How to to Replace a Graphics Card on a Portable Computer
Portable computer graphics cards can be replaced, but unfortunately they are difficult to find and often expensive. However, if you are able to identify the type of graphics card inside your laptop or notebook, you can replace the card yourself.
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Instructions
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Inspect your laptop or notebook for an MXM slot to determine whether your notebook can be upgraded. If it can, it will be equipped with an MXM slot. Do an Internet search for MXM and your laptop model. Alternatively, remove the screws and look inside your laptop. If the graphics card is slot mounted (rather than built into the main board) and is removable without de-soldering, it is replaceable and most likely an MXM type card.
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Buy an MXM card (see Tips for the different kinds). Buying an MXM card can be quite a challenge. MXM cards are rarely sold by normal shops. You can try searching for an MXM card on websites such as Mini Laptop Accessories, MXM Upgrade or eBay (see Resources).
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Install the MXM card. Remove the screws, remove the heat pipe, unscrew and remove the MXM card from the slot and replace the MXM card with the new one.
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Tips & Warnings
There are four different types of first generation MXM cards: MXM-I, MXM-II, MXM-III(HE), and MXM-IV(HE). They are backwardly compatible but not forwardly compatible. For example, you can replace an MXM-IV(HE) card with an MXM-III(HE) card but not vice versa. There are two different types of 2nd generation MXM cards (MXM 3): MXM-A and MXM-B. You can replace an MXM-B with an MXM-A, but not vice versa. First generation cards are not compatible with second generation cards and vice versa.
Not all slot mounted graphics cards are MXM; there are a few uncommon slot systems around, for example the ATI Axiom and a proprietary slot system in some older Dell models. Even if your notebook's slot system is MXM, compatibility with other MXM card types or manufacturers is not certain. When buying a replacement MXM card of a different type or manufacturer, get a written certification of compatibility, or agree on a possible return in case the card is found to be incompatible.
Take antistatic precautions when touching the graphics card and the electronic circuit boards inside the notebook to avoid damage.
