Aspire 5315 MXM graphics upgrade?

ferrrrr · 07-17-2009, 01:30 PM

Let´s think in a positive way.

This is my Aspire opened up

This is a close up where you can see that we can paste a MXM socket (230 pin´s)

Now, if I paste a MXM soket it would look like this

But...

If I introduce a graphic card into this new port added by "me". Will my software recognice it?

The bios an windows can sopport it?

I know problems about heat (can be solved) but the important thing is the bios recognition and how to disable x3100 default integrated graphics right?

triturbo · 07-17-2009, 01:41 PM

I had 5315 (now my cousin is using it) and I was thinking this way many times, but every time I ended up with - not possible, or way too expensive. If we accept that it is doable you should think about making a custom heatsink and I bet that this alone a would cost a small fortune. The MXM port soldering would be pretty tricky too... and so on, and so on. If you are crazy enough, please try it and share the result

weinter · 07-17-2009, 01:45 PM

First where are you gonna link the heat sink?
Second not sure if your BIOS accepts it (Past POST).
Third how you are going to disable the integrated chip (not in BIOS since it assumes you have integrated graphics) hybrid graphics driver is already buggy and you hope to use it for an unsupported "custom"?
It is a crazy attempt but tell us about it if it succeed just providing expected "challenges" to be overcome.

TehSuigi · 07-17-2009, 02:15 PM

No, no, no, a thousand times no.
Aside from the fact that you'd probably void your warranty a bajillion times over in doing this, there are so many problems that you'll be running into.
1. The chipset is simply incapable of making the change. Only certain variations of the GM965 are even capable of running hybrid graphics, and even then there's a hardware switch that swaps from GMA to discrete GPU.
2. Do you know how many leads you'd need to solder to do that? And how small the wires are? It's physically IMPOSSIBLE for an end user to pull that off.
3. And let's not forget BIOS compatibility.
4. And the fact that the stock cooling solution will be completely inadequate.

It's your notebook's funeral.

ferrrrr · 07-17-2009, 07:53 PM

Forget the "heat" there are pieces of aspire 5520 with mxm video card that can be put on 5315 an fit in it because it´s the same "chasis".

Ok If you look carefully the mmx socket is 90 degrees turned but that´s the idea.

Now about software, I´m thinking in bios of 5"7"20´s. This bios acepts mxm cards,because some models come wit x3100 an some others with nvidia 8400m, am I right?

And I can find where to switch off the x3100 (i think) cutting the energy or the earth.

I can solder the socket, maybe it won´t look like the picture before but there are ways to do it. Time ago I changed the ram module in a XBOX

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=MX&h...&v=Vi3Bi2i2bEg

Not my video but I worked doing this to make xbox arcade cabinets with mame emulator.

TehSuigi · 07-17-2009, 08:42 PM

Same chassis, different motherboard, and thus, INCOMPATIBLE.
The 5720 and 5720G are two different models with different BIOSes, NEITHER of which would be compatible.
You can't switch off the GMA X3100 - it's part of the northbridge!

Please don't do this - you are literally ASKING for trouble, and the amount of money you'd spend to do the upgrade could be better put to use buying a new laptop with a dedicated GPU.

triturbo · 07-17-2009, 09:15 PM

Hey, don't cold-shower him like that. The world is powered by enthusiasts like him

@ferrrrr - Take in mind TehSuigi's posts though

You were advised

TehSuigi · 07-17-2009, 10:00 PM

Enthusiasm is one thing, but this...I got nothing.
All the best of luck to you ferrrr, but you have been warned.

ferrrrr · 08-18-2009, 06:14 PM

1. The chipset is simply incapable of making the change. Only certain variations of the GM965 are even capable of running hybrid graphics, and even then there's a hardware switch that swaps from GMA to discrete GPU.

-Recently I run intel chipset identification utility and it detected PM965 so it support MXM.

2. Do you know how many leads you'd need to solder to do that? And how small the wires are? It's physically IMPOSSIBLE for an end user to pull that off.

-I know where to order a pair of MXM conector. When I soldier it I´ll post the pictures. But first I need to investigate more about bios configuration.

3. And let's not forget BIOS compatibility.

Why 5720 and 5315 bios is the same? I guess the bios automatic switch the graphics when you plug in the card. Let me find someone with a 5720 who pull out their mxm card and lets see if the bios configuration change.

4. And the fact that the stock cooling solution will be completely inadequate

-Again 5720 cooler sistem fits in chipset and CPU and has another "pipe" or tube wich fits on MXM.

TehSuigi · 08-18-2009, 06:28 PM

1. Impossible - the PM965 does not come with the GMA X3100 you've quite obviously got, so you can't have that. Try CPU-Z, I've found it to be more accurate.
3. First off, you're confusing the 5720 (GM965, no MXM) with the 5720G (PM965, MXM card). Only G models come with dedicated graphics cards. Secondly, the fact that the 5720 and 5315 BIOSs are different is what I'm trying to get across. Thirdly, there is no "BIOS automatic switch" when you plug in the graphics card, because the system will not work without one. This is because the PM965 chipset doesn't have any other graphics processor - it requires a dedicated GPU. If you remove the MXM card from a 5720G, it will either not boot or have no display.

Ferrrr, I don't mean to be harsh - I just want to save you a lot of time, money, and stress. You're better off just buying a new laptop with a better GPU than going through all of this.