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    About the graphics card...

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by smartballa4life, Dec 5, 2007.

  1. smartballa4life

    smartballa4life Newbie

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    So, if you are mainly an internet user, a picture/music organizer, and an office software user (rarely play games), then would the Intel GMA X3100 be more than enough for the job, or should I consider getting an upgrade...

    Thanks
     
    smartballa4life, Dec 5, 2007
    #1
  2. nerf

    nerf Notebook Consultant

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    I'm almost positive it would be enough. If it can Half-life 2 at decent settings, I'm pretty sure it would tackle those tasks without breaking a sweat.
     
    nerf, Dec 5, 2007
    #2
  3. crinzema

    crinzema Notebook Evangelist

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    I've heard the x3100 nearly plays half life 2 at its highest settings so it should be adequate for your needs.
     
    crinzema, Dec 5, 2007
    #3
  4. Johnny T

    Johnny T Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You can't upgrade it anyway :p Please read the stickies in the Gaming section :)
     
    Johnny T, Dec 5, 2007
    #4
  5. Clutch66

    Clutch66 Notebook Consultant

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    By "upgrade", i think he means customizing a new notebook.

    Get a dedicated card because once you realize how fun computer gaming is, you'll kick yourself for buying an integrated card.
     
    Clutch66, Dec 5, 2007
    #5
  6. adinu

    adinu I pwn teh n00bs.

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    Not everybody is a gamer, or would enjoy games. If he says he doesn't play games, then there's no point in spending more money on a card that will run hotter, drain his battery faster and not give him any boost in performance for what he does.
     
    adinu, Dec 5, 2007
    #6
  7. Clutch66

    Clutch66 Notebook Consultant

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    Yet...

    Also a dedicated GPU will only noticibly run hotter and rain battery when you're gaming. So if he doesn't game, he won't see a difference.
     
    Clutch66, Dec 5, 2007
    #7
  8. prashanthm

    prashanthm Notebook Consultant

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    X3100 should be fine for your requirements......
     
    prashanthm, Dec 6, 2007
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  9. cooker263

    cooker263 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have the X3100 on my 1520 and it works great. I run a 22" dual monitor setup-last night I was watching a movie in hi-def format with quite a few programs running and all the aero features worked like a charm. Browsing the forums on here I got the impression that I needed a dedicated card because I had that "well, what if I DO play a game someday?" attitude. Personally I'm glad I spent the money elsewhere.
     
    cooker263, Dec 6, 2007
    #9
  10. adinu

    adinu I pwn teh n00bs.

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    That's not entirely true. Even when doing nothing, the dedicated card will require more power and create more heat than an IGP.
     
    adinu, Dec 6, 2007
    #10
  11. moon angel

    moon angel Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    The X3100 should be fine for your usage.
     
    moon angel, Dec 6, 2007
    #11