Citation :
A unique feature of some Dell notebooks is the use of a a removable graphics module. All other notebooks we have seen locate the graphics chip and memory directly on the motherboard, saving space. The Inspiron 8200, on the other hand, uses a discrete board that includes both the GPU and the graphics memory. This video board then connects to the motherboard via a connector that carries the AGP bus signals. The video card's BIOS information and power circuitry are also stored on this card, so a card of one type can easily be replaced with a card of another type. Again, this mobile video module was most likely implemented to make it easy for Dell to produce machines of various configurations but it also gives the knowledgeable computer user the potential to upgrade down the road. Changing from the standard GeForce2 Go to the GeForce4 440 Go to the Mobility Radeon 9000 should prove to be no problem. The only problem is getting you hands on one of these proprietary Dell video modules.
|