graphic card upgrade

[fronteren]

Thanks for a great forum. very useful and educating
I just convinced my self to convert from pc to mac. Somehow apple.com seem top-secret when it comes to specs and upgrade-possibilities. Therefor ive got some Q´s

I would like to know if the graphics in MBP 13" is upgradable? Can i do it my self?

Is there an adaptor for sound in/out so you get 2 jack-ports working at the same time? Ive got some M-audio equipment for oldschool scratching, but the woman of the house dont really care for the sound of vinyl cutting need to use headphones. the 15" got the 2 sound-ports, but im trying to find out if I can settle fro the less expensive 13".

If there are no cheap possibilities I´m gonna buy the MBP 15".

thanks

 

[Hellhammer]

The GPU is integrated into the CPU die and cannot be upgraded.

You can use a simple 3.5mm splitter: http://www.amazon.com/RiteAV-3-5mm-Splitter/dp/B000V1O1KS

 

[fronteren]

ok, I do need the upgrade option, so gotta go 15"

so if I got it right, the 15" is upgradable in graphics, ram, running HHD*2 or SSD*2 or a mix of these. can you upgrade the cpu for more hertz? (your self?)

Is the soundcard integrated aswell? or can you upgrade?(your self?)

How does it work with running 2 hard disks? I believe there are different possibilities.

thanks for taking the time educating a newbie.

 

[Hellhammer]

ok, I do need the upgrade option, so gotta go 15"

so if I got it right, the 15" is upgradable in graphics, ram, running HHD*2 or SSD*2 or a mix of these. can you upgrade the cpu for more hertz? (your self?)

Is the soundcard integrated aswell? or can you upgrade?(your self?)

How does it work with running 2 hard disks? I believe there are different possibilities.

thanks for taking the time educating a newbie.

Upgradeable: RAM, HD and ODD

Not upgradeable: CPU, graphics

That applies to all MBPs. The CPU and GPU are soldered onto the logic board and cannot be upgraded without some serious hardware (theoretically possible but you need to be a professional to have the hardware). Sound card is part of the PCH which is soldered as well.

If you want two HD/SSDs, you need to remove the optical drive. A specific adapter will also be needed (like OptiBay). Basically, SSD+HD combo allows you to have a small SSD for OS and apps which speeds up the system a lot, whereas the HD can be used as storage. I have a similar setup in my PC.

 

[AdrianK]

You can use a simple 3.5mm splitter: http://www.amazon.com/RiteAV-3-5mm-Splitter/dp/B000V1O1KS

From the manual:

+"*Audio out port.* Connect external speakers, headphones (including iPhone), or digital audio equipment. You can specify audio analog line in functionality, to support line-level microphones and audio equipment, by selecting Audio In in the Sound pane of System Preferences."+

+"Choose Apple () > System Preferences, and open Sound preferences. Specify whether you want the port to be used for audio input or audio output."+

I don't think that will do it. It looks like the jack is only intended to be used in a half-duplex fashion, so plugging to two devices in to a splitter will not allow both to operate at the same time.

I guess a USB sound card would be the only option in that case.

 

[fronteren]

Upgradeable: RAM, HD and ODD

Not upgradeable: CPU, graphics

That applies to all MBPs. The CPU and GPU are soldered onto the logic board and cannot be upgraded without some serious hardware (theoretically possible but you need to be a professional to have the hardware). Sound card is part of the PCH which is soldered as well.

If you want two HD/SSDs, you need to remove the optical drive. A specific adapter will also be needed (like OptiBay). Basically, SSD+HD combo allows you to have a small SSD for OS and apps which speeds up the system a lot, whereas the HD can be used as storage. I have a similar setup in my PC.

thanks alot. I like the Optibay solution you mention. is it a DIY operation?

To adriank

Usb soundcards- looks like a good idea. I have clue about the quality. doesnt matter now, otherwise there is always firewire!

thanks guys

 

[snaky69]

thanks alot. I like the Optibay solution you mention. is it a DIY operation?

To adriank

Usb soundcards- looks like a good idea. I have clue about the quality. doesnt matter now, otherwise there is always firewire!

thanks guys

Optibays are DIY.

Forget about upgradability in a laptop, 99% of laptops will only allow you to upgrade the hard drive and RAM. This isn't a desktop.

 

[Hellhammer]

I don't think that will do it. It looks like the jack is only intended to be used in a half-duplex fashion, so plugging to two devices in to a splitter will not allow both to operate at the same time.

I guess a USB sound card would be the only option in that case.

I have a few Euro 3.5mm splitter and it works the way OP wants, i.e. two devices off of one port.

 

[takeshi74]

Not upgradeable: CPU, graphics

That applies to all MBPs. The CPU and GPU are soldered onto the logic board and cannot be upgraded without some serious hardware (theoretically possible but you need to be a professional to have the hardware). Sound card is part of the PCH which is soldered as well.

That applies to most laptops.