Can I Upgrade My Laptop Graphics Card?

You may reasonably think, “Can I upgrade my laptop graphics card?” if you discover that your laptop simply lacks the power to support heavy graphics processing on more recent video games and for your professional work. The answer to the question is, regrettably, no. Your laptop’s internal graphics card cannot be upgraded. The straightforward explanation for this is that the GPU is soldered to the board and cannot be taken off.

A graphics card, also known as a graphic processing unit (GPU), is a unique electronic circuit with the processing capacity needed to create the images we have seen on computers. They can be found on both desktops and laptops. Speaking about laptops, these are incredibly adaptable computers with top-notch performance that are also portable. A laptop’s graphics card performs the same functions as a desktop’s graphics card. But what if you believe the graphics power is insufficient or unable to meet your needs?

In this article, we’ll examine some of the fundamentals of the GPU architecture in recent laptops. After that, we’ll try to comprehend the potential benefits of a laptop graphics card update.

Laptop Graphics Card

Initially, graphical cards’ main function was to assist the CPU in rendering 3D graphics. Of course, graphics cards still do the same function today. But they are far more capable and sophisticated than that. You can render images, graphics, and movies using graphic processing units (the integrated circuit in the center of a graphics card). You can use it to create content, play games, and perform other similarly graphically demanding jobs.

Modern laptops typically offer excellent graphics capability because they are essentially portable PCs. With the convenience of putting your laptop in your bag, you may use the GPU to play games or encode/decode videos.

Types Of GPU

GPU comes in two different types. They are

  • Integrated Graphics card
  • Dedicated or Discrete Graphics card

Integrated Graphics Card

Integrated graphics actually make up the majority of GPUs on the market. What are integrated graphics, then, and how do they function in your computer? Thinner and lighter systems, lower power consumption, and cheaper system costs are all made possible by CPUs that include a fully integrated GPU on their motherboard.

Leading integrated graphics technology is provided by Intel® Graphics Technology, which incorporates Intel® ArcTM and Intel® Iris® Xe graphics. Users may enjoy vivid visuals on devices that operate cooler and have long battery lives thanks to Intel® Graphics.

Dedicated Graphics Card

With integrated GPUs, many computing applications can function effectively. A discrete GPU, often known as a dedicated graphics card, is more appropriate for applications that require a lot of resources and have high-performance requirements.

These GPUs increase processing power at the expense of increased energy use and heat production. For discrete GPUs to perform at their best, separate cooling is typically required.

Also Read:

Can I Upgrade My Laptop Graphics Card?

Once more, the answer to this old query is a resounding no. On a laptop, you cannot upgrade graphics card of laptop in the same way that you cannot replace the CPU.

upgrade my laptop graphics card

Along with the GPU chipset, the motherboard also has all of the supporting electrical parts, such as the capacitors, VRMs, VRAM, and ICs of a specific GPU. The simplest explanation is that a laptop’s graphics card is soldered. Since it cannot be taken out or changed, it is useless. If you’re interested, you may try unsoldering the GPU as a side DIY project, but be aware that doing so voids your laptop’s warranty and greatly increases the likelihood that your present GPU, motherboard, or both will be irreparably damaged.

PCIe Interface Vs MXM Interface

The PCIe interface is used by both desktop computers and laptops to connect High-Speed Input Out (HSIO) components, such as graphics cards. This raises the question of why you can’t change the graphics cards in laptops if you can do so for desktops. In essence, there was a time when NVIDIA pushed for the MXM interface to be used, allowing for GPU upgrades.

The abbreviation for Mobile PCIe Express Module is MXM. While the majority of the key components of the MXM standard are still in use, the upgradeable element is still not implemented. This standard was intended to streamline manufacturing and offer a consistent upgradeable GPU socket. This is due to the fact that, despite NVIDIA’s campaign, it is up to the manufacturer to decide whether or not to include an upgradeable GPU socket in the laptop.

MXM Graphics Card
MXM Graphics Card

Once again, the MXM standard’s detachable feature has lacked momentum. In the end, if users have the option to replace their GPUs, NVIDIA and AMD will stand to earn the most, while laptop manufacturers won’t see any financial rewards.

What Are The Ways To Add An External Graphics Card?

The answer to the question “can I upgrade my laptop graphics card” is not as far as the internal graphics card is concerned. You COULD, however, externally add a more recent and effective graphics card.

There are three ways to add an external graphics card to your laptop.

  1. Mini PCIe to PCIe x16 eGPU Kit 
  2. M.2 NVMe to PCIe x16 eGPU Kit
  3. Thunderbolt 3.0 eGFX Dock 

1. Mini PCIe to PCIe x16 eGPU Kit 

The first approach is to purchase a Mini PCIe to x16 kit and install your graphics that way, as is advised by numerous users online. This kit is available online. On one end of the kit, which is located inside the laptop, it connects to the Mini PCIe Slot that houses the wireless card. On the other hand, you receive a whole x16 slot where a desktop-grade graphics card can be installed. In order for this kit to function, you must remove your wifi card.

Drawbacks:

However, this kind of system has a lot of drawbacks:

  • Only one PCIe lane is available in the Mini PCIe slot!
    • One of the greatest problems with this configuration is that a tiny PCIe slot only provides a single PCIe channel.
    • The fact that the kit can be expanded to an x16 slot on the other end does not automatically imply that it will provide that slot’s bandwidth.
    • The total system would still be restricted by the PCIe lane’s bandwidth.
    • The optimal requirement for a graphics card is much higher than this. Although a graphics card can function with 8 or 4 lanes of bandwidth, 16 lanes are preferable.
    • The performance of the installed graphics card would be severely hampered by the laptop’s Mini PCIe slot’s single PCIe lane.
  • A desktop power supply unit is required.
    • You will require a Power Supply Unit, which must also be mounted outside, in order to power the graphics card.
  • The BIOS and graphics driver may need to be adjusted.
    • It is not a plug-and-play configuration.
    • The settings may vary based on the manufacturer and BIOS version of the laptop you are using.
    • However, you must fundamentally locate the LAN settings as well as those for the graphics equipment.
    • To avoid any conflicts, you must turn off WiFi, Boot to LAN BIOS, and both discrete GPUs.
    • Additionally, you’ll need to download the drivers for your installed graphics card.
  • Internal WiFi on your laptop won’t be available.
    • No WiFi will be available on your laptop if the network card is removed.
  • Compatibility Issues.
    • There is still no way to know whether this kit will function with your graphics card despite all the effort put into making it work.

2. M.2 NVMe to PCIe x16 eGPU Kit

The M.2 NVMe to PCIe x16 slot kit is another kit that is extremely similar to the one mentioned before.

Benefits

  • Since an M.2 slot on a laptop typically connects to 4 PCIe lanes, it can deliver bandwidth of up to 4 PCIe lanes.
  • However, the available bandwidth is still much below the 16 and 8-lane recommendations for the graphics card.
  • Keep in mind that you must have an NVMe M.2 slot. This should NOT be mistaken for a SATA M.2 slot.

Drawbacks

  • Compared to the tiny PCIe to x16 kit above, this kit is more expensive.
  • Your laptop must have an NVMe M.2 slot; older laptops typically don’t.
  • Compatibility is still a concern about which you cannot be confident.

3. Thunderbolt 3.0 eGFX Dock 

The use of a thunderbolt 3.0 eGFX (External Graphics Card) dock is the last and most recommended method. These frequently include a power supply unit (PSU).

Thunderbolt 3.0 eGFX Dock
Thunderbolt 3.0 eGFX Dock – Razer Core

The following are a few well-known Thunderbolt 3.0 eGFX Docks:

  • Razer Core
  • PowerColor Devil Box
  • Cooler Master MasterCase EG200
  • Cooler Master MasterCase NC100
  • AKiTiO Node Titan

Benefits

  • they are frequently produced by reputable, high-end firms, making them quite dependable.

Drawbacks

  • A laptop with a Thunderbolt 3 port is necessary.
    • The laptop must have a Thunderbolt 3.0 port.
    • Unfortunately, Thunderbolt 3.0 connectors are currently only available on expensive computers.
  • Expensive.
    • You will need to carefully consider your investment since just the enclosure (with the PSU fitted but without the graphics card) can run you ₹30000 to ₹40000.

Conclusion On Can I Upgrade My Laptop Graphics Card

Therefore, the question “Can upgrade laptop graphics card?” has an answer. Is a no in relation to the internal GPU. If your budget let it, you can add an external graphics card.

We can only hope that in the future, the MXM standard’s modular component will gain traction and we’ll eventually obtain detachable laptop GPUs.

If you have any queries, feel free to drop a comment below.

If you’re looking for any kind of repair service for your Laptop, Mobile, Desktop, etc.? Contact Techyuga, Call us at 9088888835, Live Chat or Book a repair job today.

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Advantages you get If you choose Techyuga
Reasons to Choose Techyuga For Your Laptop Services:
Certified Engineers
Engineers are the main pillar of our company, so we never compromised while recruiting them. Unlike other local shops, all our engineers are CompTIA A+ certified, which ensures top-quality work. Engineers of Techyuga have a minimum of 10-year of professional experience. We never hire inexperienced fresher for the repair work.

Local repair shops have only a few individuals who work for all the departments For this reason, the quality of work is often hampered. But we have separate teams of engineers for each repair work. For example, we have specific teams for laptop repair, desktop repair, smartphone repair, iPhone or iPad repair, and so on. As a result, you will get top-quality service from us.
Professional Behavior
Professional behavior is a form of etiquette in the workplace that is linked primarily to respectful and courteous conduct. So, the main focus of our service flow is to maintain extreme professionalism. We handle each device with utmost supervision.

Most of the local shop out there is very much casual and unprofessional while providing their service. But we understand the importance of your device for your personal and professional use. So we execute our job keeping that in our mind.
Reasonable Cost With Highest Quality
As you already know authorized service center will charge you double or triple the price in comparison to the market price in the name of genuine parts. On the other hand, if you visit a local repair shop, they will fool you with cheap china parts.

But we neither charge you with double amount nor our quality of service is compromised. We deal with original Or genuine OEM parts only and we completely take the responsibility for the parts that we are selling.
Device Protection
The protection of your device is our prime responsibility. Local repair shops don’t bother about you and your device. They store all the devices together in one place. So it is often seen that laptop or mobile parts get exchanged unknowingly. And many times they did it knowingly.

But the case is not the same with us. We maintain total professionalism from our very first step of service. We always do paper works for every part we are collecting for repair. We take the signature of the customer on every removable part of every device. We also use the sticker to mark them with your ticket number. And we do not provide duplicate parts, that is how we work. For example, if we are collecting your laptops we will ask you to sign on your laptop screen, keyboard, HD, Motherboard, and so on. This is to ensure that your device parts never get replaced.
Clean And Professional Workshop
Every single part of electronic devices like a chip and circuits is very much delicate and sensitive. A little bit of dust or moisture can really affect your devices. So we have an international standard workshop to keep safe all our devices. No local repair shop can maintain this much care for your device as most of the small repair shops have a single table as their work area and this is the truth.

Your device will have full protection and security when it is under our service. All our workshop is under 24/7 CCTV cameras. No unauthorized person, not even our engineer can touch your device without authorization.
Free And Timely Pickup/Delivery
With Techyuga you don’t need to pay one single penny extra for picking up or delivering your device to your place. If you avail of our service you will get free home service without any extra charge anywhere in Bangalore.

Techyuga is known for its accurate on-time pickup and delivery. We never miss our allotted schedule. If you are unable to visit our workshop, don’t worry. We will pick up and deliver your device at the scheduled time with proper device protection.
Always Ready Customer Support
Local repair shops have zero Customer Service at all. They neither are available on the phone nor have any online portal for resolving any customer query. Cases can be seen when they collect customers’ devices but after that, they just don’t respond to calls.

But, our team of customer support is always available at your service. You can call our hotline number or join the Live Chat section of our website any time you want and get an obvious response from our side. We are always answerable to our questions and doubts (regarding our service) if you have any. Feel free to contact us.
Final Inspection Of Each Device
Techyuga has some set of strict rules. We never hand over a device without final inspection. In this process of Final Inspection, we put each device under 24 hours continuous test and then labeled it with a tag of “OK Tested” batch. Only those device with this batch or sticker is considered ready to deliver. It means once your device is delivered, you can ensure that it has gone through all the checking parameters and there are no bad surprises for you.

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