Keep in mind this next option is not recommended, but it’s possible. Option 2: Integrated GPU Card or Integrated Graphics Card
This means it’s best to use the dedicated or graphics card and to not steer away from the compatible card. The thing is, most laptops have a dedicated GPU – most usual ones being by NVIDIA and AMD.Īs the term goes, it’s a dedicated or a discrete graphics card. It’s important to note, though, that external GPUs are only recommended for laptops without dedicated graphics cards. The usual connection of this is a Thunderbolt 3. You only need a compatible port and wire and you’re good to go. Think of it as the hard drive or CPU BUT for graphics cards. We’ve already touched on external GPUs in the section above, but here’s to explain it further. This way, you won’t have to open up your laptops and risk damaging delicate parts inside. The easiest to do this is to buy an external graphics processing unit (GPU) and connect it to your gaming laptop. Option 1: External GPUs or External Graphics Card So here’s a section for your GPU options. I know I said that it’s not recommended to change graphics cards.īut the fact that you took time to look for an article like this probably means you prefer or even need to change it than buying an entirely new device.
The question you need to answer is, is the hassle worth it? That’s entirely up to you.īut as per the experts, just buy a new one! How to Upgrade a Laptop Graphics Card You can simply plug it into a compatible USB port and that’s it.įor integrated graphics cards, you can open up your laptop and replace the graphics card on the motherboard.
If you don’t mind the splurge, or if you prefer to stick to your current gaming laptops, the answer to can I upgrade my laptop graphics card? is still a yes.Īs long as your laptop doesn’t have a specifically dedicated GPU from NVIDIA or AMD, you have to option to use an external graphics card or an external GPU. At least your purchase is an entirely new device and not just for one graphics card processor. It makes more sense to buy a new laptop with that money. Buying a new gaming laptop – or any new laptop for that matter – is expensive.īut to tell you right off the bat, graphics cards are also expensive. I’m sure this isn’t the answer you wanted to hear.
So, Should I Upgrade My Laptop Graphics Card?.Why Do Experts/Professionals Discourage the Upgrade to a new GPU?.Upgrading Laptop GPU: Clarifying Questions.Option 2: Integrated GPU Card or Integrated Graphics Card.Option 1: External GPUs or External Graphics Card.The Quick Answer: Just Buy A New Laptop.I think the hardware is finally good enough to enable great graphics performance on an ultraportable laptops, but the docks need to be compatible with more laptops (and probably need to be more affordable) for them to make sense for more gamers. Will this be the year that external docks really take off? Much as I’d like to see that happen, I’m guessing the answer is no. MSI and Alienware aren’t the only ones trying it this year, either: Gigabyte had their own prototype dock on display at CES 2015, too.
The Graphics Amplifier will be available solo for $300, and it’s already compatible with two Alienware laptops, with more on the way.Ī few PC companies have tried this idea in the past, using Thunderbolt and other high-speed connectors, but no docking station has caught on just yet. MSI’s got the better hardware, but Alienware currently has a leg up on flexibility. It’s also missing the full-on docking station features of MSI’s dock, with no Ethernet or audio ports, no speakers, and no 3.5-inch drive bay. Instead of filling 16 PCIe lanes, it can only use 4, which limits the bandwidth of the desktop graphics card. Alienware’s Graphics Amplifier is the same basic piece of hardware, with a few limitations.