Laptop GPU Replacement

[xBazille]

Hey guys, new to the forums... I've read around that you can't replace laptop GPU's and was wondering why.

I've also read that some have the possibility of being replaced, so I was wondering if anyone could tell me if mine could possibly be replaced...

HP ENVY dv6 Notebook PC
GPU: Nvidia Geforce GT 650M 2GB
Intel i7 3630QM @ 2.4GHz
8GB DDR3 Ram
750GB 7200 RPM HDD.

Thanks in advance if anyone can answer anything.

OH Also, it wouldn't matter to me, if to upgrade I needed to take it apart, and turn it into something completely else, I use external monitor, keyboard and mouse... the laptop is basically like a tower for me, If I could take everything apart, and still be able to upgrade, I'd be okay with it.

 

[laviniuc]

the gpu is soldered on the motherboard for most laptops. that's why

 

[laviniuc]

nowadays only the highest end laptops come with video cards using the mxm port (which is sort of like a pci ex for laptops) but the most common ones just have the video card on the motherboard.... so no, unfortunately your only option would be external graphics, but it's quite expensive and not particularly fast...

 

[SchizTech]

A few gaming laptops have "MXM" slots to support replaceable cards. In 99% of laptops though, the video chip is either integrated into the CPU package (on newer laptops with basic graphics) or integrated into the motherboard (or both, for a newer laptop with dual/switchable graphics laptop)

 

[dextermat]

Hi,

Welcome to tom Hardware, the problem with laptops is most components are solder to the motherboard.
It might be possible but a lot can go wrong there (damage the mobo with soldering, not compatible with new gpu, overheating)

Their are a ton of video on youtube you can lok at that then decide if you want to get into it.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=replace+gpu+laptop&sm=3

 

[photonboy]

Hi,
If you had enough electronics/PC knowledge to even do this properly you likely wouldn't be asking us the question.

Even if you COULD manage to find a better, compatible part I don't think it's a good idea.

For a laptop your current GPU is actually pretty good anyway.

If it's a gaming thing, maybe just spend more time learning how to properly tweak settings to achieve a smooth frame rate if that's something you haven't done.

For example, if you don't mind screen tearing then:
1) GPU EXPERIENCE-> assign recommended settings (not all games) which should tweak to 40FPS
2) turn VSYNC OFF

Or tweak towards 60FPS (in some cases 50FPS) or even 30FPS (adaptive Half VSYNC) while monitoring with FRAPS. VSYNC should always be off while tweaking then aim for just above the target about 90% of the time.

Cheers,
Jeffrey