I would like to ask how much would a NVIDIA GeForce GTS 300M or an NVIDIA GT 400M costs as of today? Depending on the price, I might consider adding a dedicated video card for my laptop as an average gamer that's why I ask. If cheaper, I might consider going with the generic ones. .
Sorry to inform you but upgrading your laptops gpu will be nigh on impossible, I'm afraid your basically stuck with what you've got.
Desktops are the way to go for gaming.
Its 99.99999% impossible to install any graphics on a laptop......Laptops are non-standard + usually there is no empty spaces inside....
Even less chance if it is the Acer in your specs, as the GPU is integrated into the CPU and I doubt there is even a slot on the motherboard for a discrete GPU. You want to game on a laptop that is something you have to take into consideration when buying one, and make sure that it is up to it (going to cost big $$$).
Also unlike desktop cards, you can't just walk into any computer store and buy a laptop GPU for the reasons listed by the others above.
As most of the guys stated here, unfortunately, there is no real good way to 'upgrade' a laptop's graphic adapter. Majority of the laptops are made with the method of compactness in mind. With that, most laptops only have access ports for Memory, Hard drive and media bay updates. Only replaceable parts on the laptop is the monitor, the keyboard and touch pad and the media bay drive. You can get USB to VGA adapters to expand your video option, however, they are also not designed for gaming, more for desktop expansion to a limited degree.
Apparently, this laptop of mine fits the category of being not upgradable thus I'll have to stick with it as it is. Not that it isn't good though -- it is, but not for gaming definitely. Somebody from another thread also mentioned about most laptops as not being upgradable due to some factors, and I guess I had to stick with that fact. Thanks everyone for the info.
To be honest, you also really don't want to look at a laptop for gaming. Mostly the cost, in the long run is just not worth it.
For most people, yes. They are expensive for what they are and the vast majority have a limited shelf life due to upgrade limitations.
But for a smaller percentage of more 'enthusiastic' users, the question of how long constitutes 'a long run' and is it worth trading better performance now that will last longer for mediocre performance out of the box?
Admittedly, for what I paid for my laptop I could have bought a Macbook Pro or a high end desktop (current desktop is good enough), but instead I opted for something I needed and that is essentially a portable desktop replacement.
17.3", 8GB, 2 drives+blu-ray and easily upgradeable CPU and GPU. With a few key upgrades, I could still have this laptop when others are already on to their third. Ultimately spending more money in the long run too may I point out
For me, it suits my needs now (I'm sitting in a hotel room, listening to music , browsing the web after watching some vids and playing some games at 1920x1080 with high details.) Much more preferable to using some of the laggy "browser/music only" laptops I've used in the past.
However I digress to reiterate that it's not for everyone. Initially expensive and quite heavy/cumbersome to carry around compared to a smaller 15"> 'normal' laptop. Battery life is a paltry ~2hrs with all power savings on. The power pack is also the size of a xbox 360 power pack...
If you have the means, and the need; go for it. otherwise, save the money and buy a good desktop, as mentioned above.
Thanks for the info.For most people, yes. They are expensive for what they are and the vast majority have a limited shelf life due to upgrade limitations.
But for a smaller percentage of more 'enthusiastic' users, the question of how long constitutes 'a long run' and is it worth trading better performance now that will last longer for mediocre performance out of the box?
Admittedly, for what I paid for my laptop I could have bought a Macbook Pro or a high end desktop (current desktop is good enough), but instead I opted for something I needed and that is essentially a portable desktop replacement.
17.3", 8GB, 2 drives+blu-ray and easily upgradeable CPU and GPU. With a few key upgrades, I could still have this laptop when others are already on to their third. Ultimately spending more money in the long run too may I point out
For me, it suits my needs now (I'm sitting in a hotel room, listening to music , browsing the web after watching some vids and playing some games at 1920x1080 with high details.) Much more preferable to using some of the laggy "browser/music only" laptops I've used in the past.
However I digress to reiterate that it's not for everyone. Initially expensive and quite heavy/cumbersome to carry around compared to a smaller 15"> 'normal' laptop. Battery life is a paltry ~2hrs with all power savings on. The power pack is also the size of a xbox 360 power pack...
If you have the means, and the need; go for it. otherwise, save the money and buy a good desktop, as mentioned above.
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