CAN I ADD GRAPHICS CARD [ Edited ]

[khokh]

Dear FIRIENDS

I have Lenovo X201s laptop and I want to ask if I can add external Graphics card to my laptop because my built in Graphics card  is integrated

and what best graphics card you advaice to buy

And I ask if this action will affect my of my laptop Performance  and battery life

Thank for all you do to help

Moderator edit: I had to add the missing D to the subject.

[topmahof Community Moderator]

http://forum.notebookreview.com/gaming-software-graphics-cards/397667-lets-figure-out-how-make-diy-v...

if you have an express card slot you could use a vidock but it has to be used with an external monitor.  or if you feel energetic and creative see the link. just keep in mind that anything you use will have to be used with an external monitor.

[BigBossMan]

That is a really tough question. I think what we want is performance and compatibility. The information is sketchy. One thing that comes to mine. Unlike some desktops with an onboard video card, our bios makes no mention of an external graphics card vs onboard. 

This might be a very dated clue.

A ViDock competitor had this recommendation for their offering.

Below was quoted from Magma.

Under the Attention External Graphics Products

http://www.magma.com/expressbox1.asp

Begin Quote...

Magma ExpressBox1 is designed for "single-width" graphics cards that require no more than 55 watts of power. "Double or Triple-Wide" cards that require additional power and more slot space will be compatible with Magma ExpressBox2 or ExpressBox4.

FOR WINDOWS VISTA: It is best to use a laptop with ATI graphics technology paired with an external ATI graphics card. For Quad Video, we recommend Nvidia NVS440 with Sony Viao SZ Series.

FOR MACOS X: External graphics works with MacBook Pro 2.33GHz only. Use the Nvidia 7300GT graphcis card (Apple part number 661-3932, available at www.mac-pro.com. The ATI Radeon x1900XT and Nvidia Quadro FX 4500 are "double-wide" cards and will not physically fit into Magma ExpressBox1.

....End Quote

If you wait long enough, I might try a ViDock 4 with a Nvidia Card. I would prefer one without a video card fan or with a small video card fan. If you end up getting one before me, let us know how it turned out.

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

if you don't have time messing around with DIY vidock, you could also consider something like vidock 4, but it does cost a few times more (around 400 USD or so). But that should work out of box.

http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/X-Series-Tablet-ThinkPad-Laptops/Lenovo-X201-and-ViDock/m-p/323753

have a read of the above review.

[BigBossMan]

I am in the process of taking the thrifty(cheap) route if at all possible. I am working on the details right now. Here is the first component that I would like to start with.

http://www.hwtools.net/Adapter/PE3A.html

So far, shipping costs are an issue. I am trying to find another source. I will probably end up calling them or emailing them.

I keep you posted if I commit to purchase.

[BigBossMan]

The PE3A at $35 is the best deal that I could find price wise regardless of the $18 shipping cost. Total is $53. The closest total from a competitor came in at $65. I have not used the PE3A though. I tried to purchase, but paypal said that they were sold out. I will try to contact their International Sales Email.

[BigBossMan]

Apparently, they do have some left. I just ordered a PE3A about 5 minutes ago.

[steinAK]

Thanks for keeping us informed, BigBossMan

[BigBossMan]

In summary, here are the items that I ordered so far.

PE3A ( PCI-Express or USB 3.0 to ExpressCard Adapter )

http://www.hwtools.net/Adapter/PE3A.html

HIS Silence H557HR1G Radeon HD 5570 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161342

Note:

I will be up front. I do not like ATI, but I could not find a card in the nvidia family that had a passive cooling system.

According to Toms Hardware for November, the ATI card that I selected does not look like a bad choice.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-radeon-hd-6870-radeon-hd-6850,2782-7.html

We will see.

Total Price including shipping, so far.

$ 53.00 - PE3A ( PCI-Express or USB 3.0 to ExpressCard Adapter )

$ 76.97 - HIS Silence H557HR1G Radeon HD 5570 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16

-------

$129.97 - Grand Total

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

the HD 5570 performance is not the best for the money, i think you should consider something like a HD 5770 instead.