Replacing laptop GPUs?

[ioni]

Is it difficult to replace a laptop GPU? I want to get a laptop with a GTX 460M, but all seem to be a $400 premium over laptops with something like a 540M. Also, where would you even buy a laptop GPU? PC part r/etailers all have desktop GPU, but don't seem to carry laptop ones.

I configured a laptop at avadirect that would be perfect, except it has a 540M instead of a GTX 460M. If I could just buy that laptop and buy a laptop GPU separately, that would be great.

 

[jackofalltrades]

Good luck finding parts they are hard to find and really expensive. It is better to buy exactly what you want in a laptop.

 

[Brainonska511]

Good luck. Even if you found the part, you might not be able to replace it. The existing part in your machine could be soldered on, the BIOS could be locked to prevent the exchange of parts. The new part could be too big; the heatsink may not be appropriate, etc...

Don't buy a laptop with the intention of upgrading it beyond the hard drive and/or RAM.

 

[Zap]

Are some notebook GPUs upgradable? Yes. HOWEVER, in reality they are not for these reasons:

1) You need one that is on a module and not soldered on to the motherboard.

2) You need the same type of module. I think even the MXM standard had revisions which may only be compatible with the same revision.

3) Even if you got the same type of module, you need the cooler. Coolers on one side need to be designed to fit the module, and on the other side needs to be designed to fit the chassis. The cooler also needs to be matched to the TDP of the module.

4) Even if the module fits and the cooler fits and the cooler can dissipate the TDP, can the notebook motherboard supply the extra power (if the GPU is more powerful)? Can the power brick supply the extra power?

5) Where will you buy the module? There are very few places selling them because they are normally not distributed separately from the notebook.