Upgradeable laptops

What laptops under $1500 offer both user replaceable cpu and gpu components.

 

all of them. especially GPUs.

 

It is EXTREMELY important to remember that "user replaceable" is NOT the same thing as "upgradeable." Any notebook without an integrated graphics card has a "user replaceable" GPU and CPU, but very few have significantly upgradeable GPUs OR CPUs.

In general, notebook GPU choices are very limited, you'll need to go through the reseller or OEM/ODM of your particular model to purchase a compatible GPU, and upgraded GPUs generally accompany an upgraded motherboard, or even an entirely new model.

With processors, you can generally use all the processors in a particular chipset family, but this doesn't always hold true. For example, even though the current mobile Penryn processors are technically Santa Rosa processors, some Santa Rosa notebooks require new motherboards to properly support the Penryn processors.

Never buy a notebook with the thought that you will be able to upgrade later, because chances are very good that you will not be able to upgrade beyond the maximum configuration offered at the time of purchase.

 

Some CPU's and most GPU's are soldered to the MoBo so not replaceable short of new MoBo which may or maynot be available or compatible, Eleison's thoughts sound like a good approach, these are not desk tops and lack that level of interchangeability/upgrade ability.

 

On the contrary. Most notebooks will let you replace the CPU, but very rarely do you get laptops with replaceable GPU's. I think some Dell notebooks have (proprietary) replaceable GPU's and some Clevo and Clevo spinoffs have MXM (or whatever it's called) format replaceable GPU's.

The Clevo and Clevo spinoffs probably aren't under $1500 though.

 

@CommanderWolf:

And, like I was saying, the specifications of newere cards are normally different enough between cards that they require new motherboards at the very least.

 

There are tons of models out there that will let you replace and/or upgrade the GPU as long as it is within the correct MXM specification (1, 2, 3, HE). Many are easily under $1500 with barebones models easily found for under $700.

Just look for anything with a 7*00 or 8*00 series nVidia GPU or ATi x1*00 or x2*00 series GPU (mostly x1600/x2600 and up, some 2400's, 1400's 1200's and 1100's are soldered).

There are also models which use proprietary MXM specifications which means you can only buy from the company which produces that part (Dell is a good example).

 

Most laptops, even if upgradeable, never get an upgrade path. They say you can upgrade in the future, but the original company never actually releases a supported upgrade. Tricky.

Just assume the GPU will never be upgraded, and get the best one you can to fit your current and anticipated future needs.

 

This does (upgradable CPU and MXM-upgradable GPU):
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4212

 

The Compal (I)FL-90 aka Sager NP2090 aka Systemax Pursuit 4250 does have a MXM-II(still needs to be confirmed I believe) GPU but I wouldn't call it user upgradeable.


Here is the disassembly guide for the IFL-90.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144625

To get to it, you have to remove the screen, "logical upper", LED board, and finally the motherboard(it talks about on page 37 of 45 page pdf)...

And then when you get to it, what are you going to upgrade it with since there isnt an upgrade path?

The only MXM-II cards i know of is the 8600m GT and the new ATI E2400(its performace is uncertain).

 

if you need an easy CPU upgrade, get Gateway or Acer laptops. Stay away from HP. I don't have experience with other brand names. I heard Toshiba is similar to HP. I heard that to install just a small internal bluetooth in Toshiba, you have to open half of the laptop (bottom and keyboard) and worse with cpu upgrade.

Gatway and Acer is so eassy to replace cpu. it is easier than replacing a car tire.

With HP, you have to take the whole laptop apart. they have service manual to follow. HP got a very bad design for upgrade. they have no intention for future upgrade. it is so hard that I would question weather it is worth the cost and effort.

 

Well I personally (my opinion) feel that laptops are rather easy to upgrade...

Obviously, compared to desktops, there is a significant difference, but most laptops have user upgradeable CPUs, you can upgrade the RAM, and the hard drive. I know you can't upgrade the GPU in most cases, but aside from the graphics card, there isn't a whole lot more you would need to upgrade.