Upgrading graphics card...

Hi.
I would like to know if my HP dv6 laptop with an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470 512MB can be upgraded to maybe a 5870 or a 5xxx series card. What MXM Type is my current GPU?
Thanks for reading.

 

I don't think the dv6 uses an MXM card, the HD 5470 is soldered to the motherboard.

If HP makes a DV6 with a better video card, you could possibly swap out your current motherboard for the higher-end model. Really though, it sounds like a lot of work.

 

My laptop on the inside looks something like this...
HP Pavillion dv6 complete disassembly and reassembly. 2011 Laptop - YouTube

 

No, the only Pavillion that used an MXM card is the HDX Dragon.

To upgrade your GPU, you swap motherboards as the GPU is soldered to it. Search for the service manual PDF for your model. It will be on HP's site under support and drivers. It will list the model number for the board with the GPU you might want.

 

I found some part numbers for the motherboards. Does this replace my cpu as well if i were to change it? And can i replace this motherboard with one that has a 6550? Can i also replace it with a mobo that has an Intel CPU? here is what i found on the manual:

For use on computer models equipped with a graphics subsystem with discrete memory
and the HD 5650 chipset
603939-001
For use on computer models equipped with a graphics subsystem with discrete memory
and the HD 5470 chipset
595133-001
For use on computer models equipped with a graphics subsystem with dedicated memory
and the HD 6370 chipset
631081-001
For use on computer models equipped with a graphics subsystem with dedicated memory
and the HD 6550 chipset
631082-001
For use on computer models equipped with a graphics subsystem with UMA memory 595135-001

 

It actually might be easier to sell your current laptop and buy one with the specs you need.

 

I'd prefer just to replace the motherboard. Does it matter if the motherboard comes with an Intel CPU?

 

I hope you understand you risk voiding any and all warranty by swapping out the motherboard, this is why j0ker suggested you sell your notebook and splurge on an actual gaming laptop.

Yes you need to make sure it's Intel or AMD, that will make a difference. HP commonly will use both for the same DV_ series.

 

And there in is the dilemma: Of course what he asks can be done, the question is whether it's more trouble than it's worth?

After all, you can replace a 4 cylinder engine with an 8 cylinder one if there's enough room in the engine bay. However, most of us just go out and buy a car with a bigger engine.

Still, it's usually something to admire when it's done. Maybe the OP, just has that type of personality?

 

A new motherboard is like $400 at least and if you install it wrong, you're SOL.

 

No the motherboard is around £250 and i don't want a SERIOUS gaming laptop. Just a mid class one with maybe a 6550M or 6490M. My warranty is already past.

 

Well, you have to check the following:
Does the mobo in question come with 6550M?
If it's just an empty mxm type of slot though available for use with HD 6550M, then you would obviously have to get the gpu separately.

But my theoretical guess would be that if HP mentions the type of gpu with the mobo, then it's very likely already soldered on it.

In that case, you would have to check if you are getting a new cpu with that motherboard or not (my guess is NOT) and whether the slot/chipset is compatible with your current CPU.

Aside from that, finally the mobo has to fit the chasis (the layout has to fit properly so you don't end up with a mismatch).

 

Yep. It is the same chassis but one of the mobos comes with an Intel CPU instead of an AMD one i have right now. The mobos don't have MXM and are soldered directly onto it. The mobo I'm looking to replace this current one is one with a 5650 and an AMD/INTEL CPU. I found 2 different mobos with 2 Different CPUs with the same graphics card.

 

Ok... so, right now you have an AMD cpu/chipset motherboard.
Can you remove your current cpu from the motherboard or is it soldered on?

The new motherboard you are looking at comes with a soldered 5650M as you stated...
Ok... so the motherboard with that new gpu comes in 2 variants... one with an AMD and one with an INTEL cpu/chipset.
Correct?

Question: do you get the cpu WITH the new motherboard (soldered on, separately but already installed) ... or is the cpu slot empty and ready to receive a specific CPU (Intel or AMD)?

If it's just an empty cpu slot, then simply get the AMD socket/chipset version of the new motherboard with 5650M, use your existing AMD cpu on it, and sell the old motherboard on ebay.

If the new motherboard with the 5650M comes with a CPU installed or soldered, then get the Intel version since it offers more performance compared to an AMD cpu.

 

And that's nearly USD$400. You could certainly sell your current system for that much money and spend a bit more to buy a new/used one that has the specs you need rather than going through the rigamarole of trying to swap out a motherboard you have no guarantee will work.

 

And why is that important?
Perhaps the OP wants to fiddle with the motherboard upgrade because wants to see just how much he can fiddle with what he has.

A new system actually would cost the OP roughly £450.
The OP can also sell his current motherboard if the switch is successful for say £150 or £200 on e-bay... and he would still end up spending much less money than on buying a new laptop.

Seriously people, if the OP has a specific question, there's nothing wrong in suggesting something else, but please provide him/her with the answer.

 

Because I just said there is zero guarantee that what he wants to do will work. There are lots of variables to consider: Will the replacement motherboard fit in his chassis (screw holes, external ports, wireless antennae, etc)? The display cable might be in a different spot and not reach. The thermal design of the replacement board might not work within the confines of the shell he's using.

I'm not saying he can't try it, but he has to seriously think about what he's getting into. It's not like working on a desktop machine where you can crack open a case and easily unscrew/replace parts.

 

It's a waste of money, especially since the OP doesn't seem to be that familiar with PC internals (no offense to you, OP) and will have no recourse if something goes wrong. There's a fairly strong chance that it'll be $400 down the drain.

And he already got the answer, no, it's not MXM, yes, it can be done, but you need to replace the motherboard.

 

CPU is soldered on i think.

 

And the OP is already AWARE of all those aspects.
It's a 'waste of money' in your personal opinion.
The OP certainly sees it as something worth investing into.
For that matter, let's completely ignore people's individual preferences and say 'it's futile to 'upgrade' laptops' or 'fiddle with them' altogether.

'Fairly strong chance that it'll be $400 down the drain'?
You don't know that.
Chances are 50/50 at best that something might go wrong.
People managed to pull off even more complex assemblies in terms of laptops when numerous people said 'it will fail', 'it's a waste', etc...

 

Dramatic much?

Go for it OP! Spend that money! $400 bucks to upgrade from a 5470 to a 6550 is definitely worth it.

 

Yep, Probably will do it in 2012