UPDATED - The Mobile Graphics Card Info Page - Most GPU Qs answered

thanks for the tip but over 15.4'' is out of the question, i'm looking for best possible graphics performance whilst staying within a reasonable screen size/weight.

 

@Spartan:
Is not a lot, check this guy's thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=209066

From the games he reviewed I can say that on COD4, C&C3, Crysis and WiC I get minus 1-2 fps from his minimum values (no changes in maximum). On Oblivion I get the same range, where the grass level dictates the minimum value.

My system specs:
Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz, 2MB L2 cache
2GB RAM
8600m-GT DDR2


I hope this can help.

 

If you want a powerful (and reasonably priced) 15.4" gaming solution, only get the 8600M GT GDDR3/Quadro FX 570m.

 

I'm getting my S96J repaired... while dealing with trying to get it RMA'd and the problems it has had, I was _seriously_ tempted to buy a new laptop. But... I knew that the S96J still meets all my needs, and I wasn't really certain about just how the nvidia 8400 or 8600 series video cards really compare to my ATI X1600.

Are they really that much better?
Krista

 

moved you to the graphics forum b/c you will probably get better answers here.

 

That depends on what you plan to use the new video card for.

Do you play intense graphical games?

Do you just want it for basic windows performance?
Video editing, raw video decoding?

 

Mostly I play WoW, but I'm a web developer so there's some photoshop, flash, that sort of thing.

I did a search and found another thread that says that the X1600 outperforms at least the 8400's, something about 128bit vs 64...

Krista

 

if all you do is play wow.. then I think the X1600 is still a great choice for you.

A new video card wont help you with photoshop, only raw video decoding, so really, I think what you have now is great for what you do.

 

Hello Chaz and all:
I just joined your Forum and I am not new to the realm.

1) Having read a few threads, I was wondering if there was a reason why the NVIDIA 8800M GTS (emphasis on S not X) was left out of the two lineups that I read. Excluding SLI's and duals, I am assuming that the NVIDIA 8800M GTS is today's (2/3/2008) 2nd best GPU or VPU in general - therefore would lineup just before its 8800M GTX cousin. Would you say that is its place in the Lineup?

2) Is a Best GPU meant for high-end gaming necessarily the best GPU for High-End Video Editing?

3) Conversely, is a Best GPU meant for High-End Video Editing necessarily the best for high-end gaming?

4) For High-End Video Editing purposes and excluding gaming, how would you compare the 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2600 XT to the 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTS?

4) Today (2/3/2008) - What would all-in-all be considered the BEST performing Notebook for High-End Video and Sound editing? Considering the following system and I do not see anything that tops it: a full-blown HP HDX with Processor: Intel Core 2 Extreme X7900 (2.8GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB); Display: 20.1 WUXGA High-Definition HP Ultra BrightView Widescreen (1920x1200) True HD; OS: Windows Vista Ultimate; Memory: 4GB DDR2; GPU: 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTS; Networking: Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN w/Bluetooth; Hard Drive: Dual 7200RPM SATA; HD Optical Drive: Writable HD DVD-R w/SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Dual Layer; TUNER: Integrated HDTV Tuner w/Remote; Sound: Integrated 4 Altec Lansing speakers and HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer

Notebook Check related Posting:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-8800M-GTS.6934.0.html

5) Do you consider NotebookCheck.com a good source?

 

1. I haven't seen a good benchmark for the 8800m GTS, but it would fall right about there.

2. Video editing is much more dependent on the processor. Any mid-range GPU will be more than enough for video editing.

 

1) Thanks for reminding me about the 8800M-GTS. It has 64 stream processors and is a very strong card, I'll place it above the 8700M-GT SLI setup unless someone can prove that the 8700M-GT SLI setup is better (3DMark doesn't count).

2 - 4) Lithus answered them for you.

5) I don't frequent the site but I recommend relying on information here. Notebookcheck is known to be inaccurate according to members here.

 

For casual gaming, the 8600m GT GDDR3 card is plenty fine.

 

casual as in pogo.com? those cards aren't made for 'casual' games. what kind of games do you play? are you planning on carrying your notebook to class? you may want to invest in something more portable for grad school. anyways just because you don't watch movies often doesn't mean it's not worth having a big screen HDTV at home. you shouldn't consider the frequency of gaming but instead think about what kind of performance you want out of your machine along with your budget.

 

exactly, what games do you play and at what settings?

 

8600/HD2600 series cards should be suitable.

 

Any of the cards stated will run the software listed ok, but you also stipulated you want the laptop to last for 4 years.

In that case, maybe the 8800. Look at the very best 4 year old laptops today and how well they run current "casual" software you listed. Requirements change a lot over 4 years.

 

I wouldn't go with the np2090 because the 8600m in the notebook is only the ddr2 version. The np5793 is going to be pushing your budget. The p-6831fx is currently more than I would have bought it for. So I think as of right now your best bet is to #1 wait for the p-6831fx's price to come back down in the next few weeks. I really wouldn't expect a laptop to last for 4 years. Function yes, game able probably not. Thats the main reason I went with the P-6831fx, my 2k$ budget worked out just fine with the sale price, because now in about a year or two I can use those funds to upgrade to something better and for probably the same price.

 

Well, a 8600M GT should be good for now. But if you wan't it to last for 4 years maybe should think about something a little better. Things move very fast in the world of games and before you know it you $600 GPU can only run things at medium settings and medium res.
Usually I splurge on my GPU so i know it will last me awhile. I managed to stretch my 6800 Ultra for a long while before I bought a 8800GTX.

 

As a rough guide, look at threads concerning the 8600M GT. Whatever games run on that will run somewhat better with an 8700M GT. Some like to think of the 8700M GT as an overclocked 8600M GT.

 

It's like the desktop 8600GT.

Laptop speaking, yes it's a good card. However, you can get some laptops with a 8800M GTS for about $100-200 more.

 

How I wish that the 8700 or 8800 was an option for the 1520/1500....

 

The 8700GT is a very good card, but don't expect it to run the absolute latest games perfectly. Recent games it will breeze thru, and the newest releases will still give you playable rates and eye candy.

 

8700M GT is good. But can't help feel its a 8600M GT with a brutal OC.

 

That can be even more brutally overclocked than it is. I had these in SLI for a week and they performed great, that in SLI of course

 

6 months after buying my 8700m... I am still smiling.

It is a massively overclockable, overvoltaged 8600m... in other words, almost a full Desktop 8600GTS.

The secret to happiness with the 8700m is to keep the resolution below (or around) 1280x1024. (1440x900 widescreen)
Above that, performance starts to taper off as the 128-bit memory bus starts to suffocate the card.

If you are purchasing today, at least compare the 8800m GTS.
It will give better performance at higher resolutions and cost a bit more.

That being said, with a little tweaking the 8700m is still a very capable GPU.

One thing that has not been mentioned... recent driver updates have helped the 8700 a great deal.

 

Hi.

I have a question about 8600m GT GDDR2 compared to GDDR3

Does the GDDR3 version run faster, more powefull than the GDDR2 version by default or are we talking about overclocking here.

thanks

John.

 

Hello, i've practically been living on these boards the last 2 weeks and i must say this is a great forum with loads of people who know what they're talking about. I know the question i'm going to ask has been asked a million times before but since the 8800mgtx has been out for a little while now maybe there are some new insights. I'm wondering if there have been any cases where people have upgraded their 8700mgt to a 8800mgtx. Is it physically impossible, is there a difference in slots, why can't it be done or is it still to early to know? There have been very conflicting reports on this subject with one side claiming it will be absolutely possible and the other saying "mb when hell freezes over". If anybody feels like reading up on the subject, i've gathered some interesting threads concerning the aw m9750's compatibilty (or lack of) with the 8800M GTX.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=188549
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=204866
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=198083

If there's anyone who can shed some light on the matter, feel free to enlighten me

 

BUMP BUMP BUMP

 

Tinderbox, the ddr3 version is by default faster(about 800 points in 3dmark),runs cooler and gives a better battery life. And OCs like crazy compared to the ddr2 version.

 

Actually, to clear a few things up before others get confused...

Its GDDR3...and DDR2.

GDDR3 is a modified version of DDR2 (note no 'G' in front), GDDR3 runs cooler and more efficient allowing higher clock speeds

 

We haven't been able to get a clear answer actually, Alienware is not saying anything. I honestly don't know, it's just a waiting game now.

Regarding the DDR2 vs. GDDR3, GDDR3 is manufactured on a smaller process so that is why it runs cooler/is able to overclock higher. At the same speeds, DDR2 = GDDR3 in terms of performance.

 

which card is better for performance? the 8600GT or the 7900GS?

 

I'm assuming you're referring to the desktop versions, but I'm pretty sure it'd work the same way for notebooks, too.

I'd take the 7900GS mainly because of its 256-bit memory bus and 256MB of dedicated memory.

 

7900 easily hands down better than the 8600... but the 8600 gt fan boys will try to tell you differently....but let the force be with you !

 

The 8600 is DX10, but hardly capable of playing any DX10 games anyway... Go for the 7900!

 

yes , the 8600 can barely handle lost planet (which is at the moment the BEST dx10 opimized game)..7900 + 256 bit bus is better high res at high settings vs. 8600 medium settings @ medium res.

 

they both seem like great cards. i don't think you can go wrong with either as neither of them are capable of handling dx10 games anyway.

 

I wouldn't discredit the 8600gt but the 7900gs is better at it's job ( 8600gt is meant for dx10 but really isn't that good whereas the 7900gs is good at what its meant to be good at (dx9).

 

Well lets face it, the 8600 isnt going to play any game with any dx10 options on well at all, so it will be using dx9 which it cant play maxed out either, the 7900 on the other hand can max out most dx9 games....so we have a dx9 card that can max out most games at high res, or...or we have a dx10 that cant play dx10 AND can not max dx9 either...the choice...in my estimation.... is very simple... dx10 also isn't optimized at all ... so that could be good for the 8600 ...but as I see dx10 games becoming more shsder dependant and the 8600 is very underpowered, go with the 7900. Its better to get a card that can max out its GEN, than a card that CANT max out its GEN, or the previous GEN either.

 

The answer is not as easy as all that.

Go to tomshardware and check out their comparison benchmarks.
(you will have to use desktop cards and understand that the mobile versions are not quite as powerful.)

Reminder, tom's work is not gospel, but it gives you an idea.

The 7900GS and 8600GT are comparable cards in DX9 at resolutions below 1280x1024 (before the 128-bit memory bus gets flooded)

There is at least one other axis and thats shader-intensity.

Games like Oblivion with high shader usage will see the 8600GT destroy the 7900GS by a significant margin. Keep in mind most new games will be heading this way if recent trends continue.

One other note, recent driver updates (last three months) have seen MAJOR benefits for the 8x00-series GPUs. (no idea if the 7xx0-cards have gotten similar benefits)

 

Ive always (recently)lol-been a fan of nVIDIA. But now im thinking of the HD 2400. I belive that thats one of the best of ATI's (sorry for the lack of ATI GPU's) But I wanted to know how the HD 2400 compared to the 8600M GT and the GS too. Thanks.

Also, is this ATI card GDDR3 or GDDR2?
- http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=M51SR-A1

thanks.

 

if u ACtually hav search around... The HD 2600 also struggles to beat the 8600m cards.

 

It doesn't struggle to beat it. It's just barely behind the 8600m by a little bit. In fact the HD2600 DDR3 beats the 8600M DDR2.

 

Ok, just curios, do you mean slightly behind the GT or GS version of the 8600M? Both in DDR2^^ Unless this computer is GDDR3, no one has confirmed that yet, can you tell me?
heres the link: http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/merchant..._Code=M51SR-A1

-thanks

also, in the original post by Chaz, the 2600 was in there, but not the 2400...

 

Right, im not sure if you can help me or not but i hope you can. I have an AMD turion 64 x2 mobile technology laptop and it runs with an ATI Radeon Xpress 1100/1150 graphics card. I bought tom clancys rainbow six vegas for the pc and it wont run. Please tell me what i can do to fix this problem!

 

Your integrated 1100/1150 graphics are not nearly powerful enough to run something as poorly ported as Vegas, sorry.

 

I just have a comment about the guide. In "Section 4: FAQ", you put this as an example question:

1. Is a GeForce 8600M-GT 256MB DDR2 better than a GeForce 8600M-GT 512MB DDR2?

Shouldn't it be the other way around, 'Is the 512MB version better than the 256MB version?'

 

If what is posted in the guide is correct then the limiting factor for the 512MB 8600 GT is that it has a 128mb bus that doesnt allow it to tap into all of the 512 memory. Its only able to access 256mb of memory. If this is the case then your paying (if your upgrading) for a card that can only use half its abilities. Thats why I'm studying these boards to see if I should upgrade the Sager 5793 card from the standard 512MB 8700GT that has the same limitations as the 8600 GT and go with the 8800GTX which has a 256mb bus which allows it to tap into the full 512 memory.

 

According to page 1 on this thread the
ATI Mobility Radeon HD2600 is a performance video card
and excellent at gaming, but info on this card seems
hard to find, so does anyone know how good is this card
for gaming. (doom 3, bf:2142, oblivian, crysis, cod 4, etc)

 

Hey...I have a question regarding Vista Experience index(VEI)..I was looking at this on 2 notebooks HP DV6735ee with 256MB 8400GS and DV 2750ee with 128MB 8400GS (dont know turbocache setting, both laptops other configs similar) and the VEI for graphics on 6735 was 3.5 and on 2750 was 4.1....can anyone explain?....also sum webpages show of 128 bit 8400gs release but its not on NVIDIA site...ne clue??

Thanx