Upgrade Notebook Graphics?

**Jason** · Posted: Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:45:09 Post Subject: Upgrade Notebook Graphics?

I have a laptop with an HD2400 discrete graphics card, and I wouldn't mind upgrading it to HD3650 or so... If I could find a way to. I assume it should be possible, but I just don't see notebook graphics cards for sale in stores, or even much used on eBay.

The newer model of my notebook is available with HD3650, so i am guessing it would be pretty much plug and play... Confused

Any guidance on where to shop?

**Dr. EvilCheeze** · Posted: Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:50:18 Post Subject:

Your going to have to call the manufacture of the laptop and see if the offer the upgrade. If not, your SOL.

"Discrete" doesn't mean it's not built into the motherboard, just means it has it's own processor and memory.

**Jason** · Posted: Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:31:35 Post Subject:

Always raining on my parade... I mean, thanks.

I thought it had a PCIe card in there, right now all I can find is:

**Dr. EvilCheeze** · Posted: Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:50:16 Post Subject:

hehehehe. Sorry about that. Honestly the non-upgrade-ability of the video card is one of the things most holding me back on buying a laptop.

I think making the video card upgradeable is a lot harder than any other component in a laptop, which is why I think most aren't.

Sad

acruxksa · Posted: Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:17:13 Post Subject:

It may be able to be done but like you already said, it's not likely. In the past I was able to upgrade the video card in one of my old laptops, but to do it I had to call dell parts and give them the exact part number. It took three tries before I found someone who would actually ship it. They kept telling me that the part wasn't the one my notebook shipped with originally.

The other issue is that just because the newer version of your notebook shares the same or similar model number it doesn't necessarily mean that all parts are interchangeable. Usually the best indicator is if when you configured or purchased your notebook was the card you want to upgrade to also an option. If it was an option then you might be ok, just make sure you find the right part number because there may be several different configurations of the same card.

There have been many exceptions to the no upgrade rule for notebooks though. The Dell 8x00 model line was maintained for several years through about 3 or 4 upgraded models. Many parts were able to be taken from newer versions and installed into the older models. That's not likely to ever happen again with Dell though.

If it can be done, someone on This Forum will probably be able to let you know.