g40 VIDEO UPGRADE??

[wesley78]

I was sold a geforce go 5200 card for the g41 model laptops.
I was under the impression that the g40 would take this card too?
They both have the same body style and basic internal parts.

But after removing the keyboard I couldn't see any surrounding areas that were large enough to take this card let alone the connector area.

So before I start removing more screw....


If anyone has links, pics or info on this subject I could really use your help.
-Wes

[Harryc]

Take a look at the video card removal procedure in the MIM -
ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mo ... 9t6188.pdf

These machines had two types of system boards. One had a fixed internal video chipset, the other had a removable video card. If yours has the integrated GPU (Intel I believe), then you can't fit your new video card to it without changing the system board as well.

[nichevo]

Wes, please update us on your progress. I am looking to do desktop replacement with something using less power than my Media PC; a G41 seemed a good idea. I see a bargain ("bargain"?) on ebay, but it says it needs a new video card.

Assuming this person is correct, I may have to follow you down your road. If you decide to ditch your card, please post about it. In any case, do you have to get the IBM FRU, or is this a standard or semi-standard part from nvidia or their mfgrs?

Or is there a better machine for this purpose? Ideally I would find a deal on a headless/LCDless Pentium M or better - run it off my KVM - but G4x seem cheap.

Can G4x be run closed, without their LCD on?

Can G4x have a PCI video card installed? Have they a PCI card slot for this?

Can their CD be replaced? Any particular magic involved? Can one go IBM or third party?

Should I be looking at a different model? Well, everything's an adventure.

[nichevo]

Does this look like the right part

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nvidia-GeForce-FX-G ... dZViewItem

or like the part you have? Does this seem a good price? Looks high to me, might make Best Offer.

[wesley78]

I'll give you all the info I have thus far.

The g40/g41 are not well suited for media centers. In fact I would say that's there weakest area.

I would look for a later model for that purpose.
These models are great for smaller task like word docs, surfing etc.

Media? not so much

and that video card looks nothing like my geforce card? It might fit?


hope this helps

[nichevo]

Mmm, thank you. May I ask why you find it so, on what factors? (poor as a media server) Glad to get the tip before I raise any bids ;>