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General discussion

Integrated graphics cards

Aug 4, 2004 7:52AM PDT

I was just wondering how powerful the Ati radeon IGP 345M is (64mb upto 128mb shared). I know its not great for games but what level of games can it handle? (i mean playable i dont mind about all graphical option turned off and in low res)
i know that other specifications effect laptop speed but assuming that everything else is upto scratch what can it do?

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Re: Integrated graphics cards
Aug 4, 2004 8:07AM PDT

The speed loss isn't just the video speed, but shared memory video also extracts a toll on the CPU as the CPU can't access the system RAM while the video chip is reading it.

You'll find that many games will list a 3D video card. If so, you shouldn't try this on a shared memory video system.

Bob

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Re: Integrated graphics cards
Aug 4, 2004 11:33AM PDT

Just curious: What laptop are you using? I have a ATI Radeon IGP 320M graphics card on my HP Pavilion ze4427wm and it is not good for playing games. Even Need For Speed Hot Pursuit 2 locks up too much. I don't use mine for gaming though. Mine is configured with 64MB Video RAM.

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Re: Integrated graphics cards
Aug 5, 2004 4:11AM PDT

I dont currently have a laptop, i was just wondering the power of that graphics card. I'm looking for a cheap laptop and although i dont need it for gaming i was hoping it would be able to play the odd game if i wanted to. Seems like a dedicated card is the only way to go.

Thanks for the replys

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Re: Integrated graphics cards
Aug 5, 2004 4:19AM PDT

Yes, a dedicated video card is the only way to go if you even think you may want to play games or use other demanding programs (like Photoshop for video editing or Autocad, etc.) in the future.

You cannot upgrade a notebooks video like a desktop -- with a desktop if you have a free expansion slot you can upgrade the video card at any time.

32mb dedicated video is acceptable (and does not take away at all from the system RAM either) but 64mb dedicated video (for about $50-$75 more on custom order notebooks that offer it) is better.

Some newer notebooks with an ATI 9600 or 9700 video card option (like Dell 8600 15.4" widescreen or Acer Ferrari) offer 128mb video dedicated.

But for right now you can get great 15.4" widescreen notebooks from HP/Compaq (X1000/ZT3000), Toshiba (M35 series) or Dell with 64mb and that should be great for you (as likely an occasional user).

I even have only 32mb dedicated as I bought a prebuilt Compaq X1000 (X1360US) but I would get the 64mb now if I had ordered custom for only the $50 more.

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Re: Integrated graphics cards
Aug 14, 2004 3:24AM PDT

the video card can be upgraded if it isn't soldered. most processors arent so i would imagine the video cards(chip) aren't. it's just a matter of buying the chip and making sure you are wearing an anti-static wrist band using a good ground point or you will short out the circuit board. I am still researching this subject because i found that i can't play some games on my laptop. I can't find a place to buy video chips for laptops.

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Re: Integrated graphics cards
Aug 14, 2004 4:10AM PDT

You just answered your own question -- the video cards ARE soldered. In my Compaq X1000 series / HPZT300 series it is possible to upgrade the Pentium M from the older Banias line to the new Dothan line (2x L2 system cache) but the video card is soldered.

Not only is that not for unexperienced people but it would void your warranty. And, you have to stick to a limited option of video cards anyway.

The 64mb ATI dedicated video is only $50 over the 32mb ATI dedicated video on these notebooks so it is a no brainer to order that at the start.

Getting the most dedicated video you can when ordering is the single most important factor in a notebook -- over the cpu (which can be upgraded within the motherboard limitations, hard drive can be upgraded, RAM can be upgraded, etc).

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Re: Integrated graphics cards
Aug 5, 2004 4:54AM PDT

Just a quick question: What laptop were you looking at?

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Re: Integrated graphics cards
Aug 10, 2004 2:08AM PDT

There wasnt one laptop in perticular i was looking at. I think i've looked at so many different types trying to find the best deal, it starting to give me a headache Happy I know now to discount any with a dedicated card which will narrow my search. So thanks for the advice people.

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Re: Integrated graphics cards
Aug 10, 2004 4:24AM PDT

The best deals are out now for the back to school crowd (until September at latest).

Toshiba has 10% custom order discount, HP has college student (6%) discounts and rebates for custom orders (100).

Dell has other offers.

But don't wait to order past September as many offers expire then.

This is the 2nd largest selling time outside of Christmas so that is why the discounts come out now.