Graphics Card Upgrade

Hello everyone,

first off it is possible to upgrade a Toshiba M305-S4910's graphics card?
If so, what is a good graphics card that is compatible with my laptop? And, how can I upgrade it(i.e. websites, tutorials, etc)? Anything under $100 dollars would be nice, unless anything under $100 is considered cheap.

My OS is Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit with 4GB ram

If there's any other info needed just ask.

 

What is the current GPU? If it's integrated, then no.

 

This is a great site for toshiba disassembly:
http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptops/Toshiba-Satellite-M305/remove-top-cover-2.htm

Though the person who made the guide didn't take your model apart fully.
So I can't say whether the GPU is removable. Sorry to say, but it's unlikely.

 

How can i check if my GPU is integrated?

 

I think if you were to upgrade your gpu, if its possible because if it has a mxm slot, then the price for a new gpu would be around 200 euros.
I've been waiting for 2 months now for a price drop in the ati hd4650, but its stil 195€, I fear those gpu prices will remain stable for quite some time.
So I doubt you will find one for 100 dollars...but who knows.

 

Answer is no. Your GPU is integrated.

 

"Windows" key + "R", type "dxdiag" (without quotes) in the dialog box, press enter.

 

I did this, now what i'm suppose to check?

 

Go to the "Display" tab.

The first entry should state the name of the card. Eg:

Name: NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS

 

Okay i think you're maybe right, it is integrated. not sure though.

Name: Mobile Intel(R) 4 Series Express Chipset Family

If it is integrated then why? Why would they not let me change the GPU?
Why do they make it integrated?

 

Because the manufacturers do not think or probably do not want the average consumer to change the graphics card in their laptop. That aside, it is physically not possible because your motherboard most likely will not have the connector required for a dedicated GPU, whether it be MXM or otherwise, so therefore it is not possible.

And there are a number of reasons why the manufacturers use integrated cards:

Heat output is less than a typical dedicated card.

Integrated cards are physically smaller, so therefore they are the only cards that can really fit in netbooks and other extremely small laptops.

They are cheaper.

They consume less power, therefore resulting in a higher battery life, which is actually what some people prefer.

Those are the main reasons why manufacturers use integrated cards.

 

ok thanks for the info

 

That's quite alright, good sir.