Curse

Taisayacho · Sep 25, 2008, 04:53 PM // 16:53

Hey everyone,

I'm wondering about upgrading my graphics card and was wondering whether it would be a) possible and b) plausible.

System:
Model: HP Pavilion dv6700 Notebook
OS: Vista Home Premium 64-bit
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T5750 @ 2.0 Ghz
RAM: 4GB
DirectX: 10

Now here's the kicker:
Graphics: Mobile Intel 965 Chipset Family
DXDiag says it's using 358MB of memory. I know this is like THE worst graphics whatever-you-call-it out there pretty much. It runs GW fine but I'm worried about games like GW2, because it might not be able to handle them.

First of all, is it even possible to upgrade this?
Second, what drivers, etc, would I need?
Third, if the first question is a yes, which graphics card would you recommend?
Fourth, how expensive would it be?
Last, is it worth the above price? Would my system's performance improve by a lot or just a little?

Keep in mind that I live in the UK but have family in the US, so I can get US stuff if I need to.

Thanks in advance!

snaek · Sep 25, 2008, 05:09 PM // 17:09

u forgot to mention that this was a notebook

im not too sure bout notebooks,
but i kno their expandability isnt as great as desktop pcs

but i dun think u can upgrade it

i think u have to "add" the upgrade option when buying ur custom-build notebook

Taisayacho · Sep 25, 2008, 05:21 PM // 17:21

I just got it ready-made from BestBuy, but yeah, forgot to mention that its a notebook. Ill edit the OP. Thanks

moriz · Sep 25, 2008, 09:00 PM // 21:00

you cannot upgrade laptop graphics. there are exceptions to this rule, but those laptops are typically in the $3000 range and are impractical for most people.

Taisayacho · Sep 25, 2008, 09:12 PM // 21:12

aww well shucks.

KZaske · Sep 27, 2008, 06:50 AM // 06:50

According to the product specifications, this laptop comes with the option of two different video cards: The intel chip you are using or an Nvidia 8400M GS Discrete 256MB. I would advise you contact support and see if it is replaceable.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/p...roduct=3636595

Ths Product Specifications is a PDF found at the bottom of the product specifications section of the page.

Quaker · Sep 27, 2008, 04:29 PM // 16:29

And while you're at it, take a look at this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD6WDt-goiU

That guy goes a little overboard with the disassembly I think, but it was interesting to see an actual "card" for a laptop. I've had laptops down to that point, but only to remove the hsf & cpu - they didn't have a video card. You can then understand why it's not something you do too often.

Elder III · Sep 29, 2008, 11:31 PM // 23:31

To replace your GPU on that notebook you would have to replace the motherboard... which imo is NOT worth it.

Taisayacho · Sep 30, 2008, 05:31 PM // 17:31

neither imo. sounds unfun.
well, guess I'll just have to keep this one, but it runs just fine ^^