Switch from onboard graphics to plug-in graphics adapter?

[andregb1]

Hello,

I have had an R61 for the last two years. It has served my well. When I ordered the laptop I got the model that used the onboard graphics chip (GM965). Lately I have been wishing I could upgrade the graphics capability by plugging in a high performance graphics card. Are the models that use the onboard graphics upgradable by plugging in a video adapter and then disabling the onboard graphics in the bios, or am I stuck with the graphics capability I have?

Thank you,
Bruce

[Harryc]

You are stuck with what you have because the GPU (graphics chip) on most Thinkpads is soldered to the planar board (motherboard). If you want to replace the planar, then it is doable, but expensive.

[yak]

As Harry said, you are stuck.

Just to clear out the terms a bit. Computers (desktop and notebooks) generally use two graphics options. Integrated into the chipset (less powerful) and a dedicated graphics chip (more powerful). The term "on-board graphics" is a bit confusing when used referring to a notebook because it comes from the desktop world where it describes the integrated option. It makes sense there because dedicated chips are found on add-on cards, as opposed to the motherboard itself.

In notebooks, both options are found on the motherboard and there is no add-on cards architecture. The term "on-board graphics" makes no sense here. Instead, we use "integrated graphics" and "dedicated graphics" terms.

[andregb1]

Thank you for the answer to my question as well as the clarification on laptop terminology

Regards,
Bruce

[j00j4nt200]

As Harry said, you are stuck.

Just to clear out the terms a bit. Computers (desktop and notebooks) generally use two graphics options. Integrated into the chipset (less powerful) and a dedicated graphics chip (more powerful). The term "on-board graphics" is a bit confusing when used referring to a notebook because it comes from the desktop world where it describes the integrated option. It makes sense there because dedicated chips are found on add-on cards, as opposed to the motherboard itself.

In notebooks, both options are found on the motherboard and there is no add-on cards architecture. The term "on-board graphics" makes no sense here. Instead, we use "integrated graphics" and "dedicated graphics" terms.

There is also third option: external graphics,
like Asus XG station, http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=cjytZpI6lGKd6XX8
But since it uses Express card slot you are stuck.