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    Compal FL90 GPU replacement questions

    Discussion in 'Other Manufacturers' started by naton, Jul 30, 2010.

  1. naton

    naton Notebook Virtuoso

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    Hi Guys

    I fixed the GPU in my Campal FL90 laptop by reflowing it. I made a small guide (link in my sig)

    Since I don't know how long this fix will last I'm planning to buy an ATI HD3650 from the following link and store it. So if the nVidia GPU dies again I'll just swap it with the ATi one.

    1- Is the card on the link compatible with this laptop and its heatsink?
    You see I don't want to mod the heatsink. I don't have the propoer tools nor access to a workshop to do the mod.

    2- What are the thinks to watch for to ensure 100% compatibility between an ATI GPU and this Compal laptop (BIOS, VBIOS, and so on)?

    Thanks
     
  2. yotano211

    yotano211 Notebook Evangelist

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    i have the same model but i have yet to replace the gpu yet. but pretty soon i am about to upgrade it to a 4650 ddr2 which comes late next week. but anyways, dont send money on the ddr2 version when the ddr3 version in the link below is so much better (20%-30%) and about the same price too. dont mind the smaller memory size of 256mb vs the 512mb on your link.
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ATI-HD-3650-MXM...tem&pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item3f01d72865

    1. the card is compatible but you might need to drill and space on the heat sink for the memory or something. you can always chip away at the heatsink with a common kitchen knife, just gotta have the patience for it.
    2. from what most people have said about ATI GPUs on this model is that it's pretty easy and straight forward. i can provide more answers when i do a upgrade myself.
     
  3. naton

    naton Notebook Virtuoso

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    Hi yotano211

    thanks for the answers and for the link
     
  4. yotano211

    yotano211 Notebook Evangelist

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  5. Dirt

    Dirt Notebook Evangelist

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    As much as I know from desktop 8800GTX it will last, and as soon as it will not, you can reaped the procedure. Personally I would prefer baking in the oven over the heat gun.
     
  6. yotano211

    yotano211 Notebook Evangelist

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    honestly i would just upgrade to the ati 3650 or better yet the 4650 ddr2 version.
     
  7. El Profe

    El Profe Notebook Consultant

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    how do would I bake it in the oven?
     
  8. yotano211

    yotano211 Notebook Evangelist

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  9. Dirt

    Dirt Notebook Evangelist

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  10. naton

    naton Notebook Virtuoso

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    The heat gun allows more controll in my opinion.

    I did reflow the GPU to test that it was the faulty part on the laptop and the rest of it is OK.
    I bought an ati 3650 DDram 3 as you suggested. I'm waiting for it to arrive.

    Does anyone know when I can get a backplate for it?