320m upgradable?

Just bought a used 8710w, with a 320m

Was wondering, if this is upgradable? I was reading that some nvidia cards come with a modular design called "mxm" allowing some laptops capable of upgrading the gpu? is the 320m one of them?

 

In theory yes but in practice no.

8710p is identical to 8710w and 8710w is available with Quadro FX3600M. I'm sure you can take that card a put it in a 8710p, you need a new power supply though and maybe a new heat sink. Now, this Quadro FX3600M probably must be bought from HP, other cards will not be accepted by the 8710 BIOS.

Actually many laptop manufacturer limits the type of hardware you can put in them by the BIOS. It's way of making money and also type approval. So if you would find any other mxm card that would fit, the BIOS would probably not accept it and the computer wouldn't POST.

You can buy the Nvidia FX3600M part from HP but be prepared to pay lots and lots for it, almost like it would be more benfitial to buy a new laptop.

That's what I believe at least since I've never heard from anyone who has tried to change the mxm card in their 8710.

I personally don't like this and I would much rather have it the same way as with desktops, that you can choose any kind of peripheral you want. Right now I can't see that changing.

 

Ah... yeah i knew it would be a hassle to change the card (if you could at all)


Thanks man