Comparing Common Integrated Graphics Chips

Hello, I'm new here, and I'm looking for some advice.
I've searched around the forum here and found some assorted facts, but nothing has been very definitive for me in terms of which integrated graphics solutions perform better than others.
I'm looking to purchase a laptop sometime between Black Friday to after the holidays, and I'm on a pretty tight budget.
Retailers around me like Best Buy, Circuit City, etc., offer a handful of laptops under $800, all of which feature integrated graphics chipsets.

I'd like to know which of the following should produce the best performance with games. And before anybody says anything, YES, I completely understand that any integrated graphics solution is not good for gaming whatsoever. As such, I am not a heavy gamer and I do NOT intend to play games like Crysis or CoD4. But I still would appreciate a few extra FPS on the few games I do play. Anyways, here are the most common IGP's I see at the retailers:

-Nvidia Geforce Go 7150M
-Intel GMA X1300
-ATI Radeon x1200/x1250/x1270

If anyone could rank these, I'd really appreciate it. You guys around here seem to know a lot. Thanks!

Oh, and if anybody knows of a better deal than what retail might offer, within say $800, that would be awesome.

 

Here is the ranking from best on top, to worst on bottom

ATI Radeon x 1270
ATI Radeon x 1250
Intel GMA X3100
ATI Radeon x 1200
nVidia GeForce Go 7150M

If you need more information, check out this site:
All of the cards listed are class 5 graphics cards

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Comparison-of-Grafic-Cards.130.0.html

K-TRON

 

Thanks!

Well I've been to that website before, but it seemed kind of iffy to me as there's a lack of details on all but the x1300 and one of the Radeons. And most of those aren't listed on the benchmarks page either.
But if that really is an accurate ranking, then awesome.

Thank you very much!

 

Go with the Radeon Xpress 1270, even my 1150 can play several games at high settings with good(great) FPS.
But, What is your budget? you may be able to get a Dell Vostro with an 8600M GT.

Anyways hers the games I play:
WarCraft III
Empire Earth 2
Age Of Empires III
I think you've realized I like RTSs'

 

Notebookcheck is an extremely unreliable website, especially in their GPU rankings. I'd say in terms of pure hardware, the list would be:
Intel GMA X3100
ATI xpress x1270/1250
Nvidia Geforce 7150M

With the last two being pretty close, and differences being mostly application dependent. However, due to current driver situations, the x1270 appears to have a pretty strong lead, so I'd probably suggest a laptop with that as the IGP.

 

Is that best to worst, or worst to best?

The GMA X3100 is far and away the most solid IGP Intel has ever made, and afaik, is relatively competitive with the X1250 and X1270, but I'm not sure about th GF 7150M.

 

If you are willing to purchase online, Dell has a few decent laptop offers for around 800 bucks.

Specifically, you've got your Inspiron 1520 for about $850. It comes with an actual graphics card as well (the 8400m, while not very powerful it is superior to any of the integrated sets).

Then you've got your Vostro 1500.

If you do get either of these, try to go for a processor of at least the 7000 range, for instance the 7100 would be great. Also, with either of these you get the 8400m while keeping the price around 800 bucks. If you were willing to shell out an extra 100 dollars, either by downgrading the CPU or...downgrading the CPU, you could get the 8600m GT.

HP also has some decent offerings, I think, but I'm not as well versed in their models and pricing.

Gosh, I feel like a Dell salesman today.

Otherwise, the Intel X3100 or Radeon 1270 is probably your best bet.

 

That sounds great! And my budget is around $800. I've toyed with Dells but I cant seem to get the same value that retail notebooks offer, like a webcam and N-wireless. However if I order a Dell through my mom's work I can get a 10% discount, she says.

And thanks for the info Odin!

 

Yeah, I'm very knowledgable with processors, and everything else, including graphics cards, usually. I realize the 8400m and 8600GT are much better gaming options, but I don't know if I can fit that into an $800 laptop. Just a Core 2 Duo T5250 would probably be plenty for me, though I recognize the T7000 series would be a fair step up. If anyone can get a customized Dell Vostro 1500 or Inspiron 1520 with a discrete graphics card and C2D, let me know... and as I said earlier I can probably get that 10% off. Though, again, the extra features like 802.11n and a webcam push up the cost of the Dell. XD

Thanks for all the input!

 

Only true when you got good hardware on the rest like the CPU and the memory. And sadly, you also need XP as Vista driver has problems. New drivers for both should come in a week or so, but I am not sure how they will run and current situation is more important.

The 7150M isn't really much faster than the AMD 690G. I think 690G is still the performance leader, afaik.

 

I'm assuming what you mean by 690G is the 1250/1270 IGPs, if so, then that agrees with what everyone else is saying, which is great.

So I just customized a Vostro 1500 at about $800 with 2GB RAM and Wireless-N. Though there is a tradeoff here. I can get the T7100 with the 8400mGS, or the T5270 with the 8600mGT for about the same price, the latter I could probably fit a webcam in too

Suggestions on those two choices?

 

That was in order of descending power (best to worst).

Currently you can get a Vostro 1500 with a T5470, 2GB RAM, 160GB 5400RPM HDD, 128mb 8400M-GS, Wireless-N, 2.0mp webcam for $802. That sounds like a great deal for you, no?

Yup, though that's true to a large extent for all IGP's.

 

I'd get a Vostro it can be configered @ 1400 then you add a -$400 coupon then -10% that comes out at $900 for a way better system

 

Sorry, didn't see this when I posted before.

For newer games, the latter choice is absolutely the better option. What kind of games will you be playing, and do you have intentions of keeping up with any upcoming games as they're released?

 

What $400 coupon? The only $400 coupons right now are for Inspirons aren't they?

 

Well, as I said before, I didn't really expect to be able to play newer games like Bioshock, COD4, Crysis, etc. But now it seems possible to get that 8600m GT... you say that latter combination is better, would it be able to play those games at a decent framerate on Low graphics?

And while I am an avid but budgeted gamer, it would be nice to keep up with upcoming games but on this budget and the non-upgradeability of laptops, I doubt its possible to an extent, so I'm not too worried about it.

And Thomas, even $900 is probably too far out of range :/

 

Okay, from what I'm hearing, you should definitely go for the 8600M-GT. It's an unbeatable card for a gamer on a budget. The processor will likely limit you to low-medium settings in new games at native resolution, but you'll definitely get decent framerates on all the games you've listed, and likely if you go to low graphics you can play all future games for a couple of years.

 

That sounds incredible man, thank you so much! I don't expect to play at native resolution either, I never have on any of my computers for any game, ever. Though, if I can, might as well take it for a spin.

I'll definitely look into this purchase and let everybody know what I decided. Hell, I might wait a little longer and shell out extra for the t7100

I'll probably need help with drivers and such when I finally get the laptop, but that will be at least a few weeks away.

Thanks everyone who replied, I really appreciate it! And if there's anything else you think I should know I'd be glad to hear it :}

 

Don't you mean from best to worst? That would be what descending power would be.

 

Sorry, I'm used to reading lists from the bottom up right now. Yes, from top to bottom it's best to worst.

 

This config works out to 799 before tax + you get a $100 gift card from Dell.
Make sure you include this coupon ZD6CDQC3$?QQ3$ for systems over $949.
If you system is valued at $999 and above before tax, you get the $100 gift card, if 749-998, you get the $50 gift card.


Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7250 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic Edition
Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
Size: 120GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
CD writer / DVD player (Combo Drive)
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini-Card
No Webcam Option
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
High Definition Audio 2.0

Ram is much cheaper if you buy and install it yourself.
Corsair 1 GB ram @ 24.99, with $10 rebate that's 14.99. Buy a pair for just $29.98.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145012

 

Eh, thanks, but I prefer 2GB of RAM, Vista Premum, a DVD Burner, and Wireless-N.

<-- Budget shopper my ass, haha

 

I'd still consider the 8600m GT. It's "only" $100 more and gives a significant 3D gaming graphics boost.

 

GMA X3000/X3100 is more sensitive though. This is a combination of running hardware/software mode+Intel optimization for specific CPUs(I think there might be one on the 4MB cache variants like E6600+).

Performance wise X3100 is roughly equal to 690G, but feature wise 690G is better.

(690G is specifically X1250, X1270 is a one with local frame buffer says wikipedia)

 

Let's see, toss in Vista premium for another 30 dollars, 40 for the DVD burner.
Why would you need Wireless-N? Unless you have a wireless N capable network, it would be rather pointless.

My point is, play around with the configs.

And you can get 2 x 1GB sticks of ram cheap at newegg.

There's a current offer for Corsair ram at 24.99 with a mail in rebate of $10. 2 x 1 gb of those sticks works out to 29.98. That's a very decent price.

 

Well, I'm looking for this laptop to last me at least a few years, even if the gaming performance doesn't last that long. I realize that 802.11n isn't even ratified yet and won't be until at least 2009, but I'd like to be ready for future wi-fi speeds and specs... and my family is probably going to get an N router when we upgrade to FiOS. But eh, I'll take it off if I need to.

As for the RAM, as soon as I go in to customize my 1500, it already has 2 GB of RAM, and I can't knock it down to 1 GB. I would if I could, because I realize RAM is cheaper at retail.

Ah well, I'll keep toying with it.

Does Dell ever drop the prices on these laptops further than what they are? I mean, it always says something like "$400 instant savings!", but that's crock because they're always on sale at that level. But do they fluctuate even further at different times of year?

 

Why don't you take an Acer Gemstone with 8600gt for 800$ ??? i heard only positive reviews of that laptop

 

Where can you find one of those?

 

If they are available in my country(italy) i think that you can find them everywhere i saw an acer gemstone 5920g t7300 2gb ram 8600gt for 850 euros... i was wrong with the change when i tell you the price in dollars...
So in dollars its 1200$ is it possible ???

 

I don't think the 5920g has ever been less than $1000 in the U.S., and it sounds like that's too expensive for you.

As for the Dell's, yes, the prices do fluctuate, but not as much on the Vostros. They're at a pretty good price currently, so just buy it when you need to.

 

if ever do get the ATI X1270, its pretty common and probably the best intergrated igp out there right now, installing half life 2 the default settings were high with no hiccups, around 30-32fps..

Any IGP is better than INtel anyday. the X1300 Intel has no gaming capabilities, and is basically just to keep windows vista running.

i saw anNvidia Geforce Go 7150M play Company of heros but it wasnt as decent, but it was pretty alright compared to Intel

the x1300, cannot play more recent games, maybe pre 2004 games would work. kept crashing on lowest setting C&C 3

 

Thanks again odin, and lokster... I think I'll stick with the Vostro for now.

Though I just found this laptop at Best Buy for $800 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8539281&type=product&id=1188558585999

AMD Athlon X2 TL-58
2GB RAM
ATI Radeon x1270
DVD Burner, 250GB, Wireless-N

And the Vostro customized with a 8600M GT, Wireless-G, DVD Burner, and 160GB is:
$777 with just C2D T5270
$75 more for T5470, $130 more for the T7100.
These prices are before my 10% discount.

So this throws a wedge in here... an AMD processor. So now I have two questions. First, would the T5470 be worth the extra $75? Second, how does that AMD TL-58 (1.9Ghz), rank with the C2D's?

Thanks yet again

 

I would customize everything else that you need first, and then simply choose the highest processor that's within your budget. You'll definitely see performance increases going from the T5270 to the T5470 to the T7100, probably around 5-10% each step in modern games.

As for the AMD, it's roughly equal to a T7100 or T7250 in terms of gaming. However, of course with ANY processor the Dell will crush the Gateway in games because of the graphics card difference. If you did decide you really need the processing power (for some reason), a better option would be to go with a Dell with a lower graphics card (8400M-GS) and put the extra money towards a T7100 or T7250.

 

Okay, great info. If it's only a 5-10% step up to the T7100 from the T5470, I think I'll just stick with the latter. I probably won't even consider the Gateway now, because it would be horribly cost-inefficient compared to the 5470 coupled with the 8600mGT, or even with the 8400mGS.

So now for me it's really just a personal choice I guess, if I want to sacrifice gaming power down to the 8400 to save $100, or go the extra leg for a huge step up. Sigh. Well, thanks for the awesome info odin, you've been a great help.

Decisions, decisions.

 

actually CPU speeds have come so far these day it practically doesnt matter, no one runs and does enough to really max out the CPU and notice a slow down.

5-10% isnt very noticable imo. the most important gaming factor now is the GPU. if ur really into gaming and want to play the latest u could shell out an extra 100usd but if not really, then the ati 1270 is the most recommended IGP for you

heres a list of what i can play medium to max

GTA san andreas
Warhammer40k
Halo 2
Half life 2
NFS MW
Company of heros
Fear - minimum settings

maybe u should wait for black friday to get the better of the best deals around

 

You know lokster, your laptop is basically the same thing I found on Best Buy, except with a 14.1" screen. While I'd probably be satisfied playing games of that level, the discrete graphics are very tempting.
I've narrowed myself down to three options:
1. Entry-level with great features but little Gaming power- $700-800 (Retail)
2. Low-level Gamer with average features, avg processor - $650 (Vostro/8400mGS)
3. Midrange Gamer with average features, above-avg processor- $750 (Vostro/8600mGT)

Comments?

 

The first option is clearly the least cost effective, unless one of the additional features is something you really need, or could see yourself using alot. The second option is a great one for the casual gamer, and the third option is pretty much the absolutely best price/performance ratio available at this time. Since it sounds like you're interested in gaming, I'd go for number 3 so as not to limit yourself in the future (if you see a new title that you would love to be able to play, for example).

 

Sounds good. I'll weigh the variables :]

 

its totally up to you mate odin basically broke it down.

i picked entry level with great features and entry level graphics, coz my job is designer by nature and i needed portability, i wanted to go for the 12'' but i didnt want to limit my gaming

clearly ur interested in maxizing gaming for the best value, try to recall what are ur primary reasons for getting the laptop then, ur secondary reasons then your choice will be the right one =)

good luck

 

Haha, my primary reason to get the laptop was to have a laptop, a computer I can move. Not move long distances often, but move around the house and to other houses, hotspots, etc., to quieter places (hectic house). Secondary reason is gaming. Half of my computer use is web browsing, half gaming, but I need my own PC because I have a huge pet peeve with other people messing things up and getting in my way.

Update on my decisions, I'm probably going to save $30 and stick with Vista Basic or XP Home, the extra 'features' seem unnecessary, and inefficient for resources. Also, I'm debating whether or not to shell out for a nice warranty, and for how long. Hmmm...

Sorry if this thread is no longer pertaining to it's title :/

 

lol well it was a nice discussion vista basic sucks. if ur gona get vista basic ur better off with xp pro. the least u can go for a vista experience is home premium, which has the aero effect and is nice to look at once in a while, eye candy counts since ur gona be spending lots of time on it.

as for the processors AMD or intel it really wont matter, the speeds of today should take care of everything and anything

 

Well, actually, even if I had Vista Premium, I would probably turn off Aero and any of the other "features" that I don't need, to conserve resources. I'd probably even drop it down to the Windows Classic interface. Which, at that point, is probably little more than a slow version of XP. And XP Pro costs an extra $100 on a Dell Vostro, while Premium is only an extra $30. So why would I choose XP Pro and not Home?
And are the processors in the Dell, like the T5270/T5470, overclockable at all? And if so, would it be smart to? I'm thinking it might be smarter to not spend $75 for an increased 0.2Ghz clock speed and instead maybe just overclock it to that level.

 

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7250 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition
High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1680x1050)
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
Size: 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Dell Wireless 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
High Definition Audio 2.0
This worked out to 939 if you're willing to shell out.
It also comes with a $150.00 gift card and free shipping.

 

While that's a great deal I really don't have the money to spend on it. But is that a Vostro? If so, how did you get just 1GB of RAM on there?

 

Nah, Inspiron.
Vostro -1136
The only difference in the configurations would be the 1 gig of ram, and the sound card. Which might be actually be the same.

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7250 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
15.4 in Wide Screen SXGA+LCD Display w/TrueLife™
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 DIMM
160GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
8X CD/DVD Burner w/ double-layer DVD+R write capability
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8600M GT
Dell Exclusive MediaDirect™ Instant Play Software Application
Dell Wireless 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate), Vista
Integrated 2.0 mega pixel Web Camera

 

Yeah...that's a bit high.
Um, it was said earlier that the T5270 with the 8600 GT would produce better results than the T7100 with the 8400 GS, but what about the T5270 with the 8400 GS??
Does anybody what settings recent games would probably have to be on to get 30fps on that kind of setup?

 

The T5270 with an 8400M-GS would really struggle on the latest games. You'd be looking at probably 800x600 and low-medium settings on newer games like Crysis and Bioshock for consistent 30fps.

I'd also like to say that XP Home is a much better choice than Vista Basic.

 

Depends on configuration and OS. On XP with the E6600+2GB DDR2-800, I get similar frames that you are reporting on HL2. And I don't crash on C&C 3 lowest settings, or any settings, it gets around 30 fps at low.

On this review: http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3072&p=14

I tested Supreme Commander on the same settings as the review. I got 8.36 fps, which is faster than the 7.82 on the review with the X1250. After adjusting for different system spec, it's probably on par.

Here's what JarredWalton from Anandtech said on the comments section: "

I'll spoil the results a bit and say that under XP, GMA X3100 appears to best X1250 across the board. Shockingly (pardon the pun), it even runs Bioshock - okay, so it's at about 20FPS at 800x600 (minimum detail), but at least that proves it's mostly drivers under Vista keeping it from running the latest titles. I should have the final article done next week, showing X3100 XP results. Still, for $80 more you can get HD 2300 which remains about 2-3 times as fast, or 8400 GS which is also around 2-3 times as fast."

 

Yup, as IntelUser points out, the x3100 is by far the most powerful IGP ever made in terms of hardware. Given enough memory bandwith and enough CPU power, it will easily best the 7150M or the x1270 in almost any game or benchmark, as long as the driver support is there. Which, unfortunately, it's just not at this point in time.

 

I wouldn't say its the most powerful IGP. It's about equal. The differences in performance between 3 IGP isn't too much. It sure scales well with system, better than the other IGPs. I don't believe the drivers will bring more than 10-20% either.