Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

Dell XPS One upgrades

Dec 20, 2011 3:11PM PST

can you show me (or explain ) how to change a graphics card (video?)in a dell xps one desktop?
we have always played World of Warcraft on it but now blizzard says game is no longer compatible with intel g33/g31express chipset family...also we just purchased Starwars old republic and that wont play at all...once the game starts it quits...please help us...thanks

Discussion is locked

Autumn has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
- Collapse -
Clarification Request
maybe I am not even asking the right question
Dec 21, 2011 5:39AM PST

you guys are wonderful but perhaps I am looking to replace the wrong thing....when I play World of Warcraft now the screen flickers....Starwars Old Republic will not play at all...I have always played WoW with no issues....the flickering is new since one of their patches....that is when they told me they nolonger sync with Intel G33/G31 chipset...now I thought that was the video or graphics card...are the video /graphics card the same thing?
in my device manager it says
Display adapters - - Intel G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Processors - - Intel Core 2 DuoCPU E 4500 @ 2.20GHZ (it says this twice)
I found this post on-line....
The Dell XPS Ones are based on Intel Mobile chipsets and therefore do not have graphics cards like desktops. They use an expansion interface known as the MXM slot (Mobile PCI-Express Module)*. No retail manufacturer (like ASUS, MSI, or Sapphire) make MXM graphics cards for direct sale to the general public. So, you will be limited to buying a graphics card directly from Dell.
Now, on the graphics options you have available to you for your XPS One, they are:
XPS One 20: ATI Mobility Radeon® HD X2400
XPS One 24: NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT (on XPS One 24 only)**
The HD 2400 is okay. The technology is a few years older, so some of the latest bells and whistles won't be supported. It is a TON better than the integrated graphics you have, but still isn't a full-on, hardcore gaming graphics card.
The nVidia 9600M GT is one of the better mobile graphics cards. This, if you have the 24" XPS One is the one to get. You will see playable frame rates in most newer games, although some settings may have to be at medium levels.
There is a website called http://www.mxm-upgrade.com/ . It is the most comprehensive site about the MXM graphics cards. They even have a store that can help you work on getting a graphics card that should work with your system.
Good luck!
Source(s):
* http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,221...
** http://www.dell.com/content/products/pro...

- Collapse -
Re: screen size
Dec 21, 2011 5:56AM PST

It should be mentioned in the order confirmation and on the bill. And it might be shown if you use service tag on dell.com. And it might be mentioned on a sticker on the device (things like model and model number).

If all fails, get your measuring stick and measure the diagonal of your screen. The difference between 20" and 24" should be measurable.

If you buy the right card and are able to put it into the machine yourself, it should work. If you feel you aren't better have it done by a shop.

Kees

Best Answer

- Collapse -
Dell's link for teardown
Dec 21, 2011 3:57AM PST

Here is Dell's own support on the topic. Click on the video card and allow it to explain. You review what it takes and if "parts" are available, then go for it. However, in most cases for laptop and since this is a video card, it tends to be less friendly, unless you're capable. Finding a video card that \'s a shoe-in is going to be an issue, IMHO. So, that alone stops you, unless you find a kit somewhere.

- Collapse -
???
Dec 21, 2011 5:10AM PST

Thanks Willy but I am not sure I understand...."click on the video card and allow it to explain"...my XPS One is a desktop not a laptop if the matters....

- Collapse -
AIO = all in one
Dec 22, 2011 2:20AM PST

The AIO type of PC, tend to use laptop type components. they are treated as desktops but once you delve into one and as well reviewing what laptops also have, you see the similarities. Just goto the main Dell support link to see the whole XPS one listing and checkout the teardown of the cover alone. You can then see the innards and how it reflects very much like a laptop. Alas, there is also a Dell forum here too at CNET forums, post there as well. Goto Dell support website, enter your service tag# or S/N# and follow prompts, now find the "support documents" for your model#.

- Collapse -
Teardown link
Dec 22, 2011 2:47AM PST
- Collapse -
Thanks Willy !!!!
Dec 22, 2011 6:11AM PST

this looks as if it has everything I needed....thank-you so much for taking the time to help...

- Collapse -
Answer
Re: change graphic card
Dec 20, 2011 4:14PM PST

I)'m afraid that such all-in-one devices, like a laptop, don't have the option to change graphics. So maybe you need to change PC's.

Kees

- Collapse -
thanks but sigh
Dec 21, 2011 5:08AM PST

thanks for all the replys however I need to clarify my XPS one is a desk top not a laptop...I do not know if it matters but I want to be certain...

- Collapse -
Re: Dell XPS one
Dec 21, 2011 5:15AM PST
- Collapse -
thanks
Dec 22, 2011 6:10AM PST

thanks Kee's this link is perfect

- Collapse -
It's too close to what a laptop design is.
Dec 21, 2011 5:15AM PST

The tight integration means that upgrades are very limited.

- Collapse -
Answer
Iffy
Dec 21, 2011 12:07AM PST
- Collapse -
Answer
maybe
Dec 21, 2011 12:53AM PST