Notebookcheck - Upgrading Laptops

Upgrading Laptops

Written by Stefan Hinum
Sunday, 04 September 2005
Due to the compact construction of notebooks they can not be upgraded as easy as Desktop PCs. In addition usually the warranty is lost as soon as someone changes something in the equipment. Processor Can be upgraded sometimes, but usually only up to speeds, which were sold in other models of the type. The reason is the cooling of laptops which is coordinated very precisely with the used processors. RAM RAM usually can be changed or extended easily, because most manufacturers insert the modules under an easily accessible opening. Normally the modules are standardized and can be exchanged by putting them in simply. Hard Disk Usually 2.5" drive assemblies are used, which can be exchanged without problems in most cases. Nevertheless problems can arise with the Bios or the Jumpering (master - slave). WLAN Frequently mini PCI-modules are used for internal WLAN, which can be relatively simply exchanged. Unfortunately some manufacturers do insert non-authorized modules, or the antenna socket is in another place and therefore the antenna can not be attached. Optical Drive Assemblies Can be exchanged usually relative simply, however many manufacturers use own specific cover plates with the provided models. Therefore sometimes the new drive assembly cannot fit well optically. Video Card Many manufacturers promise exchangeable modules with the new PCI-express-standard. The question is how to get other suitable video cards, which fit and are provided with a corresponding cooling system. Up to now it is very rarely possible to exchange the grafics card in a notebook. Usually they are soldered firmly (up to now except of Dell with some models). Other The remaining components can hardly be upgraded, except the manufacturers supply corresponding parts or plan it.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 September 2005 )

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