128MB GeForce 8400M GS w/ 1GB RAM vs Radeon Xpress 1150 256MB Hypermemory w/ 2GB RAM

Basically, as listed in the topic title, I'm torn between two laptops with my current budget: the Vostro 1000 or the Vostro 1500.

With the 1000 I can afford 2GB RAM, but it has the much-maligned integrated Radeon Xpress 1150 Hypermemory (i.e. very poor GPU).

The 1500 boasts a GeForce 8400M GS, which, while low-grade by desktop standards, is considerably better than the Radeon Xpress. However, I can't afford 2GB of RAM on this model, so 1GB would have to do.

In both cases I would be running Vista Home Premium.

Gaming-wise, I wouldn't be trying to run brand new games (obviously). It would mainly be for some light entertainment on holiday, with games like Counter Strike: Source, Civilization IV, Rome: Total War and Age of Empires III.

If anyone could confirm whether the Radeon Xpress 1150 can even run those games, I would be grateful, as then my decision is made for me.

If it can, I need advice for my dilemma: to try to run games with decent graphics but minimal system RAM left for them (since Vista will eat most of those 1024MB before the games can get anywhere near them) or to compromise on graphics but enjoy better performance where more RAM is required for this?

 

8400 without a doubt. You can buy more RAM in the future.

 

Hmm, that's a good point. I have very little experience with notebook upgrading; how easy is it to upgrade RAM oneself, and does it usually have any impact on warranties?

 

RAM is by far the easies upgrade in a notebook, and does not void warranties. In general if you can change the batteries in a remote, you can upgrade RAM.

 

Great, this has helped enormously - thank you both very much for your advice

 

Hehe comparing those two video cards is like comparing a low-end sports car to a souped-up lawnmower.

 

Check out the RAM DEALS thread, you may be able to afford that 2GB RAM upgrade. Get the minimum from Dell and install your own memory aftermarket.

 

No problem.

 

I have 1150, get the 8400, 2X1GB RAM should cost $75 to $80. Until you get the RAM you can shut down some functions on Vista like Aero to get it to run more like Vista Basic which requires less RAM. Once you get it post in the Windows section I am sure much you can do to squek by on 1GB for a while.

 

You should seriously consider getting Windows XP instead of Vista since you have a choice on the Vostro 1500. Vista is bloated, slow, and unreliable in my experience. You are better off getting XP - it is fast, streamlined, and most importantly reliable/stable. It also has better compatibility than Vista.

Remember that the purpose of the operating system is to provide an environment in which you can run your programs. XP does that better than Vista.

 

I would too recommend the 1500 out of those too because you will not be able to update the graphics card but easily be able to upgrade the ram.

HOWEVER, the laptop in my sig (integrated 64mb) is able to play Rome: Total War and Age of Empires 3 on low-med settings with about 16-20 frames at 800/600 so the Radeon Xpress will be able to run them smoothly however you will not be able to enjoy future games (trust me).

Inshort, you will regret integrated although it will work for those two games.