Menu
Hello, I have no problems at all with my 4 year old Acer Aspire 5520. But because I want to run newer games, I want to upgrade the graphics card.
Designed for Acer Fuquene (DDR2-5300 - Non-ECC) DDR2, PC2-5300, 240 Pin, NonECC Module Size: 512 MB, Number of Modules: 1, Physical Size: Dimm Frequency: 667 MHz, 1.8v Lifetime Warranty. Need to know if this item is compatible? Contact us with manufacturer and model information.
I already opened my laptop and discovered that the graphics card is in a slot on the motherboard (not integrated like in most laptops), that means I can replace it with an other one. Which graphics cards are supported and what do you guys recommend? The factory standard graphics card is the Nvidia GeForce 8400M G (a by the factory downclocked 8600M. I discovered this when I saw the code name in CPU-Z: 86M). I prefer a hell of a card like the GTX, but I don't know if it fits and where to buy it.
No, the card isn't soldered to the motherboard, it is in a slot (I believe it was a PCI Express slot). Here is the motherboard and graphics card info detected by CPUID PC Wizard: I know it is quite a list to plow through, but I don't know what details are needed! Motherboard and Memory Motherboard: Acer Fuquene Manufacturer: Acer Product: Fuquene Version: N/A Product code: LXAK610F1601 MP support: Yes, 2 CPU(s) Version MPS: 1.4 Chipset: nVidia nForce 560 NorthBridge (SPP): nVidia nForce 560 NorthBridge: AMD K8 Bridge SouthBridge (MCP): nVidia nForce 560 NorthBridge Information Architecture: Northbridge Memory Controller: Integrated Manufacturer: AMD Bus Speed: 200MHz HT Link: 800.1MHz HyperTransport Clock: 800MHz Upstream: 16-bit Downstream: 16-bit HTT max. Supported: 2000MHz RAM max. Supported: DDR2 (800MHz) Memory information Type: DDR2-SDRAM PC2-6100 Frequency: 380.1MHz DRAM/FSB Ratio: CPU/5 Supported channels: Dual ECC Diagnostic: Yes - Turned off CAS Latency (tCL): 5 clocks RAS to CAS (tRCD): 5 clocks RAS Precharge (tRP): 5 clocks Cycle Time (tRAS): 15 clocks Bank Cycle Time (tRC): 21 clocks Command Rate: 2 T Memory controller information Memory Controller: System Memory Location: Motherboard Error correction: No Connectors: 2 Max.
That is a bit akward. G86M = 8400 G84M = 8600 It is a bit twisted. I compared those two cards the 8400M G and the 8600M GT and there is a small improvement. It is worth to try it, but then I need to know 'where do I buy these things?' It is a small difference, but good enough for me.
I watch a lot of HD videos on my laptop. So, a better graphics card is in this case good for me because my current one seems to have trouble with the 1080p interlaced videos. I looked on the Nvidia site and discovered that the 8600M has more stream processors. Does this means it works faster and that it can handle more? If it is possible I would put the 8800M GTX/GTS in it. But I don't know that, so maybe you know if that is possible? Well I think you underrate the 8400M G (I don't have the GT).
Okay, it won't run games at high detail, but it can handle games from 2008 on medium detail and some of the modern games at low detail. It even runs the sims 3 at med/hi detail. But from 8 to 45 stream processors, is quite a upgrade (for me). I know it won't handle most modern games, but a bit more performence would be great.
And it is still better than the graphics card of my 8 year old gaming pc (yes, it was a gaming pc 8 years ago. Now it is nothing more than a office pc), a Nvidia GeForce 4. (I forgot the rest, but I knew it was a AGP 8x card capable of running the sims 2 at low/med detail). The funny thing is, I know I can't play the newest games on these graphics cards. But to be onest I don't play the most newest games. I don't like the newest shooter games, I don't like all the others. As long as it runs Photoshop, The sims series and Algodoo, I will be happy.
And about the 'should I' questions. I know it is stupid to upgrade an old laptop, but I want to save my money for a driver's licence and a proper car. You have a driver's licence for your entire life, and you don't have the same laptop your entire life. So, a driver's licence is more important to me than a new laptop. I want to be able to watch movies and play some light games.
The graphics card I have now, doesn't seem to have trouble with those wishes. Except that with 1080p interlaced movies it will lag a lot. So, updating my graphics card is stupid, but if I can watch the newest movies and play some of my games with better quality why not? If a new graphics card is under $50 (I don't think so, but maybe I can find a cheap supplier) it might be worth it. Well I'm still doubting, when the time comes that I really need a new graphics card maybe I'll puchase one then. But for now, I will get the most out of my old beasty.
It is better than Intel Graphics, thus I won't complain. Thanks for the help!