Dell E1705 - Video Card Options

I know that the Geforce Go 7800 is no longer available for the E1705, I would actually prefer to make the purchase now and upgrade the video card out of my own pocket later. My only question is, if I decide to go this route will I need to get the ATI Radeon, or can I get by on the GMA for a little while and then upgrade to the GeForce.

Thank!

 

You need the ATI

 

ATI is the dedicated card so you'll need it like Bigmo said. The GMA is integrated and you won't be able to upgrade it.

I think Dell should have the 7800 card back real soon if you want to wait a week or two.

 

Thanks for the response, I'm going to order with the $750 off coupon now, and make due with the ATI for a while. I'm going to be using the laptop for a combination of things, including gaming.

 

ArisenSun: When you say "make due with the ATI", what do you mean? I'm interested in getting the same computer, but I wasn't aware that the graphics could be upgraded. Do you know for sure if it's possible?

Thanks

 

Well they were offering the 7800Go, but since their is a shortage on the cards they are now offering the x1400 which is a lower grade card. After that you can order a 7800Go and replave the X1400. Only because you can switch dedicated cards as long as it is made for that model of Dell.

 

The 7800 Go is a better card than the ATI X1400, I have decided to cancel my order that included the 7800 Go, and get the ATI X1400, some day (if I feel the need and have the extra money, I will upgrade to the 7800 Go). I just wanted to make sure it was possible, not that the ATI 1400 is a bad card, I just don't want to be stuck with it if it's not good enough in the future.

 

Inspiron E1705 Qty 1
Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2500 (2GHz/667MHz FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 Unit Price $2,305.00
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Catalog Number: 29
Module Description Show Details
Inspiron E1705 Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2500 (2GHz/667MHz FSB)
Operating System (Office software not included) Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005
LCD Panel 17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen UXGA Display with TrueLife™
Memory 1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz
Video Card 256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory
Hard Drive 100GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Network Card Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0
Combo/DVD+RW Drives FREE!8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Wireless Networking Cards Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps)
Office Software (not included in Windows XP) No productivity suite- Corel WordPerfect word processor only
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) No Security Subscription
Primary Battery 80 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Hardware Warranty 1Yr Ltd Warranty, 1Yr Mail-In Service, and 1Yr HW Warranty Support
Dial-Up Internet Access 6 Months of America Online Membership Included
Operating System Re-Installation CD PC Restore recovery system by Symantec
Dell Digital Entertainment Starter Entertainment Pack - Basic digital Music, Photo and Game experience

TOTAL:$1,555.00

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Total Price $1,489.60

 

Yes, upgrading to the 7800 card will be possible if you get the ATI x1400 card. Dell is one of the few manufacturers that does allow upgrades on dedicated cards so long as the card you want to get is offered for you laptop.

Sounds confusing? Here is the basics of it.... On the E1705/9400, yes, you will be able to upgrade to the 7800 card if you order the ATI card and should not have any problems upgrading it.