A few questions on external graphics card

[imnottheguy]

Hello,

I've been browsing the web but can't find all of my answers.

I wish to upgrade my laptop by adding an external graphics card (was thinking of a geforce gtx 980), but I then remembered that I have an old laptop with a gtx 860M.

But first of all, what happens when you add an external graphics card? Does the PC use only one or both together? If I add the same graphics card, will I notice an evolution?

 

I am far from being an expert in this domain so sorry if my questions seem dumb.

Is it, in theory possible for me to use my old gtx 860M and add it to my laptop?

 

Here are my specs:

Processor Intel® Core i7-6700HQ CPU @ 2.60GHz

Video Card Intel® HD Graphics 530

Video Card #2 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950M

RAM 8.0 GB

OS Microsoft Windows 10 (build 14393), 64-bit

 

I thank in advance everyone who will try to help me out

 

-imnottheguy

[Sensei]

Did you read this?

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2984716/laptop-computers/how-to-transform-your-laptop-into-a-gaming-powerhouse-with-an-external-graphics-card.html

 

It makes pretty little sense to me.

You have to buy PCI gfx card,

have to buy PCIe adapter (like this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Laptop-Expresscard-34-To-2-PCI-E-Slots-Adapter-Notebook-External-PCI-Express-/222173937192 ), cost more than my desktop motherboard,

have to buy external power supply,

have to buy external LED/LCD monitor with large enough size say 24"+..

Then why bother and not to buy the real desktop.. ?

 

At home, I am using dual-LED 24"+ monitors, with Core i7 quad-core desktop.

Edited September 1, 2016 by Sensei

[imnottheguy]

Did you read this?

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2984716/laptop-computers/how-to-transform-your-laptop-into-a-gaming-powerhouse-with-an-external-graphics-card.html

 

It makes pretty little sense to me.

You have to buy PCI gfx card,

have to buy PCIe adapter (like this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Laptop-Expresscard-34-To-2-PCI-E-Slots-Adapter-Notebook-External-PCI-Express-/222173937192 ), cost more than my desktop motherboard,

have to buy external power supply,

have to buy external LED/LCD monitor with large enough size say 24"+..

Then why bother and not to buy the real desktop.. ?

 

At home, I am using dual-LED 24"+ monitors, with Core i7 quad-core desktop.

 

Hi, thanks for answering!

 

I did indeed read the article, but it didn't help me more.

I already know the price, and since I may be able to get a gtx 860M for free, it's cheaper than a gamer laptop ^^ Just want to know if it's worth it

And I already have a good monitor so really it would not be a problem. Besides I absolutely need a laptop for extra-gaming activities!

 

I'm going to meet with an expert this afternoon and will post again later what infos I gathered if it can help someone else.

 

-imnottheguy

[fiveworlds]

But first of all, what happens when you add an external graphics card? Does the PC use only one or both together? If I add the same graphics card, will I notice an evolution?

 

Both together. Same graphics card will mean that you will not have to install additional drivers which is a plus. Also manufacturer is a thing nvidia support SLI http://www.geforce.com/hardware/technology/sli supported for up to 4 graphics cards of the same make and model. Amd supports crossfire for up to 2 or 4 cards depending on make or model http://support.amd.com/en-us/search/faq/107

 

Edited September 1, 2016 by fiveworlds