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Resolved Question

Hp 250 G4

Sep 8, 2016 4:22AM PDT

So I was going through some apps even the pdf of Hp it says the pc has a switchable discrete graphics slot, and the app speccy say there a free pcie x4 slot, my question is does this mean I have a free gpu slot to buy a card for?

Discussion is locked

Kauriraris has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
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Clarification Request
Did you look inside?
Sep 8, 2016 9:37AM PDT

It's a quick look and would tell you in an instant.

Best Answer

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There are far too many HP models.
Sep 8, 2016 6:53PM PDT
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Answer
Support website?
Sep 8, 2016 12:05PM PDT

Did you visit and check the specs of your model#? Further, the manual available should point-out where all ports and options available. Their own forum may offer links and/or options available for purchase you need not buy from them such an upgrade. The quick knowledge gained from the support website is worth the visit.

http://www8.hp.com/h20195/v2/GetPDF.aspx/c04570053.pdf

You may need to supply HP your service or S/N# to help pin-point any possible upgrades or options. Quick check offers that an "integrated video" is present. If the laptop is cracked open then a possible GPU socket for the discrete video option is probably empty. If present then that has to be switched to for access and disable the integrated video this is auto-set in probable operation once installed or enabled.

http://www.amd.com/en-us/products/graphics/notebook/r5-m200

tada -----Willy Happy

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im not so sure
Sep 8, 2016 2:35PM PDT

I opened it but I don't know what I'm looking for and where

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Post a picture.
Sep 8, 2016 3:04PM PDT

Here's one of mine on imgur.com

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GPU link
Sep 9, 2016 8:07AM PDT

I provided the AMD link for that GPU, thus a picture at least that's what I saw via the 2ndary link. Either that or an "empty socket" is present. Which is why upon reviewing any info you can narrow down what to look for. HP makes various products and even varies within a model line, thus again the S/N or whatever they request points to what you have. You have the notebook, if no empty socket or slot is present, then review what the wording is offering in specs. I see "switchable" but again it points to certain AMD GPU chip. I can only *assume* that what is optionable is switchable thus buried in the bios or PC setting(if GPU present). Typical video management should have some setting present to review, see that's what they refer to.

tada -----Willy Happy

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2nd addenum of GPU
Sep 9, 2016 8:26AM PDT

After reviewing the service manual, it appears if present then the GPU is cooled by the heat tube which also cools the CPU. They are located under the heat tube assy.. The service manual shows this....I hope this answers your question. Again, you may need to turn-ON or make it's "discrete GPU" presence come usable by probable setting and/or BIOS entry if so done. Below is yet another link explaining what "discrete" is.

http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId=emr_na-c03048374

tada -----Willy Happy

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Service manual for HP-250
Sep 9, 2016 8:15AM PDT

Here is the service manual, better explanations, but of course you have to read the manual. The blow-ups should help. good luck

tada -----Willy Wink

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Didn't find a motherboard layout or picture.
Sep 9, 2016 8:26AM PDT

Besides the model you linked to is a laptop and no mention of MXM so there is no support for a card. MXM is dead. Good riddance as it gave folk false hope.

Post was last edited on September 9, 2016 8:30 AM PDT

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Service manual
Sep 14, 2016 3:46PM PDT

I'm sure a link was provided for the service manual in an earlier post. Upon review, I checked the service manual and "YES" there is a mtrbd. layout on pg. 52. It also shows the presence of the discrete GPU and none when not installed. It all depends on the cpu installed but the service manual is for the HP 250/256 models. Pg. 53 shows the location better as well. It's there provided it was brought as such.

http://www.manualslib.com/manual/983437/Hp-250-G4.html

tada -----WIlly Happy

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I'm not seeing the GPU or MXM.
Sep 14, 2016 3:54PM PDT
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.PDF pages
Sep 16, 2016 8:49AM PDT

You need to refer to the actual .PDF pages within it. The webpage starts from unnumbered pages as title page as #1 as displayed. This dislocates what the actual pg. numbers within the manual itself is listed. In other words, open the .PDF downloaded and then check the printed manual pages. -OR- view further along the displayed HTML images until found. It's there.

Duhhh! -----Willy Happy

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I'd like to have a PDF please.
Sep 16, 2016 11:59AM PDT

The manualslib here didn't show a download link so I used their web viewer and could not find the GPU card in question.

The entire thing is moot. I didn't find any upgrades for this laptop. It was a dalliance by the makers and it didn't work out. MXM died a quick death for simple reasons. And those that tried to find cards often found that the upgrade for the many hundred bucks was like paying for a soda from a vending machine (not a good deal at all.)

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Answer
Hp 250
Sep 8, 2016 6:33PM PDT

'pdf of Hp it says the pc has a switchable discrete graphics slot'
No it doesn't....it says switchable discrete graphics.
Nothing about a slot.

I don't think this is what you think it is to just add a card.
It looks to be a different mobo.
Call HP and ask them.