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Replacement graphics card for Inspiron 9400/1705
Hello everyone,
About 18 months ago I purchased a Inspiron 9400 laptop with a Nvidia Geforce Go 7900 gs graphics card. Unfortunately, after light use (three hours a day) the graphics card started giving me a black screen with a parity memory error or extensive video corruption. After checking google and the Dell forums I discovered that this seems to a common problem with the Nvidia Geforce Go 7900.
Now that I have an 18 month old, $1,800 paper weight I am wondering what graphics cards are compatible for the Inspiron 9400/1705 laptops? I checked with Dell and the people I talked to had no idea. I then called Nvidia at Dell's suggestion. Nvidia, told me that they make the chips but they do not make the cards so they also have no idea which video cards might be compatible with the Inspiron 9400/1705.
So my question to the members of this useful forum is:
What video cards are compatible with the Inspiron 9400/1705 laptops?
In addition, where you suggest purchasing this card?
Thanks for all of your help!
John
husky0894
1.6K Posts
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January 9th, 2009 04:00
There were two cards shipped: an ATI X300 and the nVidia 7900GS you have. The 7900GS is the top card that will fit without chassis surgery.
Unlike desktops, notebook video cards are proprietary - you will need to get the card from Dell or a Dell parts reseller. Nothing else will fit.
azdust
17 Posts
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January 9th, 2009 06:00
I need to clarify one point. I have talked to Dell and they no longer sell the Nvidia go 7900gs. Does anyone know where I can buy a new Nvidia Geforce go 7900gs?
husky0894
1.6K Posts
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January 9th, 2009 07:00
If Dell doesn't have it, try parts-people.com, impactcomputers.com or EBay. As above, remember that this is NOT a standard card - you need the Dell card to fit the E1705/9400 chassis.
azdust
17 Posts
0
January 9th, 2009 08:00
Thanks for the websites. I was able to find a new video card! Your help was much appreciated!
John
laurence huff
4 Posts
0
August 16th, 2009 20:00
Good luck John. I just blew card #3 - Maybe a Toshiba next time?
manodell
2 Posts
0
March 9th, 2013 16:00
Hi,
I just bought this very lap top with a similar problem.I had no idea its hard to find the graphic cards.I just dropped it off at a PC repair shop and they will work on it monday or tuesday(there was no technician on duty when I dropped it off).
Whats the name of the newer video card you found? I know the techs will know but I would like to know what it was and how well its working. Thanks
ejn63
9 Legend
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87.5K Posts
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March 9th, 2013 17:00
The only video card that system will take, which is reliable - is the ATI X1400. The nVidia cards (7800, 7900) built for it are all well known for the faulty design of the video chip - they've largely failed now.
Bear in mind that any card you buy for this system will be on the order of 6-8 years old. None of the later model systems used the same card design, which is proprietary.
The ATI X1400 cards are still available for this system.
www.amazon.com/.../ref=dp_olp_0