Upgrade from ATI Radeon HD 3200 to HD 3450- worth $100?

I'm considering a notebook that has the ATI Radeon Mobility HD 3200 standard and offers the 256mb HD 3450 as a $100 option. The difference in these two doesn't seem that significant based on the benchmark scores I've seen...especially for a non-gamer (like me). Should I stick with the HD 3200 or ante up the $100 for the slightly beefier choice?

Another question about integrated graphics in general- if a system has integrated graphics, is it a good idea to add additional RAM since the IGP will claim a chunk of it? For example, if I had 2GB and went with an IGP, would it be a good idea to bump it to 3GB to offset at least what the 'shared' graphics is utilizing?

 

Since you're a non-gamer, the 3200 should be fine. It has the muscle to decode and play blu-ray(incase you ever decide to buy a player).

 

I agree with harpreet that the HD 3200 will be more than enough for a non-gamer. It might even be enough for a light gamer.

About the RAM: 4GiB is ideal, especially if you're going with an IGP. However, you can save yourself a lot of money by purchasing your own RAM and installing it yourself. This OCZ deal from newegg should fit nicely in the dv5z.

 

Thanks for the input. I actually gave the same advice to someone a few days ago on here about not paying HP for 4GB, go to Newegg and they have 4GB kits starting at $52 (which was an OCZ for $52)....I'm cheap, so I always look for the way to cut some costs when I can.

I wonder how much profit HP, Dell and the other big guys make just on memory upgrades???

 

I agree, stick with the HD3200. The upgrade isn't worth 100 bucks for 10-20% faster performance.

It used to be a LOT more, believe me. I remember the days when 4GB was a 250-400 dollar upgrade over 1GB.

 

ha its still that on an alienware