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    Do I need a better graphics card for mulitmedia use?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by TheWeapon, Mar 7, 2007.

  1. TheWeapon

    TheWeapon Newbie

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    Hi everyone,

    I'm currently looking at 2 notebooks, and deciding which to purchase (between Alienware Sentia and Dell XPS1210). Both will have ~2Ghz T7200/7400, 2Gb ram, vista home premium etc) but the difference is in the graphics cards. Alienware has the GMA 950 Extreme Graphics, whereas the Dell is upgradable to 256Mb Ge Force Go7400 Turbo Cache.

    I intend on using it mainly for simple tasks, not much gaming. But I do want to use it for video chat on Skype etc with my family at home in Australia. Will a graphics card improve the image quality?

    Thanks heaps for your help and comments,

    Jason
     
    TheWeapon, Mar 7, 2007
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  2. slybeans

    slybeans Notebook Consultant

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    It's mainly just for playing games mate.
     
    slybeans, Mar 7, 2007
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  3. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    Although the GPU won't improve the image quality. But a high broadband will have a great effect the smoothness of the video. Also video chatting only uses 2D, not 3D, that is main purpose of the GPU.

    JC
     
    NetBrakr, Mar 7, 2007
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  4. Mystic Image

    Mystic Image Notebook Consultant

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    Well, if you want to use it for any gaming at all, whether now or in the future... stay away from that GMA 950... if you won't do any gaming other than Solitare and Minesweeper, then you're probably fine.

    In addition, if you ever plan to playback HD video (e.g. H.264/HD-DVD/Blu-Ray quality) or high resolution WMV, you'll want to have the 7400 and not the 950.

    You won't see any advantage in Skype or other videoconferencing software, at least currently. That being said, even the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is able to utilize Shader Model 3, so there is some benefit there and a better graphics chip may be useful in the future for even mundane office applications.
     
    Mystic Image, Mar 7, 2007
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  5. TheWeapon

    TheWeapon Newbie

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    Thanks heaps for the advice so far!! You guys are awsome!
     
    TheWeapon, Mar 7, 2007
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  6. Lil Mayz

    Lil Mayz Notebook Deity

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    I'd go with a dedicated GPU. The power consumption levels between a GMA 950 and a 7600 isn't huge, and you'll defintely appreciate the extra graphics power. Having an integrated GPU somewhat limits the programs and games you can run in your laptop, and when your paying $1500 or so, that isn't particularly ideal. If you wan to do 3D modelling or something perhaps, you wouldn't really be able to do it, and you can't get total full advantage of Adobe creative suite programs without a dedicated GPU.

    Also remember that you can't upgrade the GPU is a laptop, so what you buy is what you're stuck with. It's worth paying the $100 extra for the 7600.
     
    Lil Mayz, Mar 7, 2007
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