Why dosen't anyone use a desktop GPU in a notebook?

[JackHawksmoor]

This seems like an obvious question, at least to me. Companies are sticking desktop Pentium 4s in notebooks left and right, but I've never once seen a desktop GPU. Granted, then you're dealing with even MORE heat and power drain, but it seems like it might be feasible in a 17" notebook.

My only theory is that most people obviously don't know enough to buy a notebook by it's GPU (as evidenced by the many near-$2000 notebooks with "Intel Extrem(ly poor) Graphics).

 

[Spoooon]

I wish I could afford a laptop with a decent video solution.

I've given up on the idea of getting a laptop that has the power for "new" games. Forcing myself to stick to my guns and think budget.

 

[Vadatajs]

Originally posted by: JackHawksmoor
My only theory is that most people obviously don't know enough to buy a notebook by it's GPU (as evidenced by the many near-$2000 notebooks with "Intel Extrem(ly poor) Graphics).

You need a new theory. People don't buy laptops for graphics. They buy them for portability.

 

[UltraWide]

It might have to do with the packaging more than anything. The Pentium 4M and M are actually pin compatible with Pentium 4's. I don't think the electrical signals for the GPU are compatible like the CPU's.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Originally posted by: Vadatajs

Originally posted by: JackHawksmoor
My only theory is that most people obviously don't know enough to buy a notebook by it's GPU (as evidenced by the many near-$2000 notebooks with "Intel Extrem(ly poor) Graphics).

You need a new theory. People don't buy laptops for graphics. They buy them for portability.

And what about people who want portable graphics?

 

[Psychosylph]

I think the heat is just too much. There have been instances of those laptops with desktop CPUs having heat dissipation issues and locking up. Add a desktop GPU and you are asking for serious trouble. I know; my Shuttle is warm to the touch if put in a poorly ventilated area. A laptop would be even harder to cool.

Not to mention very few people like 80mm fans in their laptops...

 

[Amorphus]

Originally posted by: Psychosylph

Not to mention very few people like 80mm fans in their laptops...

if you put enough of them in there, the laptop would hover, and the issue would negate itself.

 

[eastvillager]

heat, heat, and more heat. It isn't just the gpu, you've also got the memory to worry about, and significantly reduced battery life, I'd imagine(if taking into account that many desktop vidcards require their own power cable from the ps). Size and cost are undoubtedly issues as well.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Why not reverse your question.

Why not put a laptop processor in a desktop?

 

[yak8998]

A lot of people want to do that...
An affordable pentium-M desktop would be schweet.
Especially if you could OC it.

But about the GFX, that is a good idea...

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Yeah but the thing is, I believe a majority of laptop users use their laptops as an all in one portable computer system and rarely use the battery. Maybe when CPU's and GPUs get down to .09 will we start to see high ends in both. Mini systems such as Shuttle's XPCs are really the only "portable" solution for an absolute high end gaming rig and even then you still have to mess with cables and keyboard and mouse and monitor, a laptop is not only still smaller and lighter it is even all in one and much less of a hassle to plug it into an outlet and go.