Solved: Can I upgrade my Laptop's video card?

[glbirch]

How do I determine if there is room in my two-year old Acer Aspire laptop for a new video card? (I want to put an HDMI port in)? The model is 5334-2598. If so, does anyone know where I can buy one online that is a good one? I am going to see if Best Buy's tech support can install it.
THANKS!

 

[flavallee]

One of the negatives of having a laptop over a desktop is the inability to upgrade or add components.

The vast majority of laptops only give you the option to add more RAM.

-----------------------------------------------------------

 

[dai]

yours is a onboard chip on the m/board not a actual card

 

[glbirch]

Hate to be thick, but if mine is a chip, this means I CANNOT upgrade, correct? I guess my only option is to purchase a VGA to RGB component cable and audio cables to hook up to an HDMI TV? THANKS!

 

[Amd_Man]

Onboard Video/graphics = Chip on the motherboard. So yes, you are correct.

 

[glbirch]

Thanks!

 

[matthewdownloads]

Grab yourself something like this, they're a little expensive but it will do what you want:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1080P-PC-...ion_Video_Cables_Adapters&hash=item4609fc0a22

http://www.maplin.co.uk/vga-to-hdmi-convertor-with-audio-support-388962

 

[glbirch]

Thanks! I appreciate the info!

 

[matthewdownloads]

Thanks! I appreciate the info!

Just something else to be aware of.... if you're hoping to connect a TV for watching 1080p films or something then make sure that your laptop is powerful enough. I'm sure it will be but I'd hate for you to buy adapters etc and then find when you try and play a film it stutters. Blu-Ray does use a lot more CPU power than normal

 

[Amd_Man]

Just something else to be aware of.... if you're hoping to connect a TV for watching 1080p films or something then make sure that your laptop is powerful enough. I'm sure it will be but I'd hate for you to buy adapters etc and then find when you try and play a film it stutters. Blu-Ray does use a lot more CPU power than normal

Excellent advice matthewdownloads.

 

[glbirch]

Won't be using BluRay, but I'm HOPING to watch online TV - like PBS

 

[prunejuice]

Your TV doesn't have VGA in?

 

[glbirch]

Nope, just HDMI and RGB (component)