Replacing graphics card on Dell Inspiron 9100

Could someone please advise whether the graphics card on a Dell Inspiron 9100 laptop can be replaced? If so, could you please provide or link instructions to remove the old card and install the new one? I can only get as far as removing the keyboard from the laptop, but there is still a metal plate that covers much of the card, and I can't see how to get it off. I searched all over the Dell site, and there's conflicting info on whether or not this card can really be replaced; some say it's attached to the motherboard and thus cannot be removed. Thanks in advance

 

That's most likely the case. With the vast majority of laptops, the video card is not a replaceable component; it's integrated into the motherboard.

Now, I understand that some new high performance laptop and portable computer manufacturers are coming out with models that enable users to upgrade the video card or video accelerator it came shipped with. If your Dell happens to be such a model, I would think that info can surely be found on Dell's website.

Where did you get the conflicting info, from Dell's forum?

 

Generally speaking, usafveteran is correct, 97% of laptops made do not have interchangeable or upgradeable video. It's built into the motherboard. BUT.... you happen to have one of the few rare exceptions (judging from the research I've done, which wasn't much). The Inspiron 9100 has ATI Radeon graphics. If yours has a Radeon9800 with 256mb of RAM, that's the max and you can't upgrade from there. If you have one of the Radeon 9700's, you can install the Radeon 9800. One model of the 9800 was made, it has 256mb RAM. The Dell description is this:
Radeon 9800 256mb (M18), G5117
Put those search terms into Google and you'll find plenty....

Good luck!

 

Thank you both for the replies. I do have a Radeon 9700 card, sounds like the Inspiron 9100 can have the video card replaced. Have since found instructions on the following page in case anyone else ends up here:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins9100/sm/video.htm#1006368