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    Upgrade a laptop videocard?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Vikko, Feb 10, 2006.

  1. Vikko

    Vikko Newbie

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    Hi, I've currently got a 1,5 year old Acer Aspire 1511 LMi,
    it has a Geforce Go5700, but I'm thinking of upgrading it with a newer video card, I opened my laptop a while ago and saw the videocard was detachable.

    Can anyone tell me IF it's possible to upgrade a Laptop's videocard? And if so, where to get a better one?

    Thanks in advace,

    Vikko Smit
     
    Vikko, Feb 10, 2006
    #1
  2. Jenson

    Jenson Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    Sorry, but it's not possible. Only the laptops that have MXM and AXIOM technology are video card upgradeable.

    Matt
     
    Jenson, Feb 10, 2006
    #2
  3. USAFdude02

    USAFdude02 NBR Reviewer & Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Regretfully, this is the case. Newer laptops will be able to upgrade their cards. But only if they have MXM or AXIOM technologies. :(
     
    USAFdude02, Feb 10, 2006
    #3
  4. zoomy942

    zoomy942 Notebook Consultant

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    yeah, and they sure arent quick with those upgrades are they?
     
    zoomy942, Feb 10, 2006
    #4
  5. Bamboo One

    Bamboo One Notebook Consultant

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    If the card is detachable why couldn't he just swap it out with one that has the same nessasary specs (electrical, pins, etc...) if the card exists?

    I understand why you can not change a card under usual circumstances but this does not sound usual.
     
    Bamboo One, Feb 11, 2006
    #5
  6. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Acer would have to make one which will fit. They are unlikely to do this.
     
    ZaZ, Feb 11, 2006
    #6
  7. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    The Go5700 is soldered to the motherboard, so you're stuck. .
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Feb 11, 2006
    #7
  8. REDFROG

    REDFROG Notebook Evangelist

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    if you had a professional that repared and did other things to laptops for a living (ie an electrical engineer), and didnt have any problems in unsoldering a gpu from the motherboard would it be possible do you think to replace say; ooo i dont know replace an X700 with an X1600?
    :)
     
    REDFROG, Feb 11, 2006
    #8
  9. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Sure, but remember, even if it fits, it has to run, BIOS has to recognize it, it won't fry the whole thing, etc.
     
    coriolis, Feb 11, 2006
    #9
  10. REDFROG

    REDFROG Notebook Evangelist

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    yeah i spose. shame its so complicated
     
    REDFROG, Feb 11, 2006
    #10