Posted: Wed May 15, 2013 11:01 am Post subject:
GPU
I am currently using a XPS 14Z laptop and been thinking about changing the GPU, which is a GT 520M. Can I have some suggestions for the replacement? _________________
Team Black wrote:
interesting seeing your voxel work. They're still better than Aro's!
Simple: you cannot.
And if you can, it'll be either really expensive, or just not possible.
Most of these things are baked onto the motherboard.
A laptop is not like a PC, you cannot click in and take out the pieces of hardware you don't like or want to replace.
Probably one of the main reasons gaming laptops are so ztyping epxensive. _________________
That's not entirely true.
There's a wide range of devices either using extension cards by default, or at least capable of it. Not for the owner's sake, but for the manufacturer's: It's far easier to sell a low-, medium- and high-end version of a model if you use a mainboard with both onboard graphics and a PCIe Mini slot: Sell it without a card for cheap, add a cheap card for the mid-range, add a good card for the high end.
Since you're using the same motherboard for all models, distribution and acquisition are easier to manage and you get nice discounts on the hardware.
In fact, this is important on some devices: The Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Xi 2428 series, for example, has a series-wide problem with the graphics adapter. They fail on pretty much each of them eventually. The fact that the card is replaceable is a lifesaver for those not willing to bake their hardware.
That all being said, RP's point is true in its core: Laptops are neither designed nor made to be like PCs: A great many of them has onboard graphic chips and no extension slots, and even if one is available, it may be for the purpose outlined above, not your personal enjoyment.
iow, it may be there, but you may have to dismantle the entire laptop to get to it.
This will lose you your warranty.
And if you attempt it without the service manual, there's a high chance of breaking something.
Point being: In this particular case, RP is correct. You cannot switch out your graphics chip.
...unless you're very brave and very good with a soldering iron. And don't care for your warranty. _________________ #renproj:renegadeprojects.com via Matrix - direct link QUICK_EDIT
You could look for USB powered graphics devices but they're expensive. As it stands, a 520M will serve you just fine unless you're wanting to play shit like Battlefield 3 on ultra. _________________ KGR | AT
AZUR
Discord: theastronomer1836
Steam QUICK_EDIT
This is why I only buy workstation laptops (Still Dell, because they're the best for the money IMO). Only cost me $500 to upgrade my video card. Also, you want to find one with 2 fans for optimum cooling. You should be able to find what you want for relatively cheap on eBay or something along that idea. There's also Dell refurbished resellers out there that sell quality stuff for about 70% of the price.
But for now, the 520M is still a great card and like everyone says, Laptops aren't made to be the best, most efficient things. They're for convenience (unless you count the bulky old Alienwares that weighed 20 pounds with nothing in them...) _________________ "Don't beg for things; Do it yourself or you'll never get anything." QUICK_EDIT
Thanks for your help guys. After searching for some more infos, I found stumbled upon ViDock. Has anyone ever heard of this? Suggestions, if you may? _________________
Team Black wrote:
interesting seeing your voxel work. They're still better than Aro's!
Well it looks semi-legit, never heard of it, kind of expensive, and it still needs secondary monitors. Other than that, if you really need it, then I'd say go for it. Otherwise, I'd sell the 14Z and look for a used workstation. Cause if you want something better than a 520M, I can almost guarantee it's gonna cost you around 400USD after the dock, which you'd probably want the one with 2 power attachments, and a new card. _________________ "Don't beg for things; Do it yourself or you'll never get anything." QUICK_EDIT
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GPU
