Can I Upgrade My Video Card? (E1705)

Question

I ordered an Inspiron E1705 in April with the standard Mobile Intel 954GM video card. Can I upgade this to the ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 or Nvidia GeForce 7900 GS that is optional on the system? If so, where can I order one of these cards, and which would you recommend?

jeffcmfrt · Answer

@groberts1980 wrote:
I ordered an Inspiron E1705 in April with the standard Mobile Intel 954GM video card. Can I upgade this to the ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 or Nvidia GeForce 7900 GS that is optional on the system? If so, where can I order one of these cards, and which would you recommend?

No unfortunatly if you ordered it with the intel 954 card it is a intergrated video which means it shares Ram with your OS and it is soldered to the mainboard. So it is not replaceable withiut replaceing the whole mainboard. If you would have ordered it with the X1400 or 7900 Gs then yes down the road if Dell offers a upgrade then you would be able to upgrade. Being you orderend it with the 945 there is no place on the mainboard for a X1400 or 7900 Gs to fit as the 945 is soldered in place. Sorry what you have is what you have.

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XPS M1710, T2500
17 UltraSharp TrueLife WUXGA
2GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm
512MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GTX
100GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition
Logitech Z 5300 5.1 Speakers
Logitech MX 1000 Cordless Laser Mouse
Nostromo n52 Game pad
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tigerwolf7 · Answer

...and the only real upgrade that would ever be available even if you had bought it with a Radeon x1400 is the Geforce 7900GS.

groberts1980 · Answer

I spoke with support and basically got the same answer. I'd have to ship the computer in and have the board replaced along with the videocard. I'd be out, what, $400 at least? And a few weeks without the computer? Guess I'm stuck.

GabMarini · Answer

E1705 is compatible with both 7900GS and GTX.

ejn63 · Answer

Only if you have the model with a dedicated card - NOT if you have the one with integrated video.

cademetz · Answer

Does anyone know the part number for the 7900GS that would allow me to order the card from Dell? Would like to upgrade my fiancée’s E1705 since I'll be inheriting it soon.

jeffcmfrt · Answer

Ok here it is plain and simple. As enj63 has stated if you purchased the 9400/1705 without the intel intergrated video. You can infact upgrade to the 7900 GS videocard with 1 heatsink which comes in the 1705 or the 7900 Gs with dual heatsinks that is even better which comes in the M 1710 or you can even go as far as upgradeing to the 512Mb 7900 GTX but a 130 watt power brick that comes with the M 1710 is needed. The mainboards are very simlar between the 1705 and M 1710 except for the added LED light plug and the docking station plug basicly. Now the dual pipe 7900 GS and the 7900 GTX is not a supported upgrade by Dell and if you choose to do so it will void your warranty. Now it is up to you from here to make the choice. I also want to add that the 7900 GS double heatsink and 7900 GTX can be obtained at present. It is the same case seneairio as the XPS Gen 2/M 170 and the 9300 as many have upgraded to the 6800 Ultra and the 7800 GTX .

That's the real deal. Peace

-----------------------------------------------------
XPS M1710, T2500
17 UltraSharp TrueLife WUXGA
2GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm
512MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GTX
100GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition
Logitech Z 5300 5.1 Speakers
Logitech MX 1000 Cordless Laser Mouse
Nostromo n52 Game pad
----------------------------------------------------

Message Edited by jeffcmfrt on 09-14-200603:09 PM

GabMarini · Answer

This is the part number for the Geforce7900GTX by Dell:   YF227

PixelFreak · Answer

OK, I have the e1705 arriving next week. I went with the 7900GS. Evidently there is some discussion between a two v. one heatsink version of the 7900GS. Are they any pics/diagrams of the difference? Is it possible (I am experienced) to mod the GS to the dual heatsink version using aftermarket heatsinks? (I just don't have a picture of what I am dealing with, so stick with me here...)

Also, what is the cost of the GTX version? How about the power brick? Need to evaluate the cost/benefit ratio compared to a slight increase in speed for the vid card...

TIA,
PixelFreak

tigerwolf7 · Answer

If you want a Geforce 7900GTX, send that system back and get an M1710.

PixelFreak · Answer

I would, but the price difference was almost $1000. I got my setup with 2GB RAM (667); 100 GB 7200 RPM HD; DVD-burner; Upgraded screen and 7900GS, bluetooth, wireless, 2.0Ghz 4MB cache Core2 Duo for $1651 shipped and taxed.

Comparable XPS was about 2500 - so I opted to stick with the GS card. Think I will just leave it at that - but still want to know about the dual heatsink issue and applying AS5 to them...

GabMarini · Answer

yes, that's true; just buy (ebay) the second heat pipe (used on XPS M1710 with 7900GS/GTX).     take a look hear: http://www.notebookforums.com/thread152596.html   The mod is very simple; take a look at Service Manual on DellSupport.com They explain very well how to take a part or to mount every part of your notebook.   With a 7900GS and dual pipe you can simply obtain (in overclock) the same score and power of a Geforce7900GTXGo (not overclocked).   And considering that on M1710 now is available the Geforce7950GTXGo (an overclocked 7900GTX with 600/1400 core/memory frequencies) Message Edited by GabMarini on 11-03-2006 10:18 AM

GabMarini · Answer

M1710 has some other caracteristics that could not like to all customer; it's a great notebook, with a lot of colored light... For me there are a lot of difference between an E1705 with 7900GTX and XPS with 7900GTX.

Dstaiti · Answer

I saw your post and I was wondering if you knew where I could find detailed instructions on how to swap out my x1400 card for a 7900 gtx.  I just bought a 1705 and didn't realize until it was shipped that this card was really what i needed.   Secondarily, is there a place you would recommend where I can buy it?

Dstaiti · Answer

Can anybody provide me with a link to detailed instructions on how to upgrade my video card?   I just bought a 1705 and I opted for the X1400, but it looks like I should have got the 7950GTX.  I got the computer a few days ago, but in the interim between ordering and receiving I learned that the x1400 is not that great a card.   My overall computer proficiency is decent, so I can figure out how to do this assuming I have detailed instructions.  Can somebody help me out?

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