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    Can graphics card be added later?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by ca172, Feb 5, 2009.

  1. ca172

    ca172 Notebook Guru

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    If I get T400 with integrated GMA X4500 HD - can I add discrete graphics card such as ATI-256MB that they offer later sometime?

    If so, Will I automatically get "switchable" graphic card option once a discrete card has been added?
     
    ca172, Feb 5, 2009
    #1
  2. Hirohata

    Hirohata GBF Danchou

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    The X4500 is an integrated card soldered to the motherboard. No chance in upgrading at all.
     
    Hirohata, Feb 5, 2009
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  3. ca172

    ca172 Notebook Guru

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    Yeah, X4500 is integrated. But Thinkpad allows you to add ATI card as an add-on. X4500 remains available to you and you can on-the-fly switch to the ATI card (to play games, for example).

    So, my question is, will I be able to add this additional-graphic card later on? I know X4500 is integrated and I didn't mean that I wanted to remove it.
     
    ca172, Feb 5, 2009
    #3
  4. KingRaptor

    KingRaptor Notebook Evangelist

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    Usually that is the case; however, with these new ThinkPads that have combo/switchable graphics, it might be possible to have both an integrated chip and a discrete chip (since it can still use the integrated card even when there is a discrete one.) Then again, the motherboard may be different for the T400s with combo graphics than the T400s with just the X4500MHD.
     
    KingRaptor, Feb 5, 2009
    #4
  5. StealthTH

    StealthTH Notebook Evangelist

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    ATI card has the intel gma built into it. ATI is soldered onto the mobo as well. You need to get the option when you purchase, you cannot upgrade later.
     
    StealthTH, Feb 5, 2009
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  6. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    Yep, not possible to add the ATI3470 later on.
     
    MidnightSun, Feb 5, 2009
    #6