VAIO SZ External GPU Mod

Hypothetically speaking, would it be possible to take a SZ with a Go 7400, remove the GPU (yes, this would probably require some skill with a sodering iron etc..), and attach a PCI-Express Cable (again, not an easy task, if even possible, but there is that external PCI-E spec now), which could then be wired to an external enclosure to, say, an 8800GTX?

It seems that this is the only laptop to have the potential to be modded to have an external GPU, due to its ability to switch between the dedicated GPU and the integrated. Assuming that the modder was able to close everything back up and mount a connector for the PCI-E cable somewhere on the case, the laptop could maintain its portability with the Intel integrated graphics, and be switched over to the external GPU when docked. Obviously, an external power supply and monitor would be needed when running off of the 8800GTX .

So, technically speaking, would this have any chance of working? Also, I wonder what the speed of the PCI-E connection would be (X4, X8, or X16)? Either way, it would beat anything the Asus XG Station or similar Express Card connected external GPUs could manage.

 

It MAY be THEORETICALLY and REMOTELY plausible (I can't say for sure), but it's much easier to just use the XG station. If you want 8800GTX that badly, get a MBP

 

Sounds doable, removing the 7400(Which I believe is soldered on) while leaving a flat port, perhaps accessible by removing a single plate on the bottom. Then extending the wiring to an external unit thats self powered with its own power supply.

Though there are too many unknown variables including which wires and cables do what and making it link back and forth from the notebook to the GPU, then back to the notebook.

 

EEK...that would be one heck of an engineering feat...

Whatever you'd do you would have to get a separate power supply unit for a graphics card...that's for sure.

 

Does anyone know the number of PCI-E lanes on the SZ's slot for the Go 7400?

 

For obvious reasons, this would only be used with an external monitor. It would be too difficult, not to mention somewhat pointless, to go through the nessisary hassle to connect the external GPU back to the laptop's display (using a DVI to {Insert name of laptop display interface here} converter)