Can I upgrade my 9400/1705 to a geforce 7900?

I appologize if this has been asked. I imagine there must be a topic about it somehwere, but I couldn't find one when using the search function.

I bought my Inspiron 1705 (technically it's a 9400) in march. At the time, the 7900 was not offered with the system. Now I see that there is a 7900 offered with the 1705, and I am just wondering if I would be able to upgrade from my 7800 to a 7900 when the need arises? Or is my system not ready for a 7900 since I ordered it back in march when that card wasn't offered with the system.

I guess the question comes down to this; Did they create a new 7900 that works with the 1705, or did they alter the 1705 to work with mobile 7900 cards?

And if I can upgrade, where is the proper place to order a mobile 7900 go that is proper for my system?

Thanks for any help.

 

Ok, so I found this thread which basically answers my question: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=41454

I knew there was a thread for this somewhere... but still my search came up empty, and there are a lot of sticky posts in all the sub forums, so it was a little tricky to find.

Anyhow, I am seeing people saying that some dell's actually do allow for video card upgrades, so if that applies to a 1705 with a 7800, please let me know.

 

Talk to SouthernGirl and Metamorphical about it...they both have that laptop and I *think* you have one of the few that are upgradeable.

 

You should be able to upgrade. FWIW I think that the 7900 is an expensive 'spare parts' purchase.

 

if you have integrated graphics you cannot upgrade, if you have a dedicated card, you can upgrade to any videocard offerd for the system with a bios update, its going to run you at least 300 bucks, and really isnt worth in my opinion

 

Quite correct--he did state that he has a 7800 right now. The main noticeable difference between a 7800 and a 7900gs is the heat/power issue. The GS will draw less power and so run cooler (with increased battery life).

 

You can usually find a card or two on eBay. Be prepared to shell out some cash for it!

 

It's best to do this through Dell...the warranty will be preserved if something were to go wrong.

 

I don't plan on upgrading immediately or anything, but it's nice to know that it is an option. I imagine the 7900 will be more affordable in a year or so, when my system starts to show some age.

Thanks for the advice.