Halo 1 & 2 for PC
This topic has moved here: Subject: Can you instal PCI cards in a laptop?
  • Subject: Can you instal PCI cards in a laptop?
Subject: Can you instal PCI cards in a laptop?
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I wanted to get a capture card and I noticed that for the card I wanted to get, the PCI card version costs $15 less than the USB version (over $40, yes thats alot). Well, I understand WHY it costs less, but I was wondering if its possible to install PCI cards in laptops like you could in ordinary desktops.
It probably voids your warranty, doesn't it.

  • 06.01.2005 5:25 PM PDT
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no you cant.

  • 06.01.2005 6:45 PM PDT
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i dont think you can

  • 06.01.2005 6:47 PM PDT
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Nope, it's a physical impossibility. There aren't PCI and AGP slot per-say on a laptop - they have special slots with room for video cards, hdd's, etc.

I'd go with the USB - ubt only if you have USB 2.0. If you have old 1.1, then it's a joke to try and do video capture, as it'd be about 3 frames per second.

  • 06.01.2005 7:30 PM PDT

"Is there a clown behind me again?"

Check to see if you laptop has an optional docking station (not a port replicator). If it does, chances are it will also have a PCI port in the station that you can install a video card into. I've done this with IBM laptops before to allow for dual monitors.

~Lex

  • 06.02.2005 8:55 AM PDT
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Thank you sexy legs, I knew I could count on you in this forum. But I have another question. Aren't there external PCI slots on laptops? Isn't that where you put wireless network cards?

  • 06.02.2005 12:03 PM PDT
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I don't think those use PCI slots.

  • 06.02.2005 12:33 PM PDT
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PCI slots are definitely not in a laptop. there is however, another slot similar to PCI, where wireless network adapers are usually put. Try finding whatever you're looking for in that slot type. I believe it's called just a PC slot.

[Edited on 6/2/2005]

  • 06.02.2005 3:42 PM PDT
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Posted by: Chewy Gumball
I don't think those use PCI slots.


Yeah they use those special slots, don't know what they are called but they aren't PCI. My wireless card came installed internally. You can remove it like a card but it isn't PCI. I think it was a special proprietary standard.

  • 06.02.2005 4:42 PM PDT
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Mentioned before, but theyre right. Its not PCI.

Oh, and most laptops are not designed for you to take apart, mainly to make all components slightly more resistant against abuse. If its pretty much fixed into your computer, it wont break as easily as something you could open up and take out. Laptops are meant to be portable, after all.

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  • 06.02.2005 5:38 PM PDT
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They're called PCMCIA slots and they are totally different from PCI. Although some sound cards have recently been PCMCIA-compatible. Laptops also have some internal slots that are really not for interchanging cards. The manufacturers have them built in so they can easily upgrade the computer at the time of purchase.

This, gentlemen is why most gaming is done on desktops - upgradability.

  • 06.02.2005 8:15 PM PDT