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    D820 / NVS 120 with Vista

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by mickliq, Jan 31, 2007.

  1. mickliq

    mickliq Notebook Enthusiast

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    I recall seeing a post about the NVS120 graphics card under Vista some time ago but can't find it now.

    I just loaded the latest drivers from Dell for the NVS 120 (dated 12/07/2006) but my display properties shows the following:

    Total available graphics memory: 527MB
    Dedicated Video Memory: 256MB
    Shared System Memory: 271MB

    Why does Vista report only 256MB of dedicated VRAM if the card has 512MB of VRAM???
     
  2. SPEEDwithJJ

    SPEEDwithJJ NBR Super Idiot

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    The NVS120 graphics card does indeed only have 256MB of dedicated VRAM & another 256MB max will be added on from system RAM to make it 512MB when needed.
     
  3. mickliq

    mickliq Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am quite sure I ordered the 512mb option with my D820, are you saying that in fact the NVS110 and 120 are the same in terms of dedicated RAM and that the shared RAM on the 120 is the only difference (which in fact would only be a software change!!!)

    That sucks in terms of marketing!

    M
     
  4. SPEEDwithJJ

    SPEEDwithJJ NBR Super Idiot

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    No. The NVS110 has got only 128MB dedicated VRAM & another 128MB max will be added on from system RAM to make it 256MB when needed.

    Summary:

    NVS120 --> 256MB dedicated graphics memory + 256MB shared system memory --> total of 512MB graphics memory

    NVS110 --> 128MB dedicated graphics memory + 128MB shared system memory --> total of 256MB graphics memory
     
  5. mickliq

    mickliq Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for clarifying. That's a shame (re only 256mb dedicated). I guess I didn't have much choice when I bought it (since this was the best graphics card they offered).

    M