New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Upgrading ATI video card.

post #1 of 7
6/16/04 at 3:05pm
Thread Starter 
I just read the entire users manual that came with my new laptop and it gives all kinds of upgrade info. It tells you how to upgrade your hard drive, RAM, DVD/CD, Change the battery, but it says ziltch, nada, about upgrading your video card and how to remove or get at it? Isn't that something you would want to upgrade down the road as video cards are changing all the time. I have a ati radeon 9600. But what if I save up a few bucks a few months from now and want to put a 9700 in? How do I do that? Why no info? On my pc I upgraded my card but I can't figure this laptop out? Is it integrated onto the mother board? And if so, why? ????
Reply
Reply
post #2 of 7
6/16/04 at 3:09pm
You can't upgrade notebook video cards, they're integrated into the motherboard. So if you want a new video card, you have to get your mobo replaced as well. Some companies offer notebooks with upgradable vid cards, but their future support is shady, and basically worthless because after 1 year or two their mobo is old anyway.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 7
6/16/04 at 3:50pm
Everyone repeat after me:

Notebooks aren't desktops.

Notebook GPUs don't come in a standard form factor.

Notebook GPU and heatsink/heatpipe/fan layouts are unique to each model.

Several newer models have upgradable GPUs. Some are user-upgradable; some can only be upgraded by the vendor.

Even if you're chassis is marketed as upgradable, heat, space, and power consumption may still make it impossible for you to install a next-gen GPU.
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 7
6/16/04 at 3:56pm
Thread Starter 

?

What is the major difference between the ati 9600 pro and 9700? Did I make a mistake in buying a laptop with a lesser card I can't upgrade? Anyone?
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 7
6/16/04 at 4:06pm
The Mobile Radeon 9600, 9600 pro and the 9700 are all based on the same architecture, unlike their desktop cousins, the 9600 and 9800. The 9700 is reportedly 20-30% faster than the 9600 pro with stock timings. However, with a little OCing, the 9600 pro can close that gap.

Both cards support DirectX 9.0 (a pre-req for Doom3 and Half-Life), so they'll be fine for anything that you can throw at them over the next 12-18 months. Both are damn fine graphics cards. Don't worry - you have chosen well, Grasshopper.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 7
6/16/04 at 4:54pm
Ahh I just remembered why I stopped reading this forum. Ok

1) Yes it is integrated into the MB
2) You can upgrade the MB as indicated by Adams posting in the Announcement section
3) Check out that small button called search for the 90000 times this has been discussed before
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 7
6/16/04 at 5:05pm
I isn't a card, it's part of the motherboard. I'd love to hear what happens when you try to remove it.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Sager & Clevo Notebooks