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    Video card upgade for Lenovo Y510 - YES I READ THE STICKY

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by pcfreak101, Oct 11, 2009.

  1. pcfreak101

    pcfreak101 Notebook Enthusiast

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    So I know that almost always the video card cannot be upgraded, and if it can it will lead to thermal issues, etc. but when I opened up my laptop to see what was making the fan buzz, I discovered that my video card (8600m GT) seems to be connected via some sort of slot, and it looks very much like an MXM connection. So what I'm wondering is can I upgrade this card, and if I can, what options do I have. Thanks.



    EDIT: I just read that Lenovo NEVER uses MXM cards. Is this true? Because it REALLY looks like an MXM connection
     
    pcfreak101, Oct 11, 2009
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  2. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Lenovo typically solders their GPUs into their notebooks. AFAIK there are no Lenovos that have the ability to replace the GPU alone (w/o motherboard replacement).
     
    sgogeta4, Oct 11, 2009
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  3. Reaper05

    Reaper05 Notebook Evangelist

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    post a pic
     
    Reaper05, Oct 11, 2009
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  4. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    I believe the only Lenovo notebook that has replaceable graphics cards is the Thinkpad W700/W700ds.

    Even if your card could be replaced, your replacement options would be very limited, as the laptop will likely not be able to handle any card significantly better than the 8600GT. Plus, it would be too expensive to make the slight - if any - boost in performance worthwhile.
     
    MidnightSun, Oct 11, 2009
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  5. nerdyfred07

    nerdyfred07 Notebook Geek

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    If it's connected via a slot then it probably is MXM. They typically look like a mini pci express card. Most probably MXM type 2. If there is something wrong with your card then you should probably upgrade. Especially the defect in the 8600m series cards.

    If i was you i'd got for a 9600m as its more powerful yet runs cooler and more efficient. else go for one of the ati cards. I believe its this forum that has the sellers/info on upgrading mxm?

    Ebay has plenty of MXM cards for sale all under $200. I wish my laptop was. I'd do it in a heartbeat.

    No one really know's if lenovo has MXM. Its not like every laptop gets opened and checked. They all source their builds from different manufacturers from time to time so it won't be impossible.

    All in all take a picture for us to see. If you can and there currently is a problem with your current card then give it a go. just check that you won't get any bios issues.

    Cheers!
     
    nerdyfred07, Oct 12, 2009
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  6. usapatriot

    usapatriot Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Proprietary kind of MXM.
     
    usapatriot, Oct 12, 2009
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