7387A11... Graphics upgradeable?

[Number9]

I'm new to this forum and here on behalf of my sister-in-law. Having scouted the various forum topics and poured over various manuals I thought I'd try this approach. I found Lenovo's guides to be too generic. Our quest is to upgrade the graphics on her system as the kids are having some issues trying to play various games. If I missed the definitive I apologize ahead of time.

Her Model Number (as she gave it to me) is 7387A11. If I understood Lenovo's website correctly this is a 3000 J115. OS is Vista. The obvious question is: Are the graphics upgradeable on this system? The manual seems to suggest the presence of a PCIe 16x slot. (I don't currently have direct access to the machine to confirm this.) Further examination of the manual doesn't really reveal much information on the various bios settings regarding turning off the on-board graphics. In fact, I can locate no direct mention of a graphics upgrade procedure, something that really should be front-and-center. So, before I get my hands on this and so I have no surprises when I do, can anyone enlighten me on these 2 specific points? I'll also be upping the memory but not much of a concern.

Thanks.

[MamaZappa]

I'll be watching this with interest, as we're exploring either upgrading our elderly NetVista's graphics, or looking to purchase a new computer with more upgradeable graphics. One thing I've learned is that the graphics cards often require a beefier power supply - the hitch with upgrading my old machine is that its power supply is only 185 watts, and most / all cards require a supply of 350w or better.  Check the power supply on your unit. 

I've been trying to find the technical specs for the most current 3000 series H-model desktop myself and have not had much luck.

[Number9]

The power supply situation is in the back of my mind. I do recall reading some posts along those lines with one poster suggesting a successful upgrade on a different system without having to do so (switch out the PS). I thought I'd just give it a shot first... cross that bridge when and if I get there.

Thx

[zuby]

I have this same computer and I was thinking about the same issue. Adding a graphics card might keep the system from turning on because it might create a large load demand. According to this page, the power is 280W. Most cards require much more than this. If you have installed a graphics card since your post, please let me know how your system is holding up! 

[Number9]

Well, I still haven't gotten my hands on the system as yet. Once again I point to the dismal Lenovo manuals for their lack of specifics. I had been to the page you linked some time back. Came away from that visit wondering why XP was the listed OS as this one has Vista. And... in the Video category they list a ATI Radeon X700 Pro. I'm not certain, but I gather from their descriptions of the various graphics scenarios that it would be a card as opposed to onboard. As the maximum PS listed was 280W, again I was left wondering. At any rate, I have a 380W PS here I can/will put in it if needed..... if I ever get there.

Thx

[Number9 · Accepted solution]

Well, I'll reply to myself. Issue has been resolved.

The card I chose to install required a 300W PS, installed 380W. As the Lenovo was completely lacking in BIOS information I fumbled through it. Set video to PEG (PCI EXPRESS GRAPHICS... and no explanation in any of Lenovo's documentation). Also pulled the memory and installed 2 GB. Done.

[JaneL Community SuperMod]

Thanks for coming back with the solution to help others!  :-)

[Number9]

Welcome. And thank YOU for the comment.

Rick