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Upgrading laptop graphics card

Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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Graphics card Expert

Not many laptops are capable of upgrading parts other than the RAM, HDD and optical drives.

Based on a quick check of the manual found online you can not upgrade the graphics card (or at least it isn't natively supported and you might be able to hack something together with some nice engineering work)
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juddernaught said:
Thanks for the advise guys! Then I might consider using the GPU and CPU in a desktop. Would either of those be possible?


?? clarify plz.
you cant mobile parts in a desktop. are you talking abt a new build?

David 617 said:
?? clarify plz.
you cant mobile parts in a desktop. are you talking abt a new build?



I meant transfering the parts from the laptop into a newly-built desktop - specifically the processor and graphics card. But this doesn't seem possible.

I've never built a computer before, so I wanted to know if that sort of recycling was possible.

I think is possible with a custom build but I wouldn't do it... you better start building a desktop pc from 0... the only thing you can really use effectively without problems in a desktop is the hardrive... even that I wouldnt recommend it...

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Graphics card Expert

It would be near impossible to take a laptop and recycle hardware onto a desktop motherboard. The reason why you can't reuse the parts is because of the interfaces used. Open a laptop and then a desktop and you'll see that the parts go together totally differently. For some items you could build custom connectors but that is hardly worth it.

If the laptop is overheating (or other simple problem), it isn't impossible to remount the laptop in a desktop case. You'd then have to plug in a USB mouse & keyboard, and plug in a display to the external HDMI/DVI/Display port. Then add a couple case fans blowing on the overheating part(s) and your laptop will again serve a useful purpose. I did this once with my old laptop.

However, if any non-replaceable parts broke then the laptop is pretty much trash.

nordlead said:
However, if any non-replaceable parts broke then the laptop is pretty much trash.


Nothing is broken or overheating (99.9% positive). I'm just getting terrible performance when trying to play Battlefield 3 and Dead Island.

I think the problem is the graphics card (GeForce 330M GT), which just can't keep up with the processor (i7-720 or 820). So I was hoping to save a few bucks on creating a new computer by recycling the old parts or just replacing the graphics card. It appears that it can't be done and workarounds don't appear to be worth it...

Thanks a ton for helping a neophyte out!

Now off to learn how to build a desktop! For science!

juddernaught said:
Thanks for the advise guys! Then I might consider using the GPU and CPU in a desktop. Would either of those be possible?



I tried holding it...but after 5 seconds....I bursted in laugh haaahahhahahahhahah

Friend, altough you cant upgrade your card, you may get an external videocard for your laptop.
Laptop Authority
Graphics card Authority

1. vidock if you have expresscard slot or 2. you can open the computer and use the mini pcie connector, connect to mini pcie connector to pcie x16 converter and a desktop psu for power. But I don't think you want to do number 2 and your card will be very bottlenecked by the pcie x1 speed. IMO, non of these upgrade is worth it.



better to spend the upgrade money on a desktop gaming build or a gaming laptop if you need mobile gaming.
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