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    Difference Between MB and MBP Graphics?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by ItsDaKronic, Jan 24, 2008.

  1. ItsDaKronic

    ItsDaKronic Notebook Consultant

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    What is the difference between the Macbook's (Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory)
    and Macbook Pro's
    (NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 128MB SDRAM)?

    Is the Macbook better because it has 16 mb more graphics ram or whatever?

    I'm confused.

    What is the point of buying a Macbook Pro at this time if you can get the same specs at a wayyyy cheaper price like for example the Macbook's specs.
     
    ItsDaKronic, Jan 24, 2008
    #1
  2. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    Absolutely not! :p

    The MacBook Pro's graphics is much more powerful than the MacBook's. The MacBook uses integrated graphics cards, while the MacBook Pro has dedicated graphics cards which are much more powerful. Video RAM is not that important, the processing is more important and the MBP is far more powerful.
     
    Sam, Jan 24, 2008
    #2
  3. Arquis

    Arquis Kojima Worshiper

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    On top of that, the X3100 is actually using your system RAM as video RAM, which is much slower than a dedicated card using its own, closed off, video RAM.
     
    Arquis, Jan 24, 2008
    #3
  4. ItsDaKronic

    ItsDaKronic Notebook Consultant

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    Oh ok. Thanx for clearing that up.
     
    ItsDaKronic, Jan 24, 2008
    #4
  5. Xander

    Xander Paranoid Android

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    Xander, Jan 25, 2008
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  6. marxs

    marxs Notebook Enthusiast

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    dedicated GPU means you'll be getting more to boot for graphic intense applications.
     
    marxs, Jan 25, 2008
    #6
  7. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    its not a small difference either (as far as graphics power)

    the x3100 will be able to run some modern games, hit or miss. it does OK with half life 2, but not well with the newest games (hl2ep2, tf2, portal)

    afaik, it cant run crysis (at more than 1 or 2 fps) nor gears of war. doubtful that it will run ut3, but maybe...

    the 8600m gt can run any game out, mostly at the highest settings as well.
     
    masterchef341, Jan 25, 2008
    #7
  8. ItsDaKronic

    ItsDaKronic Notebook Consultant

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    I never play games on computers so I really dont need graphics but I do watch alot of movies. I just wanted to know what the diff between 'em was.

    By the way Thanx for the link Xander.
     
    ItsDaKronic, Jan 25, 2008
    #8
  9. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    Well, the MacBook can handle movies fine, that's for sure. The MBP isn't needed for movies, unless you want the larger and brighter screen and higher resolution. Otherwise the MacBook does the job fine as well.
     
    Sam, Jan 25, 2008
    #9
  10. wc2810

    wc2810 Notebook Consultant

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    The X3100 is a very capable integrated graphics card, relatively speaking. It's more than enough power for movies and similar activities.
     
    wc2810, Jan 26, 2008
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  11. Stunner

    Stunner Notebook Deity

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    Go to an apple store and check em out before you set on your decision :).
     
    Stunner, Jan 26, 2008
    #11