Stupid question RE: PowerBook graphics card (64MB>128MB)

pscates

On these new PowerBooks, it is possible - via the online Apple store - to upgrade to a 128MB card, up from the stock 64MB ATi model, which is pretty cool!



Is that possible to do for a previous generation model?



I've noticed, in the past, Apple has done things like letting you send in your PowerBook and they'll put a SuperDrive in it or some other things like that, particularly during the TiBook era. I know I recall a situation or two where they offered upgrades to new features/components to owners of previous models.



Do you think something like this is - or could be - possible, regarding the 128MB graphics? Are there reasons, of a technical/hardware/software nature, this simply can't/won't be done? Is the card welded on, totally "on for good"? Or is this a modular, easily switched component in PowerBooks? If it is something that CAN be done, do you think Apple would offer the option to those owning previous-model 15" and 17" PowerBooks?



I can't exactly remember the model of card used in the previous PowerBooks, but the one now is different...does it have a different size, shape, connection, etc.?



I really, honestly don't know...just asking.

pb

Quote:

Originally posted by pscates



Do you think something like this is - or could be - possible, regarding the 128MB graphics? Are there reasons, of a technical/hardware/software nature, this simply can't/won't be done? Is the card welded on, totally "on for good"? Or is this a modular, easily switched component in PowerBooks? If it is something that CAN be done, do you think Apple would offer the option to those owning previous-model 15" and 17" PowerBooks?

I think, first, Apple would not do this, and second, the change 64 MB --> 128 MB may be technically impossible. The Mobility Radeons 9600 and 9700 are pin compatible, if I am not mistaken, but this is not the problem. The problem is that in all Powerbook (and iBook) models, the graphics chip is soldered on the motherboard. People said last year that the 17" Powerbook, featuring the nVidia graphics, may have a modular graphics chip, but I have not heard anything conclusive since then.



128 MB graphics would be really nice, even for basic use, since the window manager and its functions (see Expose) have the bad habit to eat VRAM from breakfast . I don't really know though how much of a difference the transition 64 MB --> 128 MB would make in the smoothness of the user experience. Other users here may tell more on this. But it is said the the change 32 MB --> 64 MB is significant, in terms of user experience.



Anyway, I believe by next year 128 MB graphics chips will be standard in high end Powerbooks. Together with other niceties (see the future hardware threads about the new G4s--e600).

formerlurker

Sorry, PB is basically correct - they are two different logic boards and there's no way, no how, that Apple will swap it out for you.



However, unless you are running a dual-display setup, or some crazy FPS game, I don't see it making a bit of difference for you.

pscates

Quote:

Originally posted by FormerLurker ...unless you are running a dual-display setup...

Ahem...

pscates

Quote:

Originally posted by FormerLurker Sorry, PB is basically correct - they are two different logic boards

You mean from the previous generation and these new ones? They changed that much?

Quote:

...and there's no way, no how, that Apple will swap it out for you.

I LOVE it when people make these kinds of grand, sweeping statements. They go into my "let's just sit on this a bit and see" file...







You're probably right, but we all need our hobbies.

job

I've wondered why they don't offer this option on all of their products, especially AIOs like the e/iMac.

>_>

1-800-MY-APPLE



Why not just ask?



- Xidius

pb

Just an update on the subject. nVidia has already presented, in this year's CeBIT, a solution for those who want to upgrade the graphics chip of their notebooks. It is PCI-Express based and it is expected this autumn in PC laptops. It only remains to see how quickly Apple will adopt such modularity in the Powerbooks.

pb

Quote:

Originally posted by PB

Just an update on the subject. nVidia has already presented, in this year's CeBIT, a solution for those who want to upgrade the graphics chip of their notebooks.

The Register too has a story on the same subject. Personally, judging from the trends in Powerbook design the last five years, I don't see Apple easily adopting designs allowing graphics chip upgrades, although it seems this could be made as easy as installing memory (note the form of the graphics chip in the link above, it interfaces like a RAM module).

leonard

I think in this case, it's a safe assumption that Apple is not going to have a program to upgrade the graphics chips in older laptops, even the previous generation. If the graphics chip on the first generation of the 17" laptop was upgradeable, we would have heard something by now. There was a rumor it was a modular component, but no-one ever confirmed it.



Let's not go getting people's hopes up...



Maybe future laptops will have upgradeable graphics chips...

esteban

Maybe I had too much crack for breakfast, but...



"Lightning-fast graphics

With twice the amount of memory ? 64MB of DDR SDRAM, to be exact ? now included with its NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 processor, the new 12-inch PowerBook G4 offers a noticeable boost in graphics performance. The 15- and 17-inch models now sport the new ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 with 64MB of DDR SDRAM. Want even more graphics punch? Then order your 1.5GHz 15- or 17-inch PowerBook with 128MB of video memory."



Is this build-to-order a hardwired option? It sounds like it wouldn't be that difficult if you can specify it that way from the factory. Can someone enlighten me?



-Esteban