Grim graphics card on my Acer Aspire 5050

[Wilmslow]

Everything else about this lappie is crackng. Graphics card is really dodgy for graphics.

Thinking about upgrading the graphics card (fine for me, but embarrasisng when doing a Powerpoint Presentation on a large screen, all blotchy and pixelated!!)

Any idea if this is upgradeable, how easy it is to do, and how to go about it, before I go to PC World?

[Jaws]

Is it possible you have the VGA output set at the wrong resolution? When you're talking large screen, is that LCD or projector? I think it'd be pretty rare these days for a graphics card not being able to run powerpoint presentations.

[Sockpuppet]

I'd hazard a guess that its onboard graphics as part of the mobo so no.

Are you sure there is not another problem which sounds like there could be. Power point is not *that* resource hungry.

Tried updated drivers etc? All updates from Windows update?

[El_Diablo]

Ello Wilmslow, I'd have to agree with Sock.

Looks like that laptop uses the ATI Radeon Xpress 1100 integrated graphics (64-256mb shared memory) - So it's an on board chip.

I've never encountered PPT having the problems you mention.

Sounds like it could be something else, if you haven't already done so update to all the latest drivers etc.

If you're hooked up to a larger screen to do presentations, it could be that screen or even some kind of cable problem that might be causing it.

HTH

[DiscoStu]

If it looks all crappy then it may be that you need to set your laptop to the native resolution of the projector once you've connected it.

And you won't be able to upgrade your video card, sorry!

[Weltchy]

It is possible to upgrade the onboard graphics, but would require another gpu and most probably a soldering iron, solder and a good knowledge of motherboard design. However, for the bargain price of £1000 (Inc VAT), I would gladly upgrade your notebook to the next model up

[Wilmslow]

Sigh.... Looks like Fleabay, then upgrade time.

Ho-hum.

[Ardesco]

Most notebook GFX cards slot in, as does the CPU and Memory. Just make sure you buy the right one...

[DiscoStu]

Most notebook GFX cards slot in, as does the CPU and Memory. Just make sure you buy the right one...

Sadly that's the exception rather than the rule (except for memory), it'd be nice if more manufacturers designed notebooks to be upgradeable...

[Ardesco]

Hmm, I must have been lucky then, not pulled one apart that doesn't have sltos yet.

I guess the morale of the story is open it up and see if it slides out before you look at buying a new one.