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    Dell XPS L501X Graphivs Card upgrade question

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by ZoomButLee, Apr 28, 2011.

  1. ZoomButLee

    ZoomButLee Newbie

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    Hi guys,
    I searched the forum, but couldn`t find exactly what I was looking for or it could be that my search foo is quite low this early in the morning.
    I am curious whats the best graphics card I can upgrade an XPS 15 L501X to ? 435m or maybe an 445m ?
    Thanks
     
    ZoomButLee, Apr 28, 2011
    #1
  2. ClearIzzy

    ClearIzzy Notebook Geek

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    Highest card that was configured for the L501X was the GT 435m. And notebook graphics cards are usually soldered on the motherboard. So you would need to get a motherboard with that dedicated card but then you'll have to know if your processor is compatible.

    It can be done, but its a hassle.
     
    ClearIzzy, Apr 28, 2011
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  3. edit1754

    edit1754 Notebook Prophet

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    Are you buying the L501x new?
    If you already have one and you're trying to upgrade the graphics card, then you can't because it's soldered onto the motherboard.

    The L501x had the GT420M and the GT435M as options.
    The L502x has the GT525M and the GT540M (newer model of XPS).

    Keep in mind that the most important thing to upgrade is the B+RGLED 1920x1080 screen. It's one of the best in its price range and it blows away many professional-quality displays (not to mention you also get a larger screen workspace because stuff on the screen is physically not as large), but the 1366x768 screen is a low-class display. Don't skip out on the display upgrade. Be sure you budget for the screen upgrade before you consider other bells and whistles such as the graphics card and the processor.
     
    edit1754, Apr 28, 2011
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  4. conscriptvirus

    conscriptvirus Notebook Evangelist

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    ^^ what he said.

    btw, the 420m, 435m, 525m and the 540m are essentially all the same cards (all use the GF108 core) with different clock speeds, so in theory, the 420m can be overclocked to 540m speeds and have the same performance (and alot of ppl have overclocked their 420s). However, the main difference in the cards would be build quality. 540m chips are built of higher quality and can be overclocked alot higher than the 420m.

    so if u want to upgrade anything, get the 1080p screen.
     
    conscriptvirus, Apr 28, 2011
    #4