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    Adding Switchable Graphics to T400

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Insomniac89, Oct 5, 2009.

  1. Insomniac89

    Insomniac89 Notebook Consultant

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    Hey, I currently have a T400 with only integrated graphics. The Thinkpad configuration is pretty weak except the 1440x900 LG LED screen, the processor is alright (P8400) but I was wondering if I can buy the MXMII 3470 graphics card, and obtain switchable graphics (or at least just the discrete graphics) or is the motherboard completely different entirely? If so, do you think I could get lenovo to replace it at a cost?
     
    Insomniac89, Oct 5, 2009
    #1
  2. StealthTH

    StealthTH Notebook Evangelist

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    You would need to get the motherboard with the switchable graphics chip.
     
    StealthTH, Oct 5, 2009
    #2
  3. lead_org

    lead_org Purveyor of Truth

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    the thinkpad in the current series all use fixed or soldered discrete gpu, only the W700 use MXM.
     
    lead_org, Oct 5, 2009
    #3
  4. Insomniac89

    Insomniac89 Notebook Consultant

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    Wow, thats alot of thinkpads lead_org, thanks for the reply, anyone know if lenovo would do this for money?
     
    Insomniac89, Oct 5, 2009
    #4
  5. JaneL

    JaneL Super Moderator

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    It's highly unlikely.
     
    JaneL, Oct 5, 2009
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  6. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    If they do, it will not be worth it at all. The motherboard is an expensive piece, especially with the discrete GPU. With labor, I'm guessing Lenovo could very well charge up to some $500-800, which you could use to just buy another T400 with discrete graphics from the outlet. Plus, if you resell your T400, even at a huge loss, it will still be more worth it.
     
    MidnightSun, Oct 5, 2009
    #6
  7. lead_org

    lead_org Purveyor of Truth

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    you can get a refurb T400 with discrete graphics from ebay for 500 USD, which is the cost of the motherboard and not including any possible service handling, labour and other surcharges.
     
    lead_org, Oct 6, 2009
    #7
  8. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Put the old motherboard in the other machine and sell that.
     
    ZaZ, Oct 6, 2009
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  9. wirleaon

    wirleaon Notebook Guru

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    For that amount you might as well use it to buy a new one it's not worth it.
     
    wirleaon, Oct 8, 2009
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  10. lead_org

    lead_org Purveyor of Truth

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    i think Lenovo try push not to have the laptop upgraded, but rather buying an entirely new set.
     
    lead_org, Oct 8, 2009
    #10