Can I change my GPU?

[rastis]

G'day! :wave:

This is totally off-topic towards Trainz but related to my hardware.

As some of you may be aware, I have an ASUS VX-7 Gaming Notebook. You can see the specs in my signature. But, I have just purchased Battlefield 3 on PC. I was told that my computer is good enough to run the program. So that is why I purchased it. Unfortunately, I was duped into buying it. Because my GTX 460M does not meet the requirements to run it. All my other hardware is okay. The GPU is my main concern. Because after doing some browsing for some more GTX cards, I started thinking about how to replace the GPU in my PC. From what I've heard, they are pretty simple to replace in desktops. You take out your current one, and plug the new one in. But what about my notebook? I had a look around the base of it and found a large cover that seems like it can be taken off. But I am not sure whether I should try pulling it off. There are no screws or anything like that. Just a cover with a small hinge looking thing at the top underneath the Touchpad. So I just wanted to make sure before I start pulling things off my expensive laptop. I am considering buying a GTX 560M Or 580. They're the ones that go into notebooks. Will any version of that card go in? nVidia, ASUS, Gigabyte, etc. Or does it have to be the one that matches my PC brand? ASUS.

I will see if I can get a photo of the base and show you guys the cover I have found.

Cheers!

Jake.

 

[LNERlover5]

Desktop GPU's won't fit into a laptop/notebook.

Mobile platforms tend to have an M at the end such as Mobility Radeon 6xxx or Geforce 460M

As far as I'm aware you cant change that GPU unless anyone can prove me wrong?

 

[rastis]

G'day! :wave:

I went on the nVidia website and found out that GPU can fit in a notebook. I forgot to put the M on the end.

Cheers!

Jake.

 

[fran1]

Do an internet search, there's always some clever ar_e who will have done a gpu swap.
See if you think you can do it without scrapping the laptop. Also is it worth the effort not to mention cost for 1 game.

 

[rastis]

G'day! :wave:

Fran, I did a Google Search and yes, it appears to be possible to upgrade the GPU without killing the computer. It can aslo be Overclocked somehow. Whatever that means.

Cheers!

Jake.

 

[fran1]

G'day! :wave:

Fran, I did a Google Search and yes, it appears to be possible to upgrade the GPU without killing the computer. It can aslo be Overclocked somehow. Whatever that means.

Cheers!

Jake.

I meant you killing it not the gpu:hehe:, overclocking (uprating) will draw more power = more heat= cooling pad.

 

[rastis]

G'day! :wave:

That's what I meant. :hehe: Upgrading the PC without breaking anything. Will have to change that too!

Cheers!

Jake.

 

[fran1]

Not trying to encourage you , bu---t, I've just read you can o/c the 460m to the stock/base/as bought level of the 560m.

 

[norfolksouthern37]

how does a 460M not meet the requirements of BF3? does it have some super awesome graphics requirements ive not heard of? i dont have it i am just asking.

 

[rastis]

G'day! :wave:

The recommended graphics card is not mentioned on the casing for BF3. Which is a real pain. And I don't think I will be able to o/c my 460.

Cheers!

Jake.

 

[clam1952]

Have a look here, you are not on your own with this. http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=352948

 

[Euphod]

Minimum
OS: Vista Service Pack 2 32-bit
Processor: 2GHZ Dual Core (Core 2 Duo 2.4GHZ or Athlon x2 2.7GHZ)
Memory: 2GB RAM
Hard drive: 20GB
Graphics card AMD: DirextX 10.1 compatible with 512MB RAM (ATI Radion 3000, 4000, 5000 or 6000 series, with ATI Radion 3870 or higher performance)
Graphics card Nvidia: DirectX 10.0 compatible with 512MB RAM (Nvidia GeForce 8, 9, 200, 300, 400 or 500 series with Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT or higher performance)
Sound card: DirectX compatible
Keyboard and mouse
DVD ROM drive

Recommended
OS: Windows 7 64-bit
Processor: Quad Core CPU
Memory: 4GB RAM
Hard drive: 20GB
Graphics card: DirectX 11 compatible with 1024MB RAM (Nvidia GeForce GTX 560 or ATI Radeon 6950)
Sound card: DirectX compatible
Keyboard and mouse
DVD ROM drive

As far as working with PC's, everybody has to start some where, I'm just not sure I would have the rocks to start with a laptop that has a cover of some sort, with no screws, but a hinge thingy on one end and looks like I'd have to pry it off with my fingers, or maybe a claw hammer...

 

[fran1]

G'day! :wave:

The recommended graphics card is not mentioned on the casing for BF3. Which is a real pain. And I don't think I will be able to o/c my 460.

Cheers!

Jake.

Looking at the specs for BF3 that Ed's posted, I'd say forget the laptop. your not going to get near the recommended specs. They are high specs, at least the makers arn't kidding you with those.

 

[poppins122325]

Hi Jake,

From working in a Laptop repair center and from working years in IT there is 2 main ways a GPU is fitted into a laptop.

Method 1: the GPU chip is integrated into the motherboard, these cant be replaced or upgraded without a board replacement which will cost more than the laptop in the first place.

Method 2: The GPU is fitted to a removable graphics board, These can be swapped but are extremely limited to manufacturers specifications and also vary manufacturer to manufacturer with different socket designs etc, these are becoming rarer and rarer from my experience.

For BF3 especially i wouldnt recomend a laptop at all, even if it does manage to run the game it wont for long with heat issues making other components fail as ive seen way too often. Still yes it possible for a GPU to be replaced but in reality its really not worth it the cost, danger of doing damage and other factors just make it not worthwhile.

Cheers,
Nathan