Replacing Laptop Graphics Card

[murphyslabrat]

http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529667901.php
The laptop in question has the option of getting a Geforce 8400GS and a CPU upgrade, but for $349, I don't think it is worth it. So, I would like to consider the possibility of getting it plus an aftermarket GPU.

I would expect that, due to heat dissipation, I would only be able to use an 8400. However, would I be able to slap a Geforce 8600GT/Radeon 2600XT in there instead?


--EDIT---
Oh, and I do realize that they are different from Desktop cards. One of the problems with using an 8400 is that I cannot find any for sale.

 

[IlllI]

the one you linked has Integrated Intel® GMA X3100 Graphics

in other words, its built directly into the motherboard, so you wont be able to upgrade/replace that in the future. so you either select the option to upgrade now or be stuck with it.

and of course a laptop gpu is different from a desktop video card. in terms of size, would be impossible to fit something 8+ inches into a laptop

 

[BlueAcolyte]

You cannot replace most laptop cards. If you can, then you have to get one and they aren't sold anywhere.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

I will preach over and over again that the 8600GT is worth it over the 8400GS is you game. Having access to laptops with both, the 8400GS is an abysmal video card for gaming. COD4 is 800x600 medium settings and still lags horridly. The 8600GT works can fare far far better.

 

[onlyCOpunk]

Nope you can NOT do this upgrade yourself. Basically when you buy a laptop, unless the maker specifically states that the video card is "user upgradeable" you CAN NOT upgrade the graphics card. Not only is it not possibly, but even attempting will void your warranty.

 

[Throckmorton]

You can get a Dell with the 8600M GT, etc etc for $1400. Why buy the Gateway?

 

[Rockinacoustic]

Originally posted by: Throckmorton
You can get a Dell with the 8600M GT, etc etc for $1400. Why buy the Gateway?

Because you can get This for $51 less 😎

 

[IlllI]

Originally posted by: Rockinacoustic

Originally posted by: Throckmorton
You can get a Dell with the 8600M GT, etc etc for $1400. Why buy the Gateway?

Because you can get This for $51 less 😎

you realize the one he posted is not the same type? the one he posted has a 14in screen, so i assume he wants something more portable

 

[Throckmorton]

Originally posted by: clandren

Originally posted by: Rockinacoustic

Originally posted by: Throckmorton
You can get a Dell with the 8600M GT, etc etc for $1400. Why buy the Gateway?

Because you can get This for $51 less 😎

you realize the one he posted is not the same type? the one he posted has a 14in screen, so i assume he wants something more portable

Didn't notice

 

[IlllI]

lol i actually meant that for Rockinacoustic 😛