Possible to replace T901 dedicated graphics?

[Some Username]

I'm considering getting a T901. I'm not entirely sure what graphics capabilities I'll need, so I'm looking at long term upgradability.

I understand that the NVidia NVS 4200M can be added by the Fujitsu as part of initial configuration. How is this component connected (mini pci-e, etc.)? Can it be replaced by a more powerful graphics component?

Ideally, I'd like to be able to leave the NVS out for now and only upgrade from the Intel HD 3000 if I need to later.

[stoneseeker]

How is this component connected (mini pci-e, etc.)? Can it be replaced by a more powerful graphics component?

As far as I understand it, the graphics card is soldered on to the motherboard, and is not designed to be replaced or removed. If it was that easy to upgrade graphic cards on laptops I imagine more people would be doing it, but I think this luxury is limited to desktops still.... most likely for the reason of limited space, and for sturdiness of build.

Still, I wonder if someone really handy with computers could take a T901 apart and find a similar sized but better laptop graphics card and solder it in place... I imagine it would be difficult to find a card that fit the spot exactly.

[Agent 9]

To the best of my knowledge it is a non-replacable/ upgradable component soldered to the motherboard as well as having extra secondary components, and you will NOT be able to add it yourself... It seems you have an EP121 already, but because the EP121 uses an Ultra Low Voltage first Gen Core-i processor both the CPU and GPU are severely underpowered next to a Full Voltage [or even Low Voltage] first Gen Core-i processor; and because the EP121's BIOS has an overzealous thermal management part in the BIOS the CPU and GPU get clocked at half their max speeds and that results in severe under performance (there is a Modded BIOS in the forum that would stop the processor and GPU from being clocked to half of their clock speed when at normal temperatures, and it will still have thermal limits to protect the chip, but it should run significantly better for heavier use stuff), and add in the probably poorly setup OS with bloat (you can perform a clean install, and even use Vlite to build a clean install image that will be less resource dependent -especially for storage space. You can use the 'ISO Method' here LEGAL Windows 7 Download Links (Just like Vista before!!!) to do a clean install legally with the COA key on the EP121/ keyboard)... So while the EP121 is sorta current because of those three things the performance you are seeing is nowhere near what it would be on even a T900 or Intel only T901 (those two would probably blow you away once setup properly, but if you setup the EP121 with a modded BIOS and a clean install I'm sure it would surprise you as well)


A note on these things, BIOS modding can sometimes end badly so prepare by backing up data you want to keep, and to send it to Asus for repair (don't tell them about the BIOS being a modded one); and doing a clean install will wipe the SSD so you need to backup data

Basically, while you could upgrade to a new Tablet PC and there would be a significant difference in the top end of what the system could do, you could improve the standing of your EP121 compared to them for no cost to you besides time and effort; and at the very least that could easily buy you another year or two (maybe more) of use at which point you can pick up a used T901 for $500-800 instead of the current ~$1,500+ for a used one


As far as replacing the GPU with another one, I would call that not possible at all unless you have a LOT of time, money, and access to parts

[Some Username]

Well, that explains why I could find so little information about the NVS gpu and such. Replacing it sounds like a lot more work than I was expecting.

I suppose I could get a ViDock or something similar if I want to do heavy graphics at home without having to switch to a desktop pc, but I think I'll probably go with the NVS if I get the T901 and move on.


Regarding the EP121:
I had been using the EP121 as my primary computer, but it bricked two days ago. Unknown cause, but I heard one of the fans constantly running loudly about a day before it just wouldn't turn on. Apparently it may be related to water damage from a few months ago. I had purchased a replacement plan from the retailer, so I used that to get store credit equal to the original price. I could just get another EP121, but I'm looking at my options.

The EP121 was definitely better than the old Dell Latitude XT I had (the first version, not XT2), but it was far from perfect. I had Windows 8 Developer Preview loaded, which improved the experience significantly but added some glitchiness.

I've come to miss an attached keyboard and mouse; when mobile or in class, there's often not enough space to place both the slate and the keyboard (think tiny student desk). As for the mouse, most of the computing world doesn't bother with touch-optimized interfaces, and with an external mouse I end up with another loose component. Also, the internal usb connection for the digitizer pen would occasionally crash or something, requiring a restart to get the pen to work (occurred about 1-2 times per week).

A major thing, though, is that I've found the performance lacking. For example, it doesn't seem to be good enough for software development. I can connect a usb hub and external monitor, but the 64GB SSD is too small for installing a bunch of development programs, and the device seems to not be powerful enough for things like Visual Studio - there's noticeable typing lag when running Visual Studio that I don't see on my desktops, among other things (typing lag alone cripples my productivity).

I wonder whether installing the modded BIOS might improve the performance enough. If it would, I could install a 128GB SSD and maybe get an SDXC card and be okay.

[Freeman]

A major thing, though, is that I've found the performance lacking. For example, it doesn't seem to be good enough for software development. I can connect a usb hub and external monitor, but the 64GB SSD is too small for installing a bunch of development programs, and the device seems to not be powerful enough for things like Visual Studio - there's noticeable typing lag when running Visual Studio that I don't see on my desktops, among other things (typing lag alone cripples my productivity).

I wonder whether installing the modded BIOS might improve the performance enough. If it would, I could install a 128GB SSD and maybe get an SDXC card and be okay.

Are you talking about T901? It's Sandy Bridge, so CPU performance wise, there aren't many faster tablet out there. If you are looking for major improvement with least amount of upgrade, then I say max out the memory to 16GB(about $100), then 120GB SSD, or keep the 64GB SSD(only if it's SATA3). Since T901 support SATA3, there is no point on getting SATA2 SSD. Then you can swap out the optical bay for 2nd harddrive if space is necessary.

I would personally stay away from mod-bios. Generally it won't improve performance. It's not like whoever modify the bios will rewrite some of the code from scratch and add some feature. The only biggest productivity improvement I have see would be something like Ctrl/Fn key swap. System performance wise, I would say you won't gain it, at worst you lose system stability if not corrupt bios and then you have to shell out hundred of dollars to replace the board unless you can re-soldering the bios chip yourself.

[Maeth]

If you don't need portable graphics power, I have had success with this:
DIY eGPU experiences - Page 419

[glosing]

If you don't need portable graphics power, I have had success with this:
DIY eGPU experiences - Page 419

Can you tell me the cpu of T901 is PGA(socket g2) or BGA(bga1023, is soldered)? That means if the cpu of T901 can be replaced easily or not.

[Agent 9]

@glosing

Its socketed, I can't find a photo of it currently, but I know its socketed.
The thing is that it is really not worth it in any way shape or form to buy another CPU and drop it in because they are ludicrously over priced for the performance you get and even then the performance of a mobile sandy bridge i7 to a mobile SB i5 is almost non-existent at best [especially if you compare to what even a $100-190 desktop Intel processor like the i3 2100 or i5 3570K can get you]. You will not be able to use any of the quad core CPU's, and Ivy Bridge will not be usable, so you are limited to the options of what the T901 was offered with, in any case if you are looking for as upgraded Tablet PC you would be best served by selling your computer and buying a Ivy Bridge based one a few months after they are released as prices will be down to a more reasonable point then, and any of the initial issues will be known and hopefully solved.

[Hammersmith]

@glosing

Its socketed, I can't find a photo of it currently, but I know its socketed.
The thing is that it is really not worth it in any way shape or form to buy another CPU and drop it in because they are ludicrously over priced for the performance you get and even then the performance of a mobile sandy bridge i7 to a mobile SB i5 is almost non-existent at best [especially if you compare to what even a $100-190 desktop Intel processor like the i3 2100 or i5 3570K can get you]. You will not be able to use any of the quad core CPU's, and Ivy Bridge will not be usable, so you are limited to the options of what the T901 was offered with, in any case if you are looking for as upgraded Tablet PC you would be best served by selling your computer and buying a Ivy Bridge based one a few months after they are released as prices will be down to a more reasonable point then, and any of the initial issues will be known and hopefully solved.

Do you think there's any chance of a BIOS update to make the T731/T901 compatible with Ivy Bridge? That might make a CPU upgrade worth the money. My T5010 is starting to get long in the tooth and I've been considering getting a refurb T731 or T901 to replace it. A $750 T731 plus a decent Ivy Bridge proc would basically give you a T732(or T901 to T902) for several hundred dollars less and a couple months early. The QM67 chipset in the T731/T901 should be able to handle Ivy Bridge with a BIOS update, but it's up to the manufacturer to actually build it. I'm not holding my breath, but it's at least worth asking the question. Since graphics are now built directly onto the CPU, an Ivy Bridge upgrade would improve graphics from HD3000(or NVS4200M) to HD4000.

edit: A little more digging makes this even more unlikely. While Intel has a list of Sandy Bridge chipsets that will work with Ivy Bridge, the mobile versions are not on it. I bet there's no technical reason why the QM67 couldn't run an Ivy Bridge, but Intel knows virtually no manufacturer is interested. I wonder if anyone will try to make a 3rd party BIOS for some SB notebooks?

[VinnyLT]

The NVS is Dedicated Meaning it is not integrated. Integrated cards are the one's that are soddered to the mother board.