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GPU Upgrade Questions

post #1 of 4
1/30/08 at 12:08am
Thread Starter 
Hey Everyone,

I own an E1705 and have been researching for a while now into what kinds of issues I need to look into if I want to upgrade my video card. I've been looking around at NBF and some other sites and I've found a lot of good info, but I want to get some questions answered specifically before I go ahead and try the upgrade. If some of these questions seem a bit noobish or redundant, please bear with me, as I am pretty new to this.

Ok, now here's what my system looks like:

CPU - T2250 @ 1.73 GHz, dual core
GPU - ATI Mobility Radeon x1400
RAM - 1 GB
Windows XP SP2
BIOS - A09
HD - 100GB, 7200 RPM

Here's what I want to know:

1. Is my CPU going to be a problem? I know that I've got a pretty low-end CPU in the T2250, but is this going to make a GPU upgrade pointless?

2. Is my BIOS version good for an upgrade? I know the least about the BIOS in relation to the GPU, and have had the most trouble finding answers for it.

3. I've been looking at the 7800GS (dual-pipe), 7800GTX, 7900GTX, and 7950GTX. Considering my current system, would I be better off buying the cheaper of these cards?

4. I've established that I'm going to have to get the 130W power brick to replace my current 90W brick, but what about the battery? I rarely disconnect my laptop from power, so could I get away with leaving the 6-cell?

5. I have heard a lot of people saying that were I to do a GPU upgrade, I should look to www.laptopvideo2go.com to find the drivers I need. I checked out this site and I don't understand what it all means. Could someone give me a quick guide on how to use this site?

6. Finally, could anyone lead me to a good tutorial for physically installing the new card, especially for a dual-piped GPU?

Man, that is a lot of writing, but I hope you guys can help me out. I appreciate anything you can give me. Thanks!
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post #2 of 4
1/30/08 at 1:39am
Just as the 100 posts on this subject before yours, you never mention WHERE you want to improve.

7900GTX, or 7950GTX if you've got deep pockets. Both will perform similarly, with the 7950GTX obviously being a bit better. You need more RAM too. As cheap as it is, I would get 4GB.

The Dell driver will work as good as any.

Battery doesn't matter, and you'll definitely need at least a 130 watt power supply.

Your CPU won't affect your GPU upgrade.

Your system BIOS and the BIOS for your (soon to be) GPU have nothing to do with each other, and won't affect your upgrade.

As for an upgrade tutorial, go to my stickied E1705/M1710 FAQ for instructions on disassembling your laptop. After that, all you need to do is remove a small piece of the inner case for the dual pipe to fit. It can't be seen and has no affect on the system.

Don't get any 7800 series GPU. That is more of a lateral step than a forward step. They are obsolete, unless you're really hurting on cash.
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post #3 of 4
1/30/08 at 2:19pm


I suggest a 7900GTX or FX-2500 GPU to start

Definitely get the 4 gigs on memory considering the they are cheap right now

last look at a T7200 CPU if you still got cash left.

Also you can always sell your old parts to recoup some of your money.
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post #4 of 4
1/30/08 at 3:20pm
Here is what i suggest, pretty much like what TurboTalon and dave-p say.

CPU - T7200 or T7400, core 2 duo
GPU - 7900GTX or FX2500 (These are cheaper and just as good) 7800 is a waste of money
RAM - 4 GB

The rest of your system is fine unless you want more hard drive space.
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