Laptop, Non-Integrated CPU, GPU, Motherboard etc. between $400-900

Evoex

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Hi I'm looking for a laptop that has a Non-Integrated CPU, GPU, Motherboard etc. I'm planning on buying it late this year or somewhere next year for $400-900. Please list links, companies, websites etc. Thank you in advance
 
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Yep. You may sometimes find another board that is "compatible", though that means it's simply a similar design for the same series from the same OEM.

Evoex

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Thanks for your answer but if all laptops have integrated CPU's how do i change it?

 

Evoex

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Thanks Prostar, but can you also find me a non-soldered cpu,gpu laptop?

 
A laptop with a MXM slot in the $400 - $900 price range? No way. $1,500+? Yes.

Best to ask for suggestions when you are ready to buy since new laptops are being introduced due ti the recent release of Intel's Haswell and AMD's Richland CPUs/APUs.
 


You're welcome. :)

As Jaguar said, you're a little more hard pressed with that budget. Closer to $900+ and you may be able to find something.

It's difficult for me to recommend makes to you with PGA and swappable GPUs because many OEMs will use PGA in some systems, and BGA in others - the GPU form factor and connection also vary. Typically, Clevo and MSI tend to use PGA and MXM exclusively. I see Asus lean more towards 'u' and BGA type processors + sockets and proprietary GPU connections. You'll just have to do your research when you find a system that appeals to you. :)
 

Evoex

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Say I did buy a laptop around 700-1000 dollars, would I still be able to switch the gpu or cpu, motherboard?
 
Motherboard? Only with the same one designed for that specific model. There are no standards like Extended ATX, Full ATX or Mini ATX motherboards for desktop PC. The motherboard must conform to the layout of the laptops chassis. Therefore, every laptop top model potentially has a unique motherboard just for itself.

CPU? Generally yes, unless the CPU is soldered into the motherboard. These type of CPUs are known as embeded CPUs and may sometime listed as having a BGA socket; Ball Grid Array. However, the laptop's BIOS must also be able to recognize the CPU otherwise it will probably not boot up. For example, the Lenovo IdeaPad Y510p comes with an Intel i7-4700mq quad core CPU as the only option. The Intel i7-4900mq is the same socket as the i7-4700mq so it can phyiscally fit in a Y510p laptop. However, Lenovo might not even have listed the i7-4900mq in the BIOS.

GPU? Very unlikely. The least expensive laptop that I found which allows you to upgrade the GPU is the Sager NP8250 with a base price of $1,297. Upgradeabe GPUs are in the MXM format. The most recent specs that I am aware of is MXM 3.0 which comes in either Type A (35w TDP) and the larger Type B (75w TDP) cards. Type A MXM cards can fit in MXM slot for Type B MXM cards, but not the other way around. MXM GPUs are rather hard to find since they are generally not sold in the retail market; this can make MXM cards quite difficult and expensive to buy.

http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np8250-clevo-p157sm-p-5839.html?wconfigure=yes
 


Yep. You may sometimes find another board that is "compatible", though that means it's simply a similar design for the same series from the same OEM.
 
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Evoex

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So Prostar does the compatible thing only apply to the motherboard, or is that the same for the cpu, and the gpu. I just want a computer where I can take apart and install another part in or replace one. Say I had a laptop and I liked the shell but the parts were crappy. So would i be able to find a compatible part to install in this laptop?
 
You'll only know for sure by researching the board's specs. Usually, a compatible board for the same series (even if it's a different sku than the original) will have a very similar configuration, including CPU socket and video card slot, if applicable - but I stress usually.


Then go with a desktop. :) If you want something small, go with a small form factor. Even with a PGA socket and MXM slot on a laptop board, you're still limited as to what you can swap.
 

Evoex

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prostar thank you so much for your help but there is one last thing I need to ask you. Say I had a laptop and it's motherboard was fine and it's cpu, gpu was soldered onto the motherboard, would I be able to buy the exact same motherboard w/o the cpu,gpu, and install another cpu, gpu? So say I had a Asus laptop. I just bought, but i also bought another of the exact same mobo without the processor or graphics card. Would I be able to buy another processor or graphics card thats compatible with this MOBO and install it in my computer? And yes I know you need a certain amount of gigahrtz and ram for certain parts but skipping that would i be able to do it
 
Nope, because you won't be able to purchase the board that way. Even "barebones" systems come with the video card, whether it's a MXM form factor or soldered. If you want a board that's upgradeable, your best bet is to find one that has a PGA socket and MXM slot(s) from the get go. Then you have some options. :)

Glad I could help!
 

Evoex

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WHAT?! holy fu** this is confusing, so would a pga socket, MXM slot motherboard have PCIe? Please just help me find an affordable laptop with this spec holy **** this is confusing but im not giving up
 

Evoex

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Prostar Would I be able to desolder the CPU and maybe GPU socket in a computer?

 


If you must ask that, then I'm going to have to say no, haha (technically you could but if this is already complicated for you, you may end up damaging something permanently if you don't know how to solder).

MXM cards run on PCIe lanes, but there is no "PCIe" card like there is for a desktop board. It uses the same bus, just not the same connection interface (that probably just made things more confusing for you).