Can I get a video card with my laptop?

drillman9 · 12-21-2006, 01:48 PM

I have a Toshiba Satellite M40X

I was wondering if I could add a video card to it, if I have already have integrated graphics

Thanks

ebackhus · 12-21-2006, 01:55 PM

Laptops are extremely limited in terms of upgrades. Generally you're allowed to add more RAM, upgrade the hard drive, and install PCMCIA cards. Other parts like the video subsystem cannot be changed without essentially replacing all the internals.

drillman9 · 12-21-2006, 02:10 PM

So if I got some more RAM, like a lot more, would it be able to substitute a graphics card?

**twajetmech** · 12-21-2006, 03:30 PM

Yes and No, anything under 1Gb will have the laptop feeling a bit slugish, 1Gb and above will improve things but ultimately your IGP will be the limiting factor if you want to do any gaming....make sure you know what the max memory the laptop can support (usually 2Gb)

drillman9 · 12-21-2006, 03:46 PM

Could you please tell me how I would find this, and how I would know that modern games could be run decently with a lot of ram (my processor is 2.5 GHz) so maybe also an approximation on how much RAM I need?

I know its a lot to ask, but I am quite inexperienced :P

Thanks again

**twajetmech** · 12-21-2006, 03:48 PM

okay, hang on and I'll find out brb.....just found it...2Gb max ! You also have the gma900 IGP, this is going to limit your gaming to rather low res in order to get playable framerates (800X600) but that would be dependent on what you plan to play....other than that it is a nice laptop....I have the m200 myself....love Toshiba laptops.

12-21-2006, 01:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
drillman9 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 3 OS: XP	Can I get a video card with my laptop? I have a Toshiba Satellite M40X I was wondering if I could add a video card to it, if I have already have integrated graphics Thanks

12-21-2006, 01:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,243 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	Laptops are extremely limited in terms of upgrades. Generally you're allowed to add more RAM, upgrade the hard drive, and install PCMCIA cards. Other parts like the video subsystem cannot be changed without essentially replacing all the internals. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

12-21-2006, 03:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
twajetmech I helped the forums. Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: LGA, NYC Posts: 2,388 OS: XP-Pro Sp2 & XP-Pro Sp2 Tablet Edition, Vista Ultimate My System	Yes and No, anything under 1Gb will have the laptop feeling a bit slugish, 1Gb and above will improve things but ultimately your IGP will be the limiting factor if you want to do any gaming....make sure you know what the max memory the laptop can support (usually 2Gb) __________________ PSU Selection/Info // Bench test // Thermal Paste // Memory Selection // Bios Beep Codes // CPU-Z// Posting System Specs Last edited by twajetmech; 12-21-2006 at 03:31 PM.

12-21-2006, 03:48 PM	#6 (permalink)
twajetmech I helped the forums. Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: LGA, NYC Posts: 2,388 OS: XP-Pro Sp2 & XP-Pro Sp2 Tablet Edition, Vista Ultimate My System	okay, hang on and I'll find out brb.....just found it...2Gb max ! You also have the gma900 IGP, this is going to limit your gaming to rather low res in order to get playable framerates (800X600) but that would be dependent on what you plan to play....other than that it is a nice laptop....I have the m200 myself....love Toshiba laptops. __________________ PSU Selection/Info // Bench test // Thermal Paste // Memory Selection // Bios Beep Codes // CPU-Z// Posting System Specs Last edited by twajetmech; 12-21-2006 at 03:58 PM.

12-21-2006, 02:10 PM	#3 (permalink)
drillman9 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 3 OS: XP	So if I got some more RAM, like a lot more, would it be able to substitute a graphics card?

12-21-2006, 03:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
drillman9 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 3 OS: XP	Could you please tell me how I would find this, and how I would know that modern games could be run decently with a lot of ram (my processor is 2.5 GHz) so maybe also an approximation on how much RAM I need? I know its a lot to ask, but I am quite inexperienced :P Thanks again