Laptops and Graphics Cards

[Scream]

Can you add or change a video card in a Laptop. For example, I want a new Laptop and one with intergrated graphics will do me now but say in a few months when I decide I want to play some basic gaming, I would like to add a graphics card or whatever so I can play these games.

Is this possible?

 

[BillytheImpaler]

Some manufacturers, particularly in the very high-end price range, have upgradable graphics. If you want a small laptop or something not very expensive, you're out of luck.

 

[locutus12]

sure you can, provided its made by alienware and costs at least £1500.

 

[squiffy]

Just because it's upgradeable doesn't mean a replacement MXM card is out. Basically a laptop is non upgradeable, apart from memory (still limited) hard drive and perhaps CPU.

First you have to find a laptop with MXM I/II/III slot, then whenever a upgrade is available find if the thermal disspipation of the current GFX cooler is suitable.

 

[OzZie]

Im sure all PCI-E laptops can be upgraded

 

[squiffy]

You also have BIOS support, the cooling issue I said earlier (ie a Mobile X700 will have a lower spec cooler compared to a 7800GTX Go) battery, and power supply issues (ie the Dell M70 videocard thread on notebook forums, you needed to flash the BIOS with a hacked firmware file, upgrade the battery to higher cell count, replace the charger with higher watt capacity)

 

[Scream]

Cheers folk.

So really I need to fork out £1000+ for a laptop or buy a mid spec laptop and spend a few bob on a new graphics card for one of my desktop machines when needed.