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    Video upgrade on a Inspiron 1720 w/GMA X3100

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by fraggable, Mar 9, 2008.

  1. fraggable

    fraggable Notebook Guru

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    Back when I ordered my Inspiron 1720 I got the GMA 3100 because I didn't play many games and wanted the bettery battery life. Now I'm getting back into it and want to be able to play CS:S and BF2, and the X3100... well... doesn't play them at all.

    I heard somewhere that if you order your 1720 with the intergrated video then they don't give you a motherboard with the video slot and you can't upgrade. Is this true? If not I'll just grab a 8600GT somewhere and stick it in myself.

    Also, is the 8600gt my best option? Can I get a 7950GTX in there?


    Specs are:
    T7250 2.0GHz
    4GB DDR2 (upgraded myself)
    dual 160GB HDDs
    WUXGA 1920 X 1200 screen
     
    fraggable, Mar 9, 2008
    #1
  2. Acorn

    Acorn Notebook Evangelist

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    no you cant exchange video cards on notebooks...unless its a very specially built one...lk the c90s.
     
    Acorn, Mar 9, 2008
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  3. tumnasgt

    tumnasgt Notebook Evangelist

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    You can't put in a dedicated card if you have the X3100, they use different chipsets/motherboards (GM965 vs. PM965).
     
    tumnasgt, Mar 9, 2008
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  4. fraggable

    fraggable Notebook Guru

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    Well now I know that's not true, the service manual on the 1720 tells you how to change the graphics card.
     
    fraggable, Mar 9, 2008
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  5. Thomas

    Thomas McLovin

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    The fact is, you still can't upgrade an IGP, you can only do so much w/ most laptops to upgrade the vid card.
     
    Thomas, Mar 9, 2008
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  6. Acorn

    Acorn Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes only if you have a different mother board for the dedicated card...and that would be a lot of hassle...A LOT
     
    Acorn, Mar 9, 2008
    #6
  7. pixelot

    pixelot Notebook Acolyte

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    The instructions in the service manual are only good if you already have dedicated.
     
    pixelot, Mar 9, 2008
    #7