Mobile video cards availability

[Liver]

Is there a place to buy aftermarket mobile video cards? The only place I have seen them have been from other users on notebookforum, people who are up or down grading.

Potentially looking for a 7900GTX go. Trying to get my facts straight before I purchase the laptop. Why can't I get it when I make the purchase? Work will buy the laptop, but it is doubtful they will "okay" a gaming video card.

 

[Michalson]

You can't just drop a "mobile" graphics card into a laptop. While newer laptops have begun appearing with a "common" connection for graphics cards, the actual form factor and thermal profile is not standard - the common connection exists solely to allow notebook vendors to offer several video cards on the same base model, without having to manufacturer a different motherboard for each one (instead there is an empty space for the form fitting graphics card, and they manufacturer the individual cards as demand is made).

To make it clear, a "7900GTX go", even if you could buy it, would likely only fit into 1 or 2 models from a single brand of laptop. If you wanted the same video card for another laptop that supported it, you'd need to buy the version designed for it. "Upgradable" graphics cards exist only for large OEMs at the moment, not consumers.

 

[Liver]

You can't just drop a "mobile" graphics card into a laptop. While newer laptops have begun appearing with a "common" connection for graphics cards, the actual form factor and thermal profile is not standard - the common connection exists solely to allow notebook vendors to offer several video cards on the same base model, without having to manufacturer a different motherboard for each one (instead there is an empty space for the form fitting graphics card, and they manufacturer the individual cards as demand is made).

To make it clear, a "7900GTX go", even if you could buy it, would likely only fit into 1 or 2 models from a single brand of laptop. If you wanted the same video card for another laptop that supported it, you'd need to buy the version designed for it. "Upgradable" graphics cards exist only for large OEMs at the moment, not consumers.

I am specifically referring to the Dell options, those are the only ones supported by my employer. I would choose a specific Dell model that had the option of the the 7900GTX go. Hopefully that will limit the issues with fit and compatibility (of course I will read all on mainboard BIOS flashing and detailed installation instructions).

I was hoping for availability of these cards to the consumer, but looks like it will have to be from someone who is downgrading.

Any other suggestions? I will try to pay the difference in cards to my employer, but I asking this question to formulate plan B.

 

[Michalson]

I assume plan B is installing it yourself, and if that's the case I'll only worn you that install a laptop graphics card is likely not going to be easy (depending on the model there is a good chance it's like changing the wireless daughter board, which involves taking just about the entire laptop apart to get to the damn thing. It's not fun to put it all back together and find out it doesn't turn on).

With Dell you're going to need to get the XPS M1710, and the only lesser confirmation it comes in is the 7900 GS. The best I think you could do would be to convince your employer to cover the cost of the base model ($2300), and pony up the extra $500 to order to GTX model ($2800). Trying to order the lessor model and upgrade it later is a very unlikely proposition - you'd either need a used card (which because there isn't anything higher to go to, will only come from a unit whose motherboard was broken and the parts sold off - very, very unlikely find), or you'd need to send the laptop back to Dell for the upgrade - at a very high cost (likely $1000-$1200, as they'd charge a premium for both the card and the labor)