Vostro 1500 -- 8600GT...is it DDR3 or DDR2???

hello,

I am interested in a Vostro 1500 for it's price/performance ratio. I know that it comes w/the 8400GS and 8600GT vid options, but I cannot verify if the unit is currently shipping w/DDR3 memory for the 8600GT card or DDR2.

From what I have read, the 8600GT w/DDR2 is roughly comparable in performance w/the 8400GS w/DDR3, so the upgrade would only be worth it for DDR3 parts, right?

Can anyone confirm this?

BTW, the only game this box would be play would probably be WoW, and I would most likely choose the 1200x800 display unless someone has some comments regarding the higher rez LCDs.

thanks!

 

DDR2, upgrade would be possible if dell made better gpus but unlikly.

I believe teh 8600m GT DDR2 is stronger then a 8400 Gs DDR3

 

^ agree

 

I'm pretty sure the 8600M GT blows away an 8400M GS, regardless of the memory interface. The 8600M GT has a bunch more stream processors and the like, and is more of a mid-end gaming GPU, whereas the 8400M GS is at the lower end of dedicated cards.

 

thanks for the replies!

so is the consensus that the $150 upgrade to the 8600GT--even w/DDR2--is superior to the $75 8400GS option?

Would it matter which screen one gets w/the laptop? im guessing that the display options are 1200x800, 1400x900 and 1600x1024?

 

I play WoW on my Vostro 1400 when I don't have access to my desktop. I have a T9300, 3GB, 8400GS, 1400x900. It is playable with all the settings set to low at native res. If you use multiple add-ons, I suggest the 1400x900 or even the 1680x1050.

If the 8600 was offered I would definitely take it just for the fact its more future proof. But like I said, WoW is a decent experience with the 8400.

 

understood, thanks for the info. The laptop is actually for my mom, who would never play WoW, but for my Dad actually does...though usually on a desktop. I wanted to get a graphics option jic he needed to play WoW from a remote location. Also, from what you stated it seems like the 1200x800 display would be easier on their eyes as well as being able to completely max the settings, correct?

 

Correct, although I don't find the native res for my laptop (1440x900) to be too small. Quite readable actually. Don't forget with a higher resolution you can always scale down but can't do the opposite. If he's a casual player, 1200x800 is fine.