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    Uses for graphics cards other than gaming

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by bluesboy, Jun 10, 2006.

  1. bluesboy

    bluesboy Notebook Consultant

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    I've read the FAQ's about the different types of graphics cards and the integrated vs. dedicated graphics. Basically it seems that the better the dedicated card, the better the gaming experience. What I would like to know is what are the other uses for having a dedicated graphics card. Does it help for photo editing? (Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought that was more processor related). Video editing? 3d CAD? What are the other benefits of having dedicated graphics?

    Thannks in advance for any opinions on this.
     
    bluesboy, Jun 10, 2006
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  2. compsavy

    compsavy Notebook Deity

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    You are correct, for video editing, and CAD a dedicated graphic card will really not help the performance. A dedicated graphic card is mainly used for people who want to play games or watch movies and make it very sharp.
     
    compsavy, Jun 10, 2006
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  3. NumLock

    NumLock Notebook Evangelist

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    Howabout 3d modeling softwares like lightwave, 3d studio Max, etc.?
     
    NumLock, Jun 10, 2006
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  4. bluesboy

    bluesboy Notebook Consultant

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    What do you mean by "watch movies and make it very sharp"? Does dedicated graphics enhance DVD quality over integrated graphics? Would a person watching a movie on an Intel 950 integrated graphics computer be able to tell it from a computer with an ATI X1400 for example?
     
    bluesboy, Jun 10, 2006
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  5. deedeeman

    deedeeman Notebook Deity

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    yes because the new generations of dedicated graphics cards have Video Processors built inside them. like nvidia PureVideo (check out www.nvidia.com)
     
    deedeeman, Jun 10, 2006
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  6. bluesboy

    bluesboy Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks deedeeman for the link and info on the nvidia PureVideo. Seems interesting but that's just for the newest generations cards, right? Will the low to mid-range dedicated cards that notebooks have now make a difference in DVD playback as compared to integrated graphics?
     
    bluesboy, Jun 10, 2006
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  7. deedeeman

    deedeeman Notebook Deity

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    yes.. the new nVidia and ATI integrated cards support it too (Pure Video etc). and they are INTEGRATED CARDS!!! (I forgot what the ATI equivelent to nvidia Pure Video is....sorry)

    Links:
    Nvidia : GeForce go 6150
    ATI: ATI Mobility Radeon X1100m

    google these cards for more info....or do a thread search :)
     
    deedeeman, Jun 10, 2006
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  8. deedeeman

    deedeeman Notebook Deity

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    deedeeman, Jun 10, 2006
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  9. sionyboy

    sionyboy Notebook Evangelist

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    Bear in mind that you have to pay for Nvidia's PureVideo technology. ATI's AVIVO is free as its built into the drivers.

    For rendering the CPU plays a more important role. For real time work in Maya, then graphics card does come into play.

    Video Editing and Photo editing are CPU based.
     
    sionyboy, Jun 10, 2006
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  10. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    An advantage with integrated graphics is better battery life and less heat. The best integrated solutions are the Radeon Xpress 1100 and the GeForce Go6150. If you can get a notebook with those I would recommend it because of better video playback as posted and also better compatability with Windows Vista.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Jun 10, 2006
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  11. bluesboy

    bluesboy Notebook Consultant

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    I believe the GeForce Go6150 is offered in the new HP v3000z, however it does not seem to have any dedicated memory like the ATI Radeon Xpress 200m can have (please correct me if I am wrong and this option will be added later).

    Are there any laptops now that are taking advantage of the Radeon Xpress 1100? It appears from their website that this integrated solution could have some dedicated memory on it like their 200m does.
     
    bluesboy, Jun 10, 2006
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