Dell 600M - how can i replace my video card for higher resolution? i have a spare 600m..

I have two 600m. One of them is the higher resolution video card, but it has now gone bad.. so now I am using the one I bought my dad originally ( he doesnt use it). But this one only goes up to 1024x768.

The other dell 600m (originally mine) makes a weird clicking sound two or three times, then doesnt power up. This is when I hit the power button. I've tried another battery and also plugged in, same result.. i'm thinking the mobo is dead or something. So i popped out the hard drive, and put it in my other 600m (dad's) and i was fortunate to see that everthing is working. Only complaint is the video card resolution doesn't go as high.

Ideally, I'd like to swap out the video card from the other 600m into this one. is that possible?? i checked all over Dell's site and no instructions on taking out the card.. I saw stuff on replacing memory, hd, keyboard, screen, etc. but nothing on video. I hope the video is not a chip soldered on the board..

can anyone help?

 

From www.BayWolf.com :

Inspiron 600m
ATi Mobility RADEON 9000 32MB-Soldered to the mother board
ATi Mobility RADEON 9000 64MB-Soldered to the mother board

 

if all you want is high res, just swap the LCDs. it doesn't matter what video card it has

 

So the video card really doesn't matteR?? it is only the LCD? if i replace the LCD aspect of the laptop - i can use the higher resolution?

 

yes, if you upgrade the LCD, you will get a higher resolution. The video card only controls the graphics, not the screen resolution.

 

Thanks for the clarification. How about from a performance perspective? i am not playing any games or even watching DVDs.

i do multi task quite a bit using outlook, windows, excel, and have sql server datbase,e tc.

I do have 1 GB of memory and a 120 GB hard drive. any impact you guys see by having less memory on the video card? or are there other things I need to be aware of?

thanks in advance!!

 

What are you wanting to do?

 

I think u just need the memory card, the other component such as 120gb hdd 1gb ram is enough to run every office task.

 

3d gaming and 3d apps will be effected, thats all

 

aweesome! - thanks for the great info everyone! i'll try it this weekend and swap out the lcd screen.

not sure why the first laptop makes that clicking noise in the first place.. very annoying and unstable. because i travel so much for my job, i'd rather not risk it..

 

http://www.screentekinc.com/Dell_Inspiron_600m--14.1-inch--1400x1050-sxgaplus-laptop-lcd-screen.shtml

You could swwap your XGA LCD for this SXGA+ screen.

ScreenTek are a reputable company, no problem buying from them. Instructions here:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins600m/en/sm/display.htm#1001090



It's a big process, but if you follow the steps carefully it should be simple enough. It might be a good idea to get an anti static wristband to prevent ESD.

 

mujtaba - why did you put in the link for the Baywolf Restaurant??