Hardware Updating the GPU on my laptop

[MJR]

Since I do not know much about laptop hardware I have come to you guys for help. I need to update my GPU desperately on my Acer Aspire 5517 laptop. I have found one that I would like and that is the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4850. Would it be compatible with my computer? Also, if it is, how do I install it? Thanks.

 

[Bj]

Since I do not know much about laptop hardware I have come to you guys for help. I need to update my GPU desperately on my Acer Aspire 5517 laptop. I have found one that I would like and that is the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4850. Would it be compatible with my computer? Also, if it is, how do I install it? Thanks.

OK you realize normally to update GPU on most laptops requires tearing almost the entire computer apart? That is if you can.


First place to start looking is the manual/guide

http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/Manuals/acer/2009/ServiceGuides/SG_Aspire_5517_09172009.pdf

I am looking through it, and I don't see any reference to a GPU.

Just looking at the picture of the motherboard tells me it is integrated, impossible to replace. Sorry but the onlyway that GPU is getting updated is with a new motherboard/computer


When looking for parts for laptops, its better to look through the parts that fit the computer, not look for parts, then see if it fits the computer.

 

[Hasso]

:hesaid:

If i would have to create a notebook with ($memory), ($gpupower)and ($cpupower) until ($date) in such a small box at lowest prices, i would say: "OK, i'll look what we can get at current market, then cut down the BIOS to values working with that equipment, and don't bother me with standards!"
And that's the way all the notebooks i have seen are designed.

So, the only components you can change in a notebook are memory (quantity only, of course, because most of notebookBIOS wouldn't even request the timing of the chips) and harddisks. Sometimes there is a chance to find a CD/DVD-drive that supports your casing at the front end.

Thats all. :dry:


Every other experiment to improve a note-/net-book/laptop will cost (a lot of) money and has a bad risk of fail!

 

[Ark]

It sucks, but laptops are generally as-is. Desktops are the way to go if you want the ability to swap out hardware.

 

[MJR]

OK you realize normally to update GPU on most laptops requires tearing almost the entire computer apart? That is if you can.


First place to start looking is the manual/guide

http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/Manuals/acer/2009/ServiceGuides/SG_Aspire_5517_09172009.pdf

I am looking through it, and I don't see any reference to a GPU.

Just looking at the picture of the motherboard tells me it is integrated, impossible to replace. Sorry but the onlyway that GPU is getting updated is with a new motherboard/computer


When looking for parts for laptops, its better to look through the parts that fit the computer, not look for parts, then see if it fits the computer.

Generally how much does a new laptop motherboard cost?

 

[cinder1992]

About the same as a new laptop, give or take a few quid.

 

[MJR]

Can any of you guys recommend some good sites for a new laptop motherboard combo with a good GPU or just a site in general that has compatible processors. I have searched on newegg and many other sites, but could not find anything that would suit as a high performance upgrade.

 

[Hielor]

Can any of you guys recommend some good sites for a new laptop motherboard combo with a good GPU or just a site in general that has compatible processors. I have searched on newegg and many other sites, but could not find anything that would suit as a high performance upgrade.

You're missing the point. People have hinted at it but you've completely missed things, so I'll say it straight out.

It's all but impossible to "upgrade" a laptop like that in the way you want to, unless you know exactly what you're doing. The fact that you asked if you could update the GPU indicates that you don't know what you're doing.

You can't buy a new motherboard for your laptop and replace it. If you want better hardware than what your laptop has, you're going to need to buy a new laptop.

 

[MJR]

EXACTLY as I said I do not know much about laptops. I wouldn't be asking questions if I did not know how to do something. That is the only way you learn something. Somebody else please tell me about this. Everyone here says you can't buy one, but I have found plenty.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ATI-Mobility-Radeon-HD-5870-GPU-MXM-3-0-Type-B-/110520154934?cmd=ViewItem&pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item19bb83bb36

 

[Lucy]

From that Ebay item page.

This card is intended for the Eurocom W870CU and W860CU Notebooks.

Specific hardware, specific laptop. That's generally how they work. If you want upgradeability, go for a desktop, as has been stated. If you want to upgrade in the laptop line, buy a new laptop. Buying that GPU unit will be a total waste of money.

All of this has already been said, in one way or another. Just because you can buy something doesn't mean it'll work with what you already have.

 

[MJR]

I already have a good desktop. So I guess laptops are too complicated. Oh well, I'll find a way to get it better if it has to be a new CPU or RAM or something.

 

[Lucy]

This may seem harsh, but you're being incredibly frustrating. Upgrading a laptop is not an option. You might get more RAM in it, admittedly, but it won't help overall and you're going to wind up needing to upgrade it again within months at best if you do that. Waste of money #1.

You can't replace the CPU on a laptop motherboard unless... uh, yeah, let's just go with at all in this case. I think it's appropriate. Same with the GFX hardware. You can give it a bigger hard drive, maybe. That won't help much either. Waste of money no's 2 and 3.

You're willing to spend money. You've been told at least three times in this thread to just buy another laptop. I don't get why you're not getting the point.

 

[Hielor]

Everyone here says you can't buy one, but I have found plenty.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ATI-Mobility-Radeon-HD-5870-GPU-MXM-3-0-Type-B-/110520154934?cmd=ViewItem&pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item19bb83bb36

I didn't say that you can't buy laptop graphics cards.

I said that you, specifically, cannot upgrade the graphics card in your laptop.

 

[River Crab]

Well, thanks to Xyon for putting that straight.

If you're EXTREMELY DESPERATE to get a 3D graphics upgrade, there are external solutions. However they won't upgrade your CPU. No way. And from what I understand your laptop, at 1.6 GHz, is a bit slow for games...sorry.
I know this is what Geek Squad tells everyone, but you probably are better off getting a new computer.
If you have a pretty good desktop, as you said, just stick with that.

If you think you really want something external, here are a few things to research, but I'm just going to say I don't think they're worth it, versus getting another computer online for cheap (not at Best Buy!) They won't upgrade your CPU, so your current laptop won't cut it, even plugged in to these things:
Magma ExpressBox1
ViDock Gfx PRO
Asus XG Station

cheerz

 

[PhantomCruiser]

I got a thinkpad out of the garbage at work years ago, the goober who put it there said "It won't turn on". I fished it out, took it apart fixed the power switch and upon trying to put it all together again realized that it wouldn't all fit back like it was.
I cussed for days trying to put it back together. I would up tapeing up with (yes, you guessed it) duct tape.
I got a decent thinkpad, free, for my troubles though...

My thoughts, never, ever, try to take a laptop apart.

 

[Keatah]

Upgrading a laptop couldn't be easier!

Step one - check the manual for a list of parts that can be replaced.
Step two - from that list decide on the parts you want to swap.
Step three - buy the parts from a shop or the mfg.
Step four - swap the parts.

You're done! I don't see the problem..

 

[Bj]

Upgrading a laptop couldn't be easier!

Step one - check the manual for a list of parts that can be replaced.
Step two - from that list decide on the parts you want to swap.
Step three - buy the parts from a shop or the mfg.
Step four - swap the parts.

You're done! I don't see the problem..

The problem is at step one, it wasn't done.

..and it really isn't as easy as 1, 2, 3...

 

[Lucy]

The checklist more commonly followed is as follows;

1. Decide you want an upgrade
2. Buy something fantastic which would really speed your system up
3. Open up your laptop
4. Stare at the motherboard for a while trying to work out where you're going to put your component
5. Try to put it on the other side of the motherboard
6. Slot it in somewhere not quite meant for that kind of component, maybe secured with gaffer tape if needed
7. Attempt to put laptop back together as-was.
8. Swear at it a few times and accidentally snap something trying to get it to all fit back together
9. Gaffer tape the lot into one big plastic and metal mess
10. Attempt to power it on and wonder vaguely why it isn't working.
11. Gaffer tape it differently to see if it helps
12. Take it to a computer shop and try to get them to fix it
13. Buy a new laptop when they explain that they can't fix it.

So much quicker to just do number 13 straight away...