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    Advice sought for Graphic Card

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by theilian, Oct 29, 2007.

  1. theilian

    theilian Newbie

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    I want to buy a notebook to replace my current desktop, but I am not sure whether I should choose Intel GMA 3100 or 128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M.

    I don't play hardcore action-heavy games like Halo, but I'd like to be able to play Sim 2 and strategy games in general. However, I am not a frequent gamer and I have to keep computer on for long time, so heat is an issue.
    If I get a dedicated memory, wil it make the notebook hotter and battery less lasting even if I don't play a game?

    Thank you so much for your help. :)
     
    theilian, Oct 29, 2007
    #1
  2. Harper2.0

    Harper2.0 Back from the dead?

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    yes a dedicated card would lower battery time and produce more heat. you should post in the what notebook I should buy forums. with regards to 3100 vs. 8400 there's a Sony laptop that has both so you can game with the dedicated and use integrated while not gaming. I don't recall what model it was though sorry. hope this helps.
     
    Harper2.0, Oct 29, 2007
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  3. theilian

    theilian Newbie

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    I'm sorry that I posted in the wrong place.
    So if I am going to have notebook on for all day, dedicated card is bad idea as I understand.
     
    theilian, Oct 29, 2007
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  4. ShinAkuma135

    ShinAkuma135 The King of Beasts

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    not necessarily...it depends on other factors as well like rpm of hdd or what brightness of your screen is set. the 8400m gs isn't at all power hungry so i think you should be ok with that. again, i'm not sure of your budget or anything like that but you can find laptops with 9cell/12cell batteries that will allow you a very long time for pretty much anything. the dell xps m1330 has an option for 85Whr 9 cell battery. its under 1500 configured with 8400m so you might want to look at that.
     
    ShinAkuma135, Oct 29, 2007
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  5. theilian

    theilian Newbie

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    I'm leaning to customizing HP dv6500t at costco. I think I'll get T7250 for CPU, 2GB for RAM, 12 cell for battery for about $976. If I add $77, I can get 128MB NVIDIA 8400M GS instead of Intel GMA X3100. I can add few hundred bucks if necessary but my planned budget is $900-$1,100.

    I occassionally play Sims 2 and would like to be able to play new strategy games, but I don't play all that much and I often have to keep computer on (not even on sleep) all day for downloading.
    Thank you about Sony, I'll be looking at that.
     
    theilian, Oct 29, 2007
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  6. narsnail

    narsnail Notebook Prophet

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    get the dedicated card, the x3100 is pretty much useless for even light gaming...the 8400m will be much better
     
    narsnail, Oct 29, 2007
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