[vtboyarc]

I have a MacBook with the Intel GMA 950 graphics card, apple recently updated this, is there any way I can, on my own, get the new chip and put it in my mac? How hard would this be?

[tinkered]

You would need to replace whole board including the CPU and GPU. Even if you did that I am not sure the boards are similar enough to be drop in replacements. Either way, here is a link to a place where you could buy one: MacBook Core 2 Duo 2 GHz Santa Rosa Logic Board (661-4576) - iFixit

[MacosNerd]

The GPU is soldered onto the logicboard that houses the CPU and so you'd need to replace the whole board. The cost of such, would probably outweigh the benefits. You're better off selling the MB on ebay and buying a new one if you want the new faster GPU.

[Simon]

In one word: no.

[brassplayersrock²]

in two words: not easily.

[Dork.]

Assuming the two chips are pin-compatible (which is not always the case), You'd need something like this:

(note: I know nothing about these chip packages and don't know whether something this small would do the job...)

Act now: if you go to their website, you can take advantage of their Limited time Offer, and get that model for $5895....

[jokell82]

It'll pay for itself with how much you'll need to use it!

[mduell]

The graphics chip/card is not upgradeable in any Intel Mac except for the Mac Pro (and Xserve... kinda) and the final revision of the white 24" iMac.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by brassplayersrock² 

in two words: not easily.

No, not at all.

The GPUs are soldered, the chipsets are incompatible and even a new MLB (if you were so irrational as to actually go this route) will not work in an old MB (connections).

[OreoCookie]

Even with MacBook Pros, you cannot replace the graphics chipset. There are very few PC notebooks that allow you to change the graphics card, but even then, you'll have problems to change it, because these graphics cards are not readily available for consumers -- and expensive.

[Dork.]

Originally Posted by Simon 

the chipsets are incompatible

Well, there you go. Simon just saved you nearly $6000!

[MacosNerd]

I think if anyone wants a faster processor and/or GPU, the only viable option is to get the next newest model of the MB or MBP. Trying to replace the chips in the computer is a recipe for disaster and won't really buy you anything

[Simon]

Originally Posted by MacosNerd 

Trying to replace the chips in a notebook is a recipe for disaster and won't really buy you anything

Fixinated.