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Replacing the video card in 9300/XPS2 -- need advice

post #1 of 16
5/11/05 at 7:28pm
Thread Starter 
Hi All,

I originally ordered my 9300 with the ATI X300 64MB card (yes, I was a fool ... go ahead ... laugh at me )

After realizing my mistake, I purchased the 256MB GeForce 6800go from the spare parts division. I am supposed to get it here today.

I was wondering how hard it is to swap the video card. I have looked at the instructions in the 9300 service manual here --

Removing the Video Card/Thermal Cooling Assembly

... and it does not look very difficult. However, I wanted to check with you guys since I am sure some of you have done this.

If you have had any experience replacing the video card in your 9300/XPS2, could you please let me know how it went.

I would specifically like to know if there are any gotchas to be aware of and any other words of advice.

I already have a tube of AS5 and was wondering if I should take this opportunity to replace the thermal grease on the GPU with the AS5. Is that really worth it ?

Thanks for any feedback !
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post #2 of 16
5/11/05 at 7:32pm
As far as how hard is it to replace and exchange the carsd itself, I'd say simple. It really was dang easy and the hardest part was trying not to drop it or jack it up somehow while I had it out. So just be careful and be slow and you will be good. As far as the AS5, I say put it in while you have it open because opening up the laptop to get to the videocard sucks because its a long process and I doubt you will want to do it over and over again.
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post #3 of 16
5/11/05 at 8:16pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks ! Any idea how I can access the GPU core ? Is it as simple as unscrewing the heatsink off ? Dell doesn't have any instructions for that ...

Also, I read some people had difficulty removing the plastic hinge cover (the one right above the keyboard and below the LCD assembly.

Do you have any advice as to what is the best way to go about removing the hinge cover ?
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post #4 of 16
5/11/05 at 8:56pm
How much was the new card?
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post #5 of 16
5/11/05 at 9:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by psxjunky
Thanks ! Any idea how I can access the GPU core ? Is it as simple as unscrewing the heatsink off ? Dell doesn't have any instructions for that ...

Also, I read some people had difficulty removing the plastic hinge cover (the one right above the keyboard and below the LCD assembly.

Do you have any advice as to what is the best way to go about removing the hinge cover ?
Access to the gpu core is easy if you have the right tool. I forgot what the name of it is, but it is like an allan wrench but in a 8 or so point star pattern. Not a typical tool you keep around the house, but I had it in my nice tool kit. Everything else is screws so no biggy.

Removing the plastic is not hard per say, its more that you fear with the amount of pressure you have to apply to get it off, you may break it. Just be slow but don't be a pansy or heavyweight with removing it... you'll be fine. Some people put a tiny cloth around the screwdriver to help protect against possible scratching, your choice. Just put the screw blade in and pop it out, but if it doenst go in all the way, move it over slightly because you are probably hitting one of the tabs that you wanna pop out. Just work your way around all of the right side slowly, and then pull it off or if its still al little stuck, go to the left and repaet.
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post #6 of 16
5/11/05 at 9:25pm
I think it's called an allan key That should be the tool you're referring to.
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post #7 of 16
5/11/05 at 10:26pm
It's a torque to undo the screws on the vid card. A T-8 to be precise....
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post #8 of 16
5/11/05 at 10:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by psxjunky
(SNIP)
After realizing my mistake, I purchased the 256MB GeForce 6800go from the spare parts division. I am supposed to get it here today.
(SNIP)
Would you be so kind as to share the part number for the 6800?
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post #9 of 16
5/12/05 at 1:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by operaman
It's a torque to undo the screws on the vid card. A T-8 to be precise....
Thats it, thanks!
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post #10 of 16
5/12/05 at 1:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stryprod
Thats it, thanks!
No problem man Enjoy the pwnage card coming your way
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post #11 of 16
5/12/05 at 1:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by operaman
It's a torque to undo the screws on the vid card. A T-8 to be precise....
Isn't it spelled torx?
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post #12 of 16
5/12/05 at 1:36am
Yes, it's Torx
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post #13 of 16
5/12/05 at 5:02am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dorkbert
Would you be so kind as to share the part number for the 6800?
The part number for the 256MB GeForce 6800go is W5373

Just call 1-800-449-3355 ext 72669937 and give them your system service tag number and tell them what you are looking for (just describe the item ... no need to have exact part number). They will quote you a price.

For me, they quoted $320.95 for the GeForce 6800go ... free shipping, no tax.

I will probably get back about $120 for my current ATI card, but I need to take that up with customer service.
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post #14 of 16
5/12/05 at 5:05am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all the help guys ! I was able to successfully replace the video card

I saw how the heatsink was mounted and even had the correct torx driver to open the screws ... but for now I devided NOT to replace the GPU thermal material. I would first like to see for a couple days how the temps are holding up. If it is too much, I will open it up again and put the AS5.

Opening it up and replacing the video card was MUCH easier than I was expecting ! Thanks for the encouragement from this forum.

If anyone here has replaced the GPU thermal material with AS5, could you please let us know what kind of temperature improvement you are seeing with AS5 ?
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post #15 of 16
5/12/05 at 5:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by psxjunky
Not sure which one is the part number ... but I believe it is 320-4185

Just call 1-800-449-3355 ext 72669937 and give them your system service tag number and tell them what you are looking for (just describe the item ... no need to have exact part number). They will quote you a price.

For me, they quoted $320.95 for the GeForce 6800go ... free shipping, no tax.

I will probably get back about $120 for my current ATI card, but I need to take that up with customer service.
Customer service offered me $160 for the 128mb x300 whereas Dell spare parts was quoting a price of $120 for the card new (or new for them, at least). Considering that spare parts seems to have lower prices across the board than, S&P etc. this isn't too suprising.
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post #16 of 16
5/12/05 at 9:58am
Here is a thread I posted with pictures and info on applying AS5. I think it is worthwhile, especially if you are going to OC the video card.

http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=80879
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