for that price?

 

200$ is too much imo, better safe that money for a new notebook. I don't know about the performance gain though, so best would be to ask the guy who's already replaced it's GPU.
For moving the thread you'll have to contact a moderator, as far as I know.

 

Here's some for $135:

9600m GS 256MB DDR3: Nvidia Geforce 9600M 9600GS G96M DDR3 MXM II VGA Card - eBay (item 170478525656 end time Jan-22-11 05:58:27 PST)

9600m GS 512MB DDR2: http://cgi.ebay.com/nVidia-GeForce-...eo_TV_Cards&hash=item3f05642cf3#ht_1164wt_754

Assuming a 9600m GS would work, I think it would.

 

I've been in contact with the guys at mxm-upgrade.com and they say they have a ATI HD 4670 for sale that will fit into my laptop. Is it generally unadvisable to go to ATI from Nvidia with this sort of upgrade?

 

As long as it has the Acer VBios and you install the proper drivers you shouldn't have a problem. Common upgrade is a 8600MGT/9600M GT to 3650/4650

 

if it has a acer/MSI vBIOS , it should be ok. If you can get the 4670 under 200 , go ahead.. it should give your notebook 1-2years worth of extra life.

Panther214

 

You can also use HP Quadro FX 770m which is based on the 9600m.
You can find them for as low as 100$ but those are built onto server boards and probably 256mb ddr2 or something.

I could also sell you one for about 100$ shipped if you want. Definitely ddr3 512mb.