Upgrading Graphics card?

I really want to update my graphics card. Not like to a big expensive one because my Laptop could not handle that. But I just want a little upgrade. I've looked up if I could run certain games and it's always like right on the edge of being able to run them smoothly. I'm a software guy, not a hardware guy so I know little about this stuff. I was kind of hoping someone could help me out. You know, someone tell me how to tell what stuff is compatible with other stuff, etc. Again, not that smart when it comes to hardware so be easy while trying to explain. I'm really hoping my laptop casing can fit a different one and my laptop itself can run it. I'm not looking to run like Battlefield 3 on max settings or ARMA II on max settings just something where I can most likely play something like that on low or medium settings, Thank you very much. Very limited budget though. :\ Just give me ideas. Computer specs are updated on my profile.

Oh and if I posted on the wrong part of the forum, I'm sorry and please move my thread to the correct place. Thank you.

If this i s a laptop...the bottom line is NO. Now there are a few usb adpapters that will allow you to use a standard GPU (for desktop) that way but that's upwards of $500....Laptop hardware is built into/onto the mobo so there's no way to replace the GPU of a laptop.

There are some laptops that has replaceable video card, but depends on the brand and model. but as bassfisher said you could just buy an external PCI-E adapter.

Or just buy a new laptop.

RoasterMen said:

There are some laptops that has replaceable video card, but depends on the brand and model. but as bassfisher said you could just buy an external PCI-E adapter.

Would that work? I don't think USB has the necessary bandwidth or direct access to the CPU.

My advice is to buy a newer laptop.

I have this laptop, and it's pretty awesome: Acer Aspire V3-571G-9435 15.6-Inch Laptop (Midnight Black) - Amazon (it's actually a V5. the V3 has a 13" screen)