Simple graphics card question

I say simple, because it's pretty much a definition that I don't know. I'm a bit new to the whole computer thing.

I'm looking to buy a laptop for college next year, and with discounts and whatnot I think I've pretty much decided on the Dell 1420. The only thing I'm really not sure about is the graphics card - I have the option of the integrated Intel X3100, or the 128MB nVidia 8400M GS for an extra $100.

Can someone help me out and tell me what the difference is? This is probably beyond basic, I know, but I don't want to do the wrong thing. If I'm going to be running Vista Premium on a C2D T7300 (2.0/800/4MB), 2GB RAM, and doing pretty normal school stuff - Word, Powerpoint, web browsing, downloading, maybe some light photo stuff or very light gaming (Diablo II would be about as much as I'd do), watching movies - would I notice any difference between the two? I'm not an engineer, and don't plan on using CAD or anything like that.

Will one be less draining on the battery, or easier on the memory? I'm not afraid to spend the money, I'd just like to know it's worth it.

Thanks for any help, guys.

 

The diffrence is that one is an intergrated card (x3100) and the other is dedicated(8400m gs). the deicated one will alow MUCH better preformance (expect to play games at medium quality 30fps[8400gs] compared to low quality at 20fps[x3100])

If your looking to play the occasional starcraft then the X3100 will be fine and allow for longer battery life as its intergrated and doesnt take up that much power. The 8400GS will allow you to play something a little bit more demanding like Halo (1) at higher settings but will decrease battery life. not sure how much less battery life ur getting with the 8400gs but it would be a good 20 min less probably.

Btw Both are DX10.

 

So if I'm not doing any serious gaming, I'm not going to notice any difference, and the battery life would be longer with the integrated card?

Seems like a no-brainer. Thanks.

 

Correct!


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