Can I upgrade my laptop’s graphics card?It is a reasonable question to ask if you notice that your laptop lacks the power to handle the more intensive graphics processing required by modern games and professional software.
The unlucky truth is that the answer to upgrade a laptop graphics card is “no.” The laptop’s graphics card is built in and cannot be replaced. The graphic processing unit (GPU) is permanently attached to the motherboard by soldering; therefore, replacement is not an option.
The vast majority of laptops these days make use of an integrated graphics card, meaning the GPU is built into the motherboard rather than being swapped out like it is on a desktop computer.
The GPU is typically not supplied separately but instead soldered onto the motherboard. Two factors are at play here: mobility and production style.
However, these days you can buy accessories that attach a desktop GPU to your laptop, turning it into an external graphics card. Keep on reading to know more about how to upgrade your laptop’s graphics card.
Make A Quick Decision
- Buying a new laptop is the simplest solution for improving the graphics capabilities of an older model.
- It’s possible to upgrade the graphics chip directly on only a small subset of laptops.
- Using an extra external GPU is possible with the help of an external GPU enclosure kit.
Can You Upgrade A Laptop Graphics Card?
The answer, nevertheless, is less than satisfying. The graphics card in a laptop is not user-upgradable. There is no way to enhance your gaming experience without purchasing a new laptop.
This means that, unlike in a desktop PC, GPU is not a removable component attached to the motherboard. See what model and strength your GPU has while looking into laptop specs.
Upgrades to the graphics system on most new laptops necessitate the purchase of a new central processor unit (CPU) due to the GPU already being integrated into the device. For example, up until the Core i7 series, Intel keeps using the same GPUs.
Accordingly, upgrading your processor won’t improve your game’s visual performance. The graphics card in your hulking gaming laptop has the ability to be upgraded.
If you open your laptop and start tinkering with its internals, the warranty becomes void. A desktop computer is the best option for playing PC games because it is more affordable, and provides superior performance and upgrading options.
While this may be the best option for some, it isn’t the best for all. As a result, some alternatives have been proposed to address the problem.
SOC (system on a chip) GPUs
Most modern laptops include a graphics processing unit (GPU) as a part of the central processing unit.
SOC stands for “system on a chip,” which describes this type of device. Each chip in this SOC is etched with both a CPU and a GPU. The system on a chip describes what it is because of this.
The widespread adoption of these SOCs in laptops can be attributed to several factors:
- They don’t need as much room as a traditional dual-processor setup does.
- The manufacturing cost of cooling solutions is reduced because they are smaller and less complex.
- When the CPU and GPU are combined, the laptop can be made thinner and lighter.
- When the central processing unit and graphics processing unit are combined, energy consumption in the laptop is reduced.
External GPU Enclosure
If your laptop’s GPU is built into the motherboard or is separate and soldered there, and you want to update it, you’ll need an external GPU enclosure.
These containers are like compact PC cases, except they are made specifically for installing a desktop-class graphics processing unit (GPU). There’s a PCIe slot for connecting a compatible GPU, and they have their respective power supply and cooling fans.
Connecting and making use of the GPU will necessitate a laptop that supports either thunderbolt or alternative mode USB-C.
A desktop graphics card and an appropriate external enclosure are required for this modification. Most kits include a mobile PCI express module and windpipes to give a performance of complete GPU.
Is It Better To Buy A New Device Instead?
Experts would confirm that it is more reasonable to purchase a brand new laptop with the same budget. Some would even suggest you should buy the parts and build a desktop yourself if you’re serious about performance.
At first sight, it may seem like a good idea to upgrade your laptop’s GPU, but in the long run, it will cost you more. Using an external GPU is pointless because of the gradual decline in performance.
Many people will advise you to change the card manually, but some will tell you to open your laptop or desktop computer. Due to the potential risk to both you and your laptops, we strongly advise against doing so.
If you really need help with your laptop, though, it’s preferable to take it to a real technician or specialist.
On top of that, an external GPU would not be as fast as an internal graphics card with the same specifications. If your laptop doesn’t have strong specs, connecting an external GPU won’t make much of a difference in performance.
A separate graphics processing unit adds even more to the bill. You might find that you’re better off purchasing a new laptop rather than investing in an external GPU box and an improved graphics card to install in it.
Instead of upgrading your laptop’s GPU, consider purchasing a new laptop with a powerful graphics processing unit (GPU).
The Risks Of Upgrading A Laptop GPU
There are significant dangers in upgrading the graphics processing unit (GPU) of a laptop without an authorized kit or in upgrading an integrated GPU.
Because of this, it’s quite unlikely that the laptop’s motherboard can be repaired if the GPU is removed and replaced.
We wish you the best of luck if you decide to jump off the tracks and figure things out on your own. You’re trying to accomplish the impossible, as even if you replace the card successfully, there’s a very high possibility you’ll damage your motherboard, which will render your laptop useless.
Again, the external solution is incredibly safe, if a bit pricey and difficult to carry around if you’re that desperate to update.
You won’t get the same performance boost as you would from a direct installation, but if you’re not ready to update your laptop’s processing power or visuals permanently, this is an excellent choice to tide you over.
The Final Thoughts
The solution to “Can I upgrade a laptop graphics card?”, unfortunately, is nothing but a thought. You can’t change or upgrade your laptop’s graphics card.
Na doubts a laptop’s overall performance can be greatly improved by installing a new graphics card, but there is no way of doing so. The best thing to do is to buy a new laptop with a better GPU.
The use of external laptop graphics cards and a thunderbolt-enabled adapter is another option for increasing your laptop’s graphics performance without purchasing a new one.
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