How do you install a new video card my laptop??

Question

My laptop,inspiron E1505, is a not half bad, but when i got it i didnt know about the mobile intel(r) 945gm express chipset on my which is my graphics card, did not support TnL function so i am wanting to change it, but since its intergrated i dont think i can, but if there is someway to add a new one or something, would greatly be of some help
Thanks
Dillon

but it says it has a PCI express X 16 port, with i can not find anywhere, and i have taken this apart from top to bottom

erm forget that last bit, its only for intel 945g mines intel 945gm, so getting a new motherboard, where would i do that, and would it be easier to get a new laptop, or get the board?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, with laptops, you are generally stuck with the built-in hardware since it is soldered onto the motherboard. So if you don't like the graphics chip set, then you are out of luck.
Your only option typically is to locate and download new drivers or software for the graphics chipset.
Usually you can just do a search in your favorite search engine using the chipset numbers and the maker to find the site with the drivers or software that you need.
Good luck!

Answer 2

Unfortiunatly, notebook graphic cards are the most difficult things to change in refrence to other things that you can change, such as RAM, Hard Disks -- etc.
This is because they are really tied into the motherboard of the notebook. In order for them to function well enough, but be small enough to be in a notebook computer, they need to be really dependant on the Motherboard. If you have a graphics card that is compatable with the exact same motherboard as you have in your notebook now, And you have a motherboard where you will be able to even take out and replace the graphic card (which is unlikely unless it was a notebook specifically made for high performance gaming, and even still its extremely rare) then you will be able to change it. However, most notebook motherboards are designed with the graphic card as a packege, so they typically are connected together at the circuits, which I would assume would take extensive knowledge in soldering together motherboards to replace a graphic card. So basically, the graphic card is enfused into the motherboard of most notebook computers, and it is impossible to change them.

An alternative would be an external graphic card which connects by USB

It would just be easier to get a new laptop. If you replace the motherboard, then you need to replace the memory because chances are, the memory won't be compatable with the new motherboard. You also would need to replace all the other things that are not compatable with the motherboard, like the dvd/cd rom, and the way that the laptop connects to the fold up screen, and also certain motherboards don't even fit in the body of the laptop in terms of screw holes and stuff.

Answer 3

Dillon:
Sorry. the graphics chip is soldered directly to the mobo, so it cannot be replaced. It would be cheaper to get a new laptop rather than fix the old one.

Answer 4

Sorry, I don't think you will be able to install it yourself, as you said, today on laptops they are all integrated. My laptop has dire warnings all over the place not to open the case. I have a "NVIDIA" graphics chip and I don't have a clue what that even means, so what do I know?

Answer 5

Not possible. You'd have to replace the motherboard.