Can I get a new video card for 3 year old Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop?

Seeing as how contacting any corporation via email these days is an exercise in futility I thought it quicker to ask here whether it is possible to install a new video card in my 3 year old Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop. It is way out of warranty so I assume any good 'puter shop could do it?
Are there any 'issues' I should be aware of ?

Thanks,
Reilly

 

That could put you in real trouble - its a dangerous assumption to make. Since I'm being lazy and am not going to look up your machine, you are also assuming it has a video card - my bet is that its onboard video. You need to go to a specialist after you do some homework. Look up your service tag and find out what your specs are.

 

Is there a particular reason you want to replace the video card in your laptop?

 

It is bloody slow! I do a lot of heavy rendering in a CAD program and the 64 MB card gives me time to go get a cuppa and a nosh. If the only card that will fit is a 128 (according to Dell) then I'm not sure it is worth it as they want $250! Will the 128 be only twice as fast or is it faster?

 

So my money would probably be better spent on more memory? I have 512 and I see that I can get 1 GB for $150, $100 less than a 128 MB video card.

 

As Tony said it will be a balance of RAM, video memory and the CPU's ability.

Actually, I was helping a friend that wanted to put CAD programs on his laptop. The laptop had 512Mb of RAM, but 128Mb of that was shared to graphics. I recommended he use a desktop computer since he was having temperature problems without even having the CAD program installed.

I would suggest to look at the "system requirements" of the program. You will have 512 - 64 = 448Mb of system RAM. What ever areas are lowest compared to the system requirements, concentrate on improving those.

Matt

 

OK, I'm embarrassed that I was lazy and figured this for on-board video. Since Tony went the extra mile and even posted that link to servicing the video card, I thought I'd better go a little further if I was going to add another 2¢. Your machine is running Cas 2.5 SODIMM DDR PC2700 but you you should check if this is 2x256 or 1x512. Actually, you can run two 1 gig sticks and if you want maximum performance, shop around for some CAS2 if you can find it. Here is a Patriot stock # for about the best memory (2x1024) your machine can handle - #PDC2G2700SLLK. You can read a little here. Note: This memory kit would require pulling your existing 512 to accomodate two 1 gig sticks.

 

I swapped/added RAM to a Dell Inspiron 6000 a while ago and it was "cake ". As Rockster said, find out your current RAM stick configuration and then decide from there. I bought from Newegg and not Dell and saved a bunch of money. With software like CAD/CAM, the more RAM, the merrier. I would also suspect that this software is very cpu-dependent as well.

And yeah, more video ram would probably help too. I had a 64MB video card that I used for editing large (4 megapixel) photos. I upgraded to an el cheapo card with 256MB and Paint Shop Pro no longer choked and glitched. You would probably see an even bigger improvement. Unfortunately, I don't consider upgrading to a card with only 128MB of RAM for $250 to be worth it by any stretch.

Gary

 

Thanks to all, I guess I'll go for the ram. Is there an easy way to tell what my RAM config is without a screwdriver?

 

No, you have to remove the little plastic cover on back. Go to Dell for an illustrated step-by-step. It's very easy.

Actually, CPU-Z might tell you what you had. It's a simple .exe you can find on the web - no install required but the screwdriver would be quicker.

Changing the RAM can be a little tricky. Be careful of those little retaining brackets. My swap was not altogether elegant but I was successful.

 

Pete,
Run Everest? I wouldn't even walk there!

Thanks for the tip...