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    How Much Video Memory Do I Need??!!!

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by jonj1017, Nov 22, 2007.

  1. jonj1017

    jonj1017 Newbie

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    I just bought sling box to stream my US channels to me while I am in Costa Rica. On my current laptop it is extremely choppy as I have integrated video memory. I am buying a new laptop but I am curious as to how much video memory I would need for a smooth clear streaming HD picture? I also watch other videos that stream on the web, dvd's, and play limited games such as madden. If I was to purchase a laptop with a screen size between 13" and 15" what video card should I look for?

    Thanks for the feedback.​
     
    jonj1017, Nov 22, 2007
    #1
  2. vshade

    vshade Notebook Evangelist

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    Are you sure that the choppyness is caused by small video memory and not by your internet connection? What processor do you have? From the site of slingbox they only require that your videocard supports 24bit color.

    For light gaming maybe a 8400m can do, but a 8600 gt is better.
     
    vshade, Nov 22, 2007
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  3. jonj1017

    jonj1017 Newbie

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    It not the processor I have one of the first 64 bit turions. And I have 1 gb of ram so I wouldn't think thats it as I have windows xp media edition. So, is 128 sufficent or should I get 256 to be safe? After that is Raidon or Nvida better?
     
    jonj1017, Nov 22, 2007
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  4. nonya24

    nonya24 Notebook Consultant

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    Nvidia is better, What size videos are you watching (EX: 1152x640).
     
    nonya24, Nov 22, 2007
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  5. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    Check your processor usage via the task manager (right-click taskbar > task manager) while playing the video. I doubt the video card is an issue - even integrated graphics can play videos fine.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Nov 22, 2007
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  6. Nocturnal310

    Nocturnal310 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Even 64 MB of Video memory is fine for video channels....it boilts down to Internet speed or Processor...try disabling 'Post Processing' feature
     
    Nocturnal310, Nov 23, 2007
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  7. someone777

    someone777 Notebook Evangelist

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    even 6mb of ram can play most of the videos fine. the video streaming is effect on mostly the cpu and network speed
     
    someone777, Nov 23, 2007
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  8. usapatriot

    usapatriot Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Slingbox streaming relies mostly on your internet connection more than anything else. And specifically it relies the most on the upload speed at your house where you Slingbox is located, 256kbps Upstream or more is required, faster is recommended.
     
    usapatriot, Nov 23, 2007
    #8