The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
most laptops graphics cards cannot be upgraded...also even if the 8600GT is using a 512mb card, it can only utilize up to 256mb of memory because of the 128bit bus
I was just reading that, i have to admit i thought only memory was important. So my new question is, the 8600GT is that actually a pretty decent laptop card? that can run any new game?
Like it's been said before, the m1530 does not use a graphics "card". It uses a chip, a chip that is soldered in to the motherboard so it cannot be replaced/upgraded.
For 15" laptops you wont find anything better than a 8600GT unless you look to the Alienware m15x which can be upgraded from the 256mb 8600GT to the 512mb 8700GT card for an extra $150. Or even a 512mb 8800GTX for an additional $500 if you have lots of money to burn.
The 8600GT will run just about any game out there, though you'll have to tinker with the settings to find an acceptable balance between frame rate and "eye candy" where you're happy with the appearance. That's a totally personal balancing act. Most games over a year old will run with a very high level of detail and effects settings. System-killers like Crysis will need tuning down.
In addition to the Alienware and the XPS Gaming line, the Gateway FX series is throwing some pretty hard-core graphics firepower into laptops these days - and at a really competitive price point.
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