Computer specs to run Vista WELL

You need a computer with at least 1GB of RAM, and make that 2GB if you plan on using it for multimedia or have integrated graphics, which 'borrow' from your RAM as they lack dedicated memory. On a laptop you really can't get away from integrated graphics, but most ATI or nVidia chips are better than the standard Intel GMA graphics...it's usually worth the extra $50 or so. Make sure it supports at least 128MB for video, if not 256MB. (64MB just won't cut it with Vista.)

Aside from that, remember that Aero is not included in Vista Home Basic, so be sure to choose Vista Home Premium or higher when ordering.

Hope this helps,
John

I was planning on the 2gb RAM, that is pretty much what I have heard everywhere.

The only choice on graphics cards th 1521 has is "Integrated ATI Radeon Xpress 1270 with HyperMemoryTM (64MB dedicated local frame buffer)." Will that be good or no? The 1520 (Intel processor) ones have some more choices, but they would end up being a good couple hundred dollars more then.

Also, the three processor choices are:
AMD TurionTM 64 X2 Dual Core Processor TL-64 (2.2GHz,1MB Cache)
AMD TurionTM 64 X2 Dual Core Processor TL-56 (1.8GHz,1MB Cache)
AMD TurionTM 64 X2 Dual Core Processor TL-50 (1.6GHz,512KB Cache)

How much of a difference will I notice between those? I was thinking the middle one, but if I could save $50 and go down to the TL-50 with out problems, that would be nice.

I also read somewhere in the blur of Vista info that one place recommended a hard drive that was at least 7200RPM, but I only remember seeing that one place. That is an option, but it again knocks the price up $50. Will a 5400RPM hard drive be good or is the faster one a good idea?

Thanks!

The Integrated ATI Radeon Xpress 1270 with HyperMemory isn't the greatest, but it should be sufficient for running Vista. Just be aware it won't give you a high Windows Experience Index and multimedia/gaming will be average.

As to the processors, the difference wouldn't be all that noticeable but for $50 it would certainly be nice to double the CPU cache. (The larger the cache the less frequently the CPU must look to the RAM, in turn increasing performance.) If the price isn't much of an issue I'd consider it, but otherwise it's not necessary.

Finally, the hard drive recommendation is very flexible. It would become a larger issue if you were low on RAM and relying heavily on the paging file, but with 2GB that's not a problem. It would decrease the time it takes to open a file or launch a program slightly, but the difference would be negligible. In addition, it would cause the battery to drain faster, decreasing the time between charges. Personally, for a laptop, I'd just keep the 5400rpm model unless you want maximum performance at the expense of uptime.

John

How bad do you think that graphics card will make it? I don't do any gaming, so that isn't an issue. I use GIMP for photo editing and want to do a fair amount of that. Will it be horribly slow? (although anything is better than the computer I'm on now with 256mb RAM!) Or will it just not be the fast thing in the world?

As for the processor I think I'll stick with the second one and go with the cheaper hard drive. I can handle on more expensive thing.

Thanks again!

Dragging a window around may jerk now and then, but for non-gamers and limited video playback it's adequate. You shouldn't have any problems running Aero's glass effects or using GIMP.

John


P.S. If you want to look into it's performance, the 1270 Xpress uses the ATI Radeon X300 core, something you'll find considerably more information on.

I was surfing the forums and this thread popped up at me.

From what I have read, it seems that you are telling this lady that an ATI RADEON 1270 w/64 mb memory would not give a good gaming experience.

Is this still true if you have 256 mb dedicated for graphics? I should say that I have 2 gb RAM.

I hope so since this was the only choice for me when I ordered my Dell Inspirion 1721 yesterday.

Thank you

Laptop graphics are usually not gaming machines for two reasons:
1.) There isn't much room to allow for large quantities of dedicated memory so it must leech off of your system RAM, a process that tends to be slower.
2.) More powerful GPUs require more power and generate more heat, neither of which is an option considering a small, compact enclosure with poor ventilation and limited battery power.

That said, the 256MB of mixed memory will offer a significant boost compared to 64MB, for both Vista's Aero and games. However, when looking at the game's requirements keep in mind you have about the equivalent of an ATI Radeon X300, so while "The Sims" and "Command and Conquer 3" will be handled well "Halo 2" would be pushing it.

John

I am planning to buy the Dell Inspiron 1521 that comes with the ATI Radeon Xpress 1270 graphics card. Hypermemory is UMA+Allocated System Memory? Would you know more information about how Hypermemory this card supports? I looked up the X300 core specifications but I was not able to relate it to this 1270 card. It appears a lot of this can be configured in the BIOS?

-Menta

I meant to ask, do you know how >much< Hypermemory the 1270 supports. Also, my primary concern is ensuring it supports/uses at least 256mb of graphics memory since I do not want to run into performance issues with Vista Business.

A link to the Inspiron 1521 follows.
http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/inspnnb?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

The ATI Xpress 1270 chip was designed to support a maximum of 512MB of memory, but that can be limited by the manufacturer. The amount dedicated towards graphics can be changed in the system BIOS, but to ensure the Inspiron 1521 supports 256MB you'll need to use their live chat option during the purchase process. (Unfortunately they don't provide such details on their website.)

John

Thanks for the information. Useful to know. Given that I have already placed the order, can I change the setting in the BIOS later on? Or am I stuck with whatever I get now?

Please advise. Thanks.

is there a minimum of 256mb or is there a lower configuration? I am concerned because I want to ensure I do not have issues if I install Vista Business or an alternate more graphics intensive o/s later. Thanks.

There's almost always a setting provided in the system BIOS to let you adjust the amount, and I would suspect 128MB and 256MB are two options, with 64MB being a possible third/final, but it's not something Dell publicizes. Thus, the only way to find out would be to ask them or check when it arrives.

Sorry.
John

So i ordered an Hp laptop last week and it is supposed to arrive in a little while, and i am wondering about my graphics card

I bulked it up a fair amount, but i believe the graphics card is not nearly enough for my primary uses of it.

Here are the specs:

---4gb ddr2
---320 sata x5400
---Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
---AMD Athlon(TM) Neo Processor for Ultrathin Notebooks MV-40 (1.6 GHz, 512KB L2 Cache)
Requires ATI Radeon X1250 Graphics
---ATI Radeon(TM) X1250 Graphics w/64MB Display Cache Memory-For MV-40 Processor and Vista Basic

My primary uses will be using word processing, and Microsoft office programs, gaming, and video streaming/viewing.

Is this card a really cr@ppy one? it will cost me a couple hundred to upgrade it, which is a possibility, but considering i have 4gb RAM will i be ok with that, or is it a necessity to upgrade to smoothly do what i want to do...

also the idea of aero is VERY appealing to me, and i am wondering if


ATI Radeon(TM) X1250 Graphics w/64MB Display Cache Memory-For MV-40 Processor and Vista Basic

will make the cut on it

No, that card is not sufficient for Windows Aero, installed games, et cetera. 128MB of memory is one of the minimum requirements. At this date, 64MB is only found on netbooks and otherwise obsolete desktops and laptops.

Sorry.
John

I just purchased a Inspiron 1521 with ATI Radeon Xpress 1270 HyperMemory. I will probably use it for gaming Battlefield 2 and Sims 2. Looking at previous threads, I want to ask if the GPU is defaulted to 64MB memory or not. And if I want to change the setting, how do I access the BIOS to change the setting?

As I mentioned to another member, though I don't remember if it was in this thread or another, Dell doesn't outright say how much memory can be allocated towards the integrated graphic of the Xpress 1270, so I can't comment on a 64MB default setting. To access the system BIOS, however, it's usually F2 that you press during boot, before Windows starts to load. From there you can browse the options using the arrow keys and Enter key and then edit the setting as you see fit.

Hope this helps,
John

The X1270 has a maximum of 256MB sharing and comes as a default setting.
And if you don't want Vista, then XP is still an option but has to be added manually (dell doesnt want to publicise it <********&gt

Hi!
I am about to order a Dell inspiron laptop 1526-101B

Processor Type: AMD Athlon 64 X2

Processor Speed: 2,000 MHz

Processor Configuration: Dual Core

Memory (RAM): 3,000 MB

Hard Drive Capacity (GB): 160 GB

ATI RADEON XPRESS 1270 graphics with HyperMemory and up to 256MB of shared video memory; high-definition 2.0 audio; S-video output

I'll be using it for surfing the internet, editing photos and the most important doing my college projects in architecture designing, I wonder if this graphic card is suitable for me to run my software like "vectorwork" and other 3D software.

thank you so much for your help

Aero will not activate, period. The included games, as well as your own games, videos, et cetera will be slow/choppy. 128MB memory and DirectX 9 (or higher) compatibility is the base requirement, and more than 1GB of RAM is highly recommended. Your choice on brand/make/model.

John

ok i understand that, but will my four gigs of RAM comphensate for the bad card?

Just like being able to remember what you've had for breakfast every day in your life, it doesn't make up for not being able to see what is 20 feet in front of you. If you get a computer with a poor graphics card, you have to suffer the poor graphical performance.

John

waht do you reccomend as the best price worthy option, say i spend 60 dollars on this graphics card.. EVGA 01G-P3-N945-LR GeForce 9400 GT 1GB DDR2 PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card... would that make gaming performence amazing or just a little better?