I really want to play bf3 but it won't let me brcause my graphics card is outdated. I'm looking into getting a external housed graphics card but I don't exactly what to look for. I'm looking for a good priced card that would allow me to play bf3 to it's fullest and it must be an external GC because updating my lap top is out of the question. Can someone please help me?

External GFX units are usually for extreme rendering.  They are expensive and more then I think you wanna do.

Is your system PCIE compatible?

Yea it is! I am willing to spend up to 500 if needed.

If your willing to spend 500 you can get a very nice internal one and if need be buy a new case cheaper.

GOA.Luke*BK*

i need it for my laptop and i don't think i can upgrade the graphics card on it which is why i am looking for an alternate solution. so do you guys know of any that are out right now and can run BF3 maxed out?

it may be upgradeable (though no manufacture states this) - my old acer 5520 had a dedicated nvidia card in it 8400 128mb that i switched out for an 8600 256mb (there was a 9xxx series availible but i couldnt find it)   The mobile standard is called mxm or mxmII but I dont know who besides gateway and acer adopted this from nvidia