Curse

ElRey · May 14, 2005, 05:55 PM // 17:55

I have a Dell Inspiron 5100 Laptop. These are my system specs
2.8 ghz p4
512 mb of ram
30 gb hd
ATI Radeon 7500
Windows XP Professional

I am looking for a budget Video Card that will be able to run Empire Earth 2 (which must be at least an ATI Radeon 9000) and GW at high settings so i can experience the "glow effect" without lag. My budget is $85 at most, yet i would like to keep it at $60. Remember, this is on a laptop, so it must be compatible with my laptop and it cant have overheating problems since the Inspiron has a noisy fan and already has overheating problems

Can anyone recommend a card for me?

Serafita Kayin · May 14, 2005, 06:00 PM // 18:00

You can't change the card on a laptop unless you have something made in approximately the last 6 months. Thaks for shopping, we can probably still help you get guild wars running on it. Check the video card answers thread for more details on someone's experience with that laptop.

Dragon Reborn · May 14, 2005, 08:00 PM // 20:00

The only video card officialy supported by Dell for that model is the 7500. If you take a look at their support forums, people have gotten the 9000 32/64mb for the Inspiron 5150 to work. The only way to get that card is to call Dell Spare parts and get it for around $125. The only problem is, the cards aren't officially supported and are very problematic. But you can take your chances with it. I ordered mine a couple of days ago and expecting it any day now. Best of luck!

ElRey · May 15, 2005, 11:42 AM // 11:42

Dammit, the steep price tag is all that has me worried. I can get a Sapphire 128mb 9600 ATI Radeon for $50 at Newegg.com Will the card work with an Inspiron 5100?

Dragon Reborn · May 15, 2005, 12:58 PM // 12:58

Nope. That's the problem with laptops, or atleast the Dell ones, you must get the card from the maker. It does suck really bad. That card will just not fit.

swaaye · May 15, 2005, 05:15 PM // 17:15

NOTEBOOKS DO NOT HAVE VIDEO CARDS.

Have you ever looked at the size of a video card compared to the average notebook? They are roughly the size of the entire motherboard inside. Some of the biggest notebooks, like the huge Dells, have removable video modules. They are not cards though.

Dragon Reborn · May 15, 2005, 07:09 PM // 19:09

They have cards, they are just the Mobility version for Radeons. No idea what Geforce calls them, but they are still cards.

ElRey · May 15, 2005, 07:29 PM // 19:29

how would i overclock my card? Or how would i get pixel shader and T&L. I really need to make this crap work... it makes my 2.8 ghz look like it is 1.3.

termite · May 15, 2005, 09:43 PM // 21:43

I wouldn't recommend overclocking your card because it would void your warranty, and if it were to break, the company that you got your (i'm guessing) overpriced laptop from would find that out in a second and you wouldn't be able to get it fixed for free/cheap.

The video cards that you see at NewEgg aren't for laptops. They are for desktop computers. Your laptop would need a mobile version of a video card (you'd have to contact your laptop's company to see if they carry such upgrades (or even if your system allows such upgrades)).

ElRey · May 15, 2005, 11:10 PM // 23:10

this laptop was wayyyy damn overpriced.... it was $2500 and weighs like a bitch on fast food

Madjik · May 15, 2005, 11:17 PM // 23:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by swaaye

NOTEBOOKS DO NOT HAVE VIDEO CARDS.

Have you ever looked at the size of a video card compared to the average notebook? They are roughly the size of the entire motherboard inside. Some of the biggest notebooks, like the huge Dells, have removable video modules. They are not cards though.

Laptops have video cards; but because of the way technology works, they are often a lower end version or a reworked version of the card. Generally you have to wait for parts to be miniturized before it will fit in a laptop. Thats why a laptop cant handle what a desktop can, the miniturization curve.

ElRey · May 16, 2005, 12:22 AM // 00:22

will a ati radeon 9000 64 mb have Pixel Shader and T&L support and will i be able to see the "glow" effect with Guild wars and play it without lag in towns and cities and in massive 4v4 pvp battles?