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    Can E1705 video cards be upgraded in future?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by KenjiWB, Apr 2, 2006.

  1. KenjiWB

    KenjiWB Notebook Guru

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    Hey Ive had my heart set on gettin a new gaming notebook, but since these dont come with the 7800's anymore Ive been putting it off and waiting for them to be introduced back as an option (tired of waiting).

    So basically, if I get the system as is with the 1400, can I upgrade it sometime later? Do they even make upgrageable notebook GPUs? Thx in advance.
     
    KenjiWB, Apr 2, 2006
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  2. Reize

    Reize Notebook Virtuoso

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    You can buy them off Ebay and Dell's depot site with 7800s still I believe.
     
    Reize, Apr 2, 2006
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  3. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    You can check Dell's outlet if you dont mind for a refurb - some never touch a human hand, since once an order is cancelled it, goes there www.dell.com/outlet.

    As mentioned, Ebay might have some

    You could upgrade the video card on your own, but it voids the warranty, and you will have to do some soldering to make it fit...not reccomended. (For example the 7800GTX)
     
    nickspohn, Apr 2, 2006
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  4. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    Hi Ken,
    Yes you can upgrade your card to the 7800 go after you buy your laptop. This will not void your warranty because the card was offered with your laptop previously. All you have to do is stick the card in. No other modifications will be necessary. The upgraded card will not be covered in your warranty, but your warranty is still in tact.

    You can only upgrade to the cards offered with the 9400 (includes the 7800go) and if dell offers a better card like the 7900 soon, you can upgrade to that. The reason you can only upgrade to specific cards is because you need BIOS support.

    Nick,
    That was a special circumstance on the 9300. Right now, if you got the 7800GTX and did the modifications, it would not work in the 9400. You don't have the necessary BIOS support to do it. You can only upgrade to cards that are offered by Dell for your laptop because of the BIOS.

    SG
     
    Amber, Apr 2, 2006
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  5. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    The reason i mentioned this, is because it has been done, and worked. The BIOS did support the card.
     
    nickspohn, Apr 2, 2006
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  6. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    Yes i know it has been done before, but according to dell, the BIOS doesn't support it. The BIOS should only support the 7800go, ATI and the integrated card.
     
    Amber, Apr 2, 2006
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  7. KenjiWB

    KenjiWB Notebook Guru

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    Thx for the response, just placed my order :)

    Inspiron E1705
    Duo Processor T2400 (1.83GHz/667MHz FSB)
    17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen UXGA
    1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz
    256MB ATI X1400 HyperMemory

    120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
    Windowsｮ XP Media Center Edition 2005
    Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
    8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW)
    Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card 54Mbps

    53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
    Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth Internal(2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate)
    Windows XP Media Center 2005 Edition re-installation CD
     
    KenjiWB, Apr 2, 2006
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