Sure, RAM is easy. But, what I wanna know is...how hard is it to add in a new mobo/vid card/processor/etc.

I wish I could put in a nice fan, cause my laptop is always running hot...but it dosen't seem to be possible. But, I'd like to ditch the RADEON IGP 340M video card I have, and maybe get an ASUS mobo 478 socket + P4 processor...anyone know if this is even possible?

I have always though that building laptops is darn near impossible even though some claim that it can be done. The same goes for updraging major parts like CPU and mobo. The thing about laptops is that they are built with specific parts in mind, that is why they can be so compact. When you try adding parts or making major changes to a laptop you are conflicting with the design of the case itself. Thats my opinion and not be anyone elses...

That's what I figured too :/ Hopefully Rob can give me some words of wisdom, this definently seems like his area

It depends on the brand of laptop. Many video cards are onboard the motherboard and would require a new motherboard. I would check someplace like laptopparts and see if they carry another motherboard for your model. You'll very possibly have to take whatever video card is on the motherboard and it may be very expensive. I recently priced a new motherboard for an older laptop and it was going to cost me over 600 bucks. It's in the dumpster somewhere now...LOL

Well, my current specs:

Celeron 2.4ghz
256 MB RAM, 64 going to Vid Card (I'm getting another stick of 256)
RADEON IGP 340m Video Card, 64mb
No idea what kind of mobo is currently here

I'd love to be able to get a nice ASUS + P4 chip, and a nice RADEON card. But, I guess it's as I figured...it just can't be done because of the case size.

o83zero wrote:

Well, my current specs: Celeron 2.4ghz 256 MB RAM, 64 going to Vid Card (I'm getting another stick of 256) RADEON IGP 340m Video Card, 64mb No idea what kind of mobo is currently here I'd love to be able to get a nice ASUS + P4 chip, and a nice RADEON card. But, I guess it's as I figured...it just can't be done because of the case size.

Heat is also a problem in labtops, if you want a gaming machine you still have to go with a PC. The graphics cards produce so much heat that they can't be put in the laptops, although they are trying the hardest to get close!

I agree, laptops are not designed with gaming in mind, and usually companies like Dell sell their own upgrades.

or junk your laptop and get one of these beauties http://www.alienware.com/system_pages/area-51m.aspx

Agreed-used to refurbish laptops for Compaq, and each Vendor pretty much has proprietary parts...not all of the parts but some....and the problem is not taking it apart, it's putting it back togather....its the d*mn screws I tell ya! All different sizes, and one wrong location, and BAM! You had a bubble in your brand new shiny case. If you work on them all the time, it's not a big deal, but for someone who has never worked ona laptop, I would personally advise against it.

Just my two cents.

Or get yourself the new Sony Vaio that has an ATI with 64MB memory - not shared - and many other features.

Check it out here : http://www.pronetworks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24414