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    Macbook Pro: Changing graphics card possible?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by seeklink, Oct 31, 2007.

  1. seeklink

    seeklink Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,
    Does anyone know if it's possible to buy the cheaper Macbook pro and then upgrade the graphics card to a higher one?

    I find the upgrades overpriced.
    I wanted to upgrade the memory and hard disk myself.

    If I am going to void the warranty by changing the hard disk, I can't void more warranty by changing the graphics card.

    What do you guys think?
     
    seeklink, Oct 31, 2007
    #1
  2. ivar

    ivar Notebook Deity

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    Sorry, the answer will be no. :(

    It is possible with the wifi card, hard disk, memory and processor.
     
    ivar, Oct 31, 2007
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  3. coyoteunknown

    coyoteunknown Notebook Consultant

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    Actually, isn't the processor also soldered to the motherboard just like the graphics processor?
     
    coyoteunknown, Oct 31, 2007
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  4. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    You won't be able to upgrade the graphics card on the MBP. Its soldered onto the motherboard.
     
    Sam, Oct 31, 2007
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  5. 00fez

    00fez Notebook Deity

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    So is the processor, but anyone with an intermediate technical knowledge could do it. About the graphics card, I think technically it is possible, but you have to really know what you're doing. If I had cash to blow I would definitely love to upgrade the mbp with a better graphics card, processor, etc. The thing you have to factor in though, is the heat issue, depending on the graphics card you want to put in. I mean, the mbp gets hot enough as it is...I can't imagine how much hotter it would be with an 8700gt at factory clocks...

    Anything's possible I guess.

    Try at your own risk!!
     
    00fez, Oct 31, 2007
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  6. seeklink

    seeklink Notebook Enthusiast

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    Actually I am thinking of only upgrading the memory of the graphics card. The lower model has only 128MB. I want the one with 256MB. I guess this is also soldered onto the chip and hence no.
     
    seeklink, Oct 31, 2007
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  7. SaferSephiroth

    SaferSephiroth The calamity from within

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    Just because it is soldered doesn't mean you can't, it depends on the differences between the chips. The biggest problem would be matching the traces with the pins and getting the GPU to recognize the new chip(s).
     
    SaferSephiroth, Oct 31, 2007
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  8. seeklink

    seeklink Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am prepared (and comfortable with) to take the notebook apart and change the hard disk.
    However, if there are no ready after market nVidia 8600GT 256MB card, and/or it involves removing the solders, I think it's not an option for me. I just can't do that.

    Apple is doing very well to squeeze money from us.

    Thank you guys for your input. I'll need to consider my options again.
     
    seeklink, Oct 31, 2007
    #8
  9. Xander

    Xander Paranoid Android

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    Xander, Oct 31, 2007
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  10. fabarati

    fabarati Frorum Obfuscator

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    You can't upgrade the memory chips on the GPU (You'll destroy it unless you REAALLY know what you're doing).

    The GPU is Soldered to the mother board, as is the CPU. There is nothing better to upgrade your graphics card to.

    Apple doesn't use MXM in Macbook pro.

    The CPU uses BGA layout, and the cpu can't be bought in retail stores (none that I've seen anyways).

    Upgrading the HDD your self on the MBP voids your warranty.

    It's cheaper to upgrade the memory yourself.

    Did I forget anything?
     
    fabarati, Oct 31, 2007
    #10