DIY GPU Upgrade - Clevo P151SM

This question really applies to any Clevo that doesn't have a soldered-on GPU.

How easy is it overall? Has anybody run into any BIOS issues/incompatibilities?

Also, what kind of cost are we looking at?

I like the idea of an upgrade-able system, but if the GPU costs $500 to buy, I'd almost be better off selling the laptop at that point and buying a new one. Currently, it looks like the GTX 860m runs close to $500 or so.

Thoughts/comments?

 

You can check prices on ebay currently of the current top end and previous top end and that's the trend prices follow over time, remember you are only guaranteed upgrades within the generation it ships with.

Also remember the P151SM is designed for sub 100W cards. You may be able to run a 100W card with a larger PSU, but it wont have been tested.

 

This is the problem with mobile graphics, especially the higher end stuff. The GPU card is going to be very expensive! While upgradable graphics processors sound good in theory, the reality is that you are better off selling the older notebook and purchasing a newer one.

 

Not always actually, nvidia top binned cards are always pricey but a step down or AMD is usually not quite so expensive.

 

That's pretty much the conclusion I've come to.

Currently a GTX 860m will run you at least $400. You can get a laptop like the Y50 or a Clevo with this GPU for around $1200 all-in.

So you're paying $800 for the rest of the laptop. Assuming I can get at least $600 for my current, used laptop. I'm really only paying $200 for a full upgrade to a newer laptop, rather than just getting a new GPU.

 

That assumes you can sell the system for a decent price.

Also mxm cards tend to retain their value so moving between cards is not so bad when you sell the one you have.