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    How important is a discrete video card for me?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by andrewt1187, May 24, 2007.

  1. andrewt1187

    andrewt1187 Notebook Consultant

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    I'm an engineering student, so I'll be running some CAD software. I plan on getting an external TV tuner and may do light video encoding. I play games, but nothing beyond WC3 or CS:S (due to time).

    I hear the new Intel Graphics chip should run those games fine, but will it hurt video encoding or CAD software?
     
    andrewt1187, May 24, 2007
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  2. bob1182006

    bob1182006 Notebook Evangelist

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    I believe video encoding is more cpu than GPU.

    Engineering CAD I think will be ok with a integrated gpu since you would be doing mainly wire-frame displays of things.
    Discrete gpu would be needed if you're doing 3d rendering using Maya, 3dsmax, etc...
     
    bob1182006, May 24, 2007
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  3. andrewt1187

    andrewt1187 Notebook Consultant

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    we just use solid works and auto cad...etc
     
    andrewt1187, May 24, 2007
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  4. Charr

    Charr Notebook Deity

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    You should get at least a low powered dedicated card. I was talking to an engineering student yesterday, and I asked him about his system. His video solution is an overclocked 7950GT (and an E6600), which is a little much, but an indicator that integrated probably won't cut it.

    Both the TV tuner and video encoding are more CPU work than GPU work. Same with programs like photoshop.
     
    Charr, May 24, 2007
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  5. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    AutoCAD really needs to have some type of workstation GPU for it to be guaranteed to work well. Something lower powered (but not integrated) would be needed. Dell Precision notebooks, a few HP business notebooks, and some Levono Thinkpads could provide what you need.
     
    Greg, May 24, 2007
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  6. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    The latest IGPs (Intel X3100 or ATI 1250M) are as good as last year's low end dedicated GPUs.

    You probably don't need a dedicated GPU. This question came up yesterday in the Samsung forum. Read here from post #329 up to post #334.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, May 24, 2007
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