Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Video card replacement even possible?

B

bailmdb

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 2, 2009
28
0
Over there
Hey everyone, I have a mid 2009, 15" 2.53ghz unibody MBP. I have the one with the small 256MB video card. I would like to upgrade that part, but honestly I'm not sure if that's even possible in this machine. If it is, would someone let me know what some good options are for me to consider? I'd like to be able to reliably and smoothly run Diablo 3 in particular. I can actually run it right now, but on pretty low graphics and monitor size settings. Would appreciate any feedback! TIA :apple:
 
bailmdb said:
Hey everyone, I have a mid 2009, 15" 2.53ghz unibody MBP. I have the one with the small 256MB video card. I would like to upgrade that part, but honestly I'm not sure if that's even possible in this machine. If it is, would someone let me know what some good options are for me to consider? I'd like to be able to reliably and smoothly run Diablo 3 in particular. I can actually run it right now, but on pretty low graphics and monitor size settings. Would appreciate any feedback! TIA :apple:
Click to expand...

Nope, not possible. The chip is soldered directly onto the logic board:

n2TrniSjqkvPPsuc.large
 
Sorry, only Mac that can replace the video card is the Mac Pro and Hackintosh.
All laptop and iMac's video cards are soldered onto the logic.
 
yusukeaoki said:
Sorry, only Mac that can replace the video card is the Mac Pro and Hackintosh.
All laptop and iMac's video cards are soldered onto the logic.
Click to expand...

Actually, the 27" iMacs still have a separate dedicated graphics card, but it's not exactly a standard size PCI card. You'd have to get another card from Apple (or pulled from an iMac) in order to replace it.

jW
 
Mal said:
Actually, the 27" iMacs still have a separate dedicated graphics card, but it's not exactly a standard size PCI card. You'd have to get another card from Apple (or pulled from an iMac) in order to replace it.

jW
Click to expand...

OOO! Something I learned new today! Thanks!!
But of course Apple would charge you like 500USD on the GPU lol
 
bailmdb said:
Hey everyone, I have a mid 2009, 15" 2.53ghz unibody MBP. I have the one with the small 256MB video card. I would like to upgrade that part, but honestly I'm not sure if that's even possible in this machine. If it is, would someone let me know what some good options are for me to consider? I'd like to be able to reliably and smoothly run Diablo 3 in particular. I can actually run it right now, but on pretty low graphics and monitor size settings. Would appreciate any feedback! TIA :apple:
Click to expand...

You cannot do it without a special equipment, which could cost more than a new MBP.
However, there are un-authorized service centers available,
which have this equipment and could help you to make an upgrade to a better GPU.

This operation requires a full external compatibility: the same number of pins, the same working interface,
voltage and current. As a result, the number of GPUs you could upgrade to is limited.

If you choose this route, read carefully the service center conditions
to make sure the service center will refund you the cost of computer in case something goes wrong.

----------
gpzjock said:
http://pcper.com/news/Graphics-Cards/CES-2012-MSI-GUS-II-External-Thunderbolt-Graphics-Upgrade-System
External discrete GPU box for Thunderbolt. Hopefully they will get it working soon.
Click to expand...

His MBP doesn't have Thunderbolt.
 
I forgot to say that service center should offer the range of compatible GPUs, so you don't need to learn by yourself.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back