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    Possible to upgrade GPU?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by WoodroweBones, Jun 16, 2010.

  1. WoodroweBones

    WoodroweBones Notebook Guru

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    Just curious about upgrading the GPU in a laptop.

    First off, are mobile GPUs available to buy from anywhere?

    Second, is it possible to replace/upgrade a GPU in a notebook at all?
     
    WoodroweBones, Jun 16, 2010
    #1
  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    A large majority of notebooks do not have GPUs that can be upgraded. Even if modular (like some Dell's for instance) that is only to make servicing easier and no upgrade paths are possible.

    Generally speaking...unless a notebook's technical specs specifically advertise an MXM card that can be upgraded in the future...forget about it. There are others on the forum that know a bit more about MXM than I, maybe they can chime in.
     
    Greg, Jun 16, 2010
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  3. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    What laptop do you have? If your notebook is one of those rare exceptions that can replace the GPU, you'd have to go to the specific forum (ie. Acer has a thread for MXM GPUs) to see where users have gotten theirs. The answer to your last question depends on how you answer my first question.
     
    sgogeta4, Jun 16, 2010
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  4. G73Guy

    G73Guy Notebook Consultant

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    As they said above. The general answer to your general questions is no. OK so what notebook do you have? Tell us and someone will tell you where you stand. Greg mentioned MXM that is a better shot at an upgrade, but not for certain for many reasons. Many companies have proprietary equivalents. Asus and DeLL are coming to mind. That kind of means the upgrade must of been offered on your model. And I am not familiar with Asus offering GPU upgrades? So leaves DeLL.

    If you have a model in mind you will get the answer.
     
    G73Guy, Jun 16, 2010
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  5. WoodroweBones

    WoodroweBones Notebook Guru

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    Sorry dont have one yet. Am looking at getting one but have a cap of $1000 (work paying for it) so I was thinking if I got a laptop with really good specs for $1000 but not much of a GPU I could upgrade it myself.

    No worries. I think there are a few options at $1000 that will work for me
     
    WoodroweBones, Jun 16, 2010
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  6. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    If you want to game, look at the DIY ViDock.
     
    sgogeta4, Jun 16, 2010
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