Is a graphics processor only for vector graphics?

Hi all,

Is a graphics coprocessor only for vector graphics?

I am getting the idea that a graphics coprocessor is only for vector graphics. I am getting this idea since I always hear about graphics coprocessors in relation to games. And in games, of course, there are lots of vector graphics going on.

And so if a graphics coprocessor is only for vector graphics, then if I do image (raster) improvement with Paint Shop Pro or PhotoShop (I tend to do a lot of it as a technical writer) or if do multimedia recordings (also only rasters here, no vectors) then graphics coprocessor is not going to help me at all. Is that correct?

So if I don't do vector graphics then I don't need the extra power that a discreet graphics coprocessor gives you. Right?

So I was thinking of buying the newer, lighter ThinkPad 400s instead of the older, heavier ThinkPad 400. The ThinkPad 400s does not have a discreet graphics coprocessor while the ThinkPad 400 does (the ATI 3-something).

So that's, ok ... right...?

TIA

avi

 

If you're not going to be doing gaming or 3D modeling, then the integrated graphics will suit you just fine.

 

http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/404/kb404898.html
OpenGL/GPU features in Adobe Photoshop CS4 are:

* Smooth Display at ALL Zoom Levels
* Animated Zoom Tool
* Animated Transitions when doing a One Stop Zoom
* Hand Toss Image
* Birdseye View
* Rotate Canvas
* Smooth Display of Non Square Pixel Images
* Pixel Grid
* Move Color Matching to the GPU
* Draw Brush Tip Editing Feedback via GPU
* 3D GPU features include:
o 3D Acceleration
o 3D Axis
o 3D Lights Widget
o Accelerated 3D Interaction via Direct To Screen

GPU features in Bridge CS4 are:

* Preview Panel
* Full-screen preview
* Slideshow
* Review Mode

so if you don't need those get an integrated card

 

To answer the original question:

ABSOLUTELY NOT

When a video game is rendered, there's 2 main steps. First is building a wireframe, and the second is RASTERIZING the image. If a video game were made entirely of vector graphics, it would look like Asteroids, the old arcade game.

What a GPU is really good at is 3D graphics. Being dedicated, it can spend all its processor cycles computing the complex math for all the polygons in a 3D environment, something that a CPU doesn't have the resources to do.

 

The gpu is a complicated beast which has a scope beyond vector graphics. These days, gpu's are becoming responsible for certain types of general purpose processing, flash acceleration, video acceleration, obviously 3g graphics and games, and even some Photoshop features.

Nevertheless, an integrated chip will do the job if you don't need 3d games, pretty much.

 

Isn't just moving the windows around on Windows (and redrawing the contents of windows when they reappear after being covered by some other window?) - isn't that all vector graphics also?

Sounds like just running windows requires vector graphics.

 

Flip3D is vector based, but like everything, it has to be rasterized or it wouldn't be able to be displayed on your monitor.