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    what can't I upgrade later

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by xanthier, Aug 11, 2006.

  1. xanthier

    xanthier Notebook Geek

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    Besides graphics cards, what absolutely can't be upgraded, isn't cost effective, or simply is a real pain to upgrade?
     
    xanthier, Aug 11, 2006
    #1
  2. andrew.brandon

    andrew.brandon Notebook Evangelist

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    you can upgrade graphics cards on some notebooks.
     
    andrew.brandon, Aug 11, 2006
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  3. yamla

    yamla Notebook Consultant

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    You should look at this more along the lines of what CAN be upgraded later. Sometimes (though not always) the CPU can be upgraded to a similar model. Almost always, the RAM can be upgraded. Similarly, almost always the hard drive can be upgraded. You can also replace the battery and optical drive.

    The LCD can be replaced on many laptops though this is not trivial to do and often a very expensive upgrade.

    As a general rule, though, you should assume that NOTHING in a laptop is upgradable except for the RAM. It's rarely worth the hassle of upgrading anything else.
     
    yamla, Aug 11, 2006
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  4. gethin

    gethin Notebook Evangelist

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    I concur - with the exception that you can pretty much guarranty you can upgrade your HD
     
    gethin, Aug 11, 2006
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  5. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

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    "user-upgradeable":

    1. ram
    2. hd
    3. minipci slot

    upgradeable with difficulty (physically difficult, voids warranty, etc.):

    1. cpu
    2. gpu*
    3. lcd

    *the gpu must (a) physically fit into the computer and (b) be recognized by the system's BIOS. the general rule of thumb is that if you bought X brand of notebook and it came with the options of A, B, and C gpus, then you can probably upgrade from A, to either B or C. upgrading outside of this path is nearly impossible.
     
    drumfu, Aug 11, 2006
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  6. xanthier

    xanthier Notebook Geek

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    I say because when it comes to customization, I'll be willing to spend a little more on components that are a hassle to upgrade later. thanks
     
    xanthier, Aug 11, 2006
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  7. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    I would suggest buying the screen, processor, and video card (especially) that you want with the notebook - the RAM and HDD are easy to do as posted, and often cheaper to upgrade aftermarket from places like ZipZoomFly or Newegg.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Aug 11, 2006
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  8. ICDragon

    ICDragon Notebook Enthusiast

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    probably the only cost/worth upgrades would be: HD, Ram, Batter, Optical Drive
     
    ICDragon, Aug 11, 2006
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  9. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

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    thanks, icgragon...

    i totally forgot about the optical drive.
     
    drumfu, Aug 11, 2006
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  10. xanthier

    xanthier Notebook Geek

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    thanks again chaz, and everyone else
     
    xanthier, Aug 11, 2006
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  11. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    The motherboard is definitely one of the components not worth upgrading.
     
    Budding, Aug 11, 2006
    #11