Windows 7: Supported graphics card for my Dell Laptop

Muhammadian · 07 Sep 2012

Hi there,

I have a Dell Inspiron N5110 15R laptop. It has Intel Core i3 processor (2.30GHz). I wanted to know if there is a graphic card I can put into it to increase the video memory. I really want to upgrade my Graphics performance by installing an additional video card. So, you guys please help me know if I can do that and what graphics card having how much memory are supported for my system?

The specifications of my Dell Laptop are given below, (I am waiting for your replies, please reply on your earliest).

CPU:
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2350M CPU @ 2.30GHz
Motherboard: Dell Inc. 034W60
BIOS: BIOS Date: 03/22/12 18:29:49 Ver: 04.06.04
Total Memory: 4.00 GB Usable: 3.91 GB
HDD: ST500LM012 HN-M500MBB
Sound Card: (1) IDT High Definition Audio CODEC (2) Intel(R) Display Audio
Graphics Card: Intel(R) HD Graphics Family
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1

Motherboard:

Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
Name: Base Board
Product: 034W60
Version: A10
Removable: False
Replaceable: True

Graphics:

Device ID: VideoController1
Name: Intel(R) HD Graphics Family
Video Processor: Intel(R) HD Graphics Family
Current Resolution: 1366 x 768 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 60 Hz
Video Mode Desc.: 1366 x 768 x 4294967296 colors
Refresh Rate: Min: 60 Hz Max: 60 Hz

Hope this information helps! I am waiting for your replies! Thanks for reading and for your time!

bobafetthotmail · 07 Sep 2012

uhm, I'm pretty sure I have bad news.
Had a look at the service manual, and your machine does not support any other graphic card (mainly because it has no "card", everything is integrated in the motherboard).

Laptops of your model can be ordered with an optional though, an AMD Radeon HD 6470M discrete graphics with 512MB of dedicated memory. Did you ask for this when you bought it? Otherwise it is a standard model with simple graphics.

If you want to upgrade graphics performance, you must buy a computer with a better card. It is actually the norm for laptops.

Muhammadian · 07 Sep 2012

I didn't order anything with it. I just got it clean, with standard features having i3 processor. I skipped i5 and i7 choices. I thought I would upgrade if I really had to.
Well, that disappointed me a bit. So what I understand from these statements is that MY LAPTOP HAS NO WAY IT CAN BE UPGRADED OR IT HAS NO SLOT FOR ANY GRAPHICS CARD?

bobafetthotmail · 07 Sep 2012

Yes, you can upgrade RAM and CPU, but not graphics. And this is true for 99.99% of laptops around, sorry.

They must fit all in a very compact case. All big components like graphics are soldered to the motherboard. If you wanted easy upgrades you should have bought a desktop computer (the big boxes).

Mintos45 · 07 Sep 2012

Very nice system you got there boba

bobafetthotmail · 07 Sep 2012

you're just envious.

DeaconFrost · 07 Sep 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by Muhammadian

MY LAPTOP HAS NO WAY IT CAN BE UPGRADED OR IT HAS NO SLOT FOR ANY GRAPHICS CARD?

That's one of the first decisions a person makes when choosing between a tower and a laptop. Upgradeable graphics in laptops were around for a very short period of time and then died out a few years ago.

When you decided to go with a laptop, you give up your ability to upgrade any part you want (aside from HDD and memory, as mentioned) in exchange for portability. That's all part of the research and decision-making before buying any computer.

Windows 7: Supported graphics card for my Dell Laptop

Supported graphics card for my Dell Laptop problems?