Arch Linux

arch9699

Member

Registered: 2015-02-04

Posts: 8

Replacing graphics chip on a laptop

I am a new arch user.  This is a hardware question.  I have a HP envy m6-1105dx laptop.  AMD does a very poor job providing drivers, not just for Linux, but for Windows also.

Does anyone here have experience desoldering a GPU chip and replacing with a different one? Are the pin outs and instruction sets standardized?

I don't want to have to buy a new laptop.  Looking at Newegg and Walmart, nVidia laptops cost a lot more than Radeon.

Any help will be appreciated.

nomorewindows

Member

Registered: 2010-04-03

Posts: 3,538

Re: Replacing graphics chip on a laptop

Have you tried catalyst drivers from the non-official repository?  I don't think we could describe how to desolder on a forum.  You'd have to have a tight tolerance soldering iron to even be able to do it.

Last edited by nomorewindows (2015-03-29 13:36:39)

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Soukyuu

Member

Registered: 2014-04-08

Posts: 854

Re: Replacing graphics chip on a laptop

I don't think it's possible. There are laptops that have a MXM socket where you can actually replace the GPU, but due to the fact no laptops have standardized PCB layouts, you won't be able to find a module that fits your laptop. Unless there is a variation of your laptop that had an nVidia GPU as an option. Desoldering the chip is even more hopeless, I am pretty sure the PCB that the chip is soldered on is custom-made for that chip.

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ewaller

Administrator

From: Pasadena, CA

Registered: 2009-07-13

Posts: 20,655

Re: Replacing graphics chip on a laptop

Does anyone here have experience desoldering a GPU chip and replacing with a different one? Are the pin outs and instruction sets standardized?

Not a chance.  The GPU is undoubtedly a BGA package.  There are Youtube videos that suggest that it can be done, but I have found that with professional rework equipment there is about a 75% chance of getting it right -- after first destroying several boards while learning the technique.    Futhermore, there is zero chance that you will find an Nvidia part with the same land and pinouts.

Is there a chance your GPU is on a PCI-e or other high bandwidth port?  HP is particularly good about providing service manuals for their laptops.   I just ordered an Envy -- only after I downloaded and read the service manual.   Edit:  BTW, I choose Intel graphics as I am not a gamer.

Consider that for the price you would pay someone to rework your board (and they will not guarantee success) you could just buy a new Envy configured the way you want.  Sell the old one or give it to a school and collect the Karma points.

Last edited by ewaller (2015-03-29 16:07:42)

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arch9699

Member

Registered: 2015-02-04

Posts: 8

Re: Replacing graphics chip on a laptop

I didn't realize it was so complicated.

The only place I know of to get the proprietary driver is here.  They are usually three or four months behind.

Is there a chance your GPU is on a PCI-e or other high bandwidth port?  HP is particularly good about providing service manuals for their laptops.

lspci does not say if it is attached to PCI-e.  But it probably is on the PCI-e bus, though not in the form of a removable mini card like the wifi card.

The karma points might be my only option.  Thanks to all who replied.

Last edited by arch9699 (2015-03-30 14:01:12)