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    Which graphics card is better for my laptop?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by soupyhorses, Jun 21, 2012.

  1. soupyhorses

    soupyhorses Newbie

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    I plan on ordering a new laptop and I have two options of graphic cards to choose from. Really the only games I play on my laptop are Sims 3 (all expansions) and I want to play Fable 3 (my current laptop crashes when I start it). I use my ps3 for hard gaming but with my two choices which is better? Thanks! :)

    1. intel hd graphics 3000

    2. NVIDIA GeForce 410M (1GB) dedicated graphics

    the rest of the general specs are:

    intel i5 processor
    (2.50GHz / 3.10GHz with Turbo Boost)

    8 GB RAM
     
    soupyhorses, Jun 21, 2012
    #1
  2. Cloudfire

    Cloudfire (Really odd person)

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    Geforce 410M. Barely :)
     
    Cloudfire, Jun 21, 2012
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  3. soupyhorses

    soupyhorses Newbie

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    Lol well I figured they were both crap (just by reading on this site a bit) but I'm sure it's better than what my current laptop is now. I can always buy and install a better card right?
     
    soupyhorses, Jun 21, 2012
    #3
  4. alexUW

    alexUW Notebook Virtuoso

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    The Intel 3000 is not a graphic card, it's an integrated graphics chipset.
    Intel 3000: Intel HD Graphics 3000 - Notebookcheck.net Tech

    The Nvidia 410m is a VERY WEAK GPU [yes this is a graphica card]. It's actually not much better than the Intel HD 3000 graphics.
    Geforce 410m: NVIDIA GeForce 410M - Notebookcheck.net Tech

    Your best bet is to look for an Intel Ivy Bridge chipset [i5-3000m series]; which has Intel HD 4000; which scores higher than both the HD 3000 and Geforce 410m.
    Intel 4000: Intel HD Graphics 4000 - Notebookcheck.net Tech


    Only if you buy a highend gaming laptop [examples: Alienware, SAGER, etc...]

    Good luck
     
    alexUW, Jun 21, 2012
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  5. Cloudfire

    Cloudfire (Really odd person)

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    One should mention that GT410M might score even better in games since it have its own set of memory while HD 3000 share the memory with the CPU

    HD 4000 is a a lot better though like alex says :)
     
    Cloudfire, Jun 21, 2012
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  6. soupyhorses

    soupyhorses Newbie

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    Okay, the other option was the HD 4000 but it only had 6 GB of RAM, I was thinking of taking a hit on the graphics because my machine freezes ALL the time so I could have the 8 GB...does this matter or which combo is better? I am a heavy user of Adobe CS5 professional...and like I said, my current laptop crashes after 20 minutes on Fable 3 :( and when I installed Pets for Sims 3 it lags considerably, also sad :(
     
    soupyhorses, Jun 21, 2012
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  7. niffcreature

    niffcreature ex computer dyke

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    I'd go with the HD 4000 and 6gb RAM. RAM you CAN upgrade later, for cheap too. Your current laptop could be crashing for any number of reasons, a new laptop will probably fix all of these problems whether you go with hd 3000 or 4000.
     
    niffcreature, Jun 21, 2012
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  8. soupyhorses

    soupyhorses Newbie

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    soupyhorses, Jun 21, 2012
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  9. Cloudfire

    Cloudfire (Really odd person)

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    Agree 100% with niff :)
     
    Cloudfire, Jun 21, 2012
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  10. niffcreature

    niffcreature ex computer dyke

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    Don't get that laptop though! I would highly recommend getting this one which has a much better graphics card and SCREEN!
    Sony VAIO SA3 VPCSA31GX 13.3" Laptop / Notebook Computer | eBay
    Honestly you can get even better for your money, you should really think about screens if your doing photoshop work! 1366x768 is awful especially on a 15"

    Another option to consider:
    http://rjtech.com/shop/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=30115

    Build it yourself! Comes with an even better graphics card and screen standard!
     
    niffcreature, Jun 21, 2012
    #10
  11. Cakefish

    Cakefish ¯\_(?)_/¯

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    Sony VAIO E series are very good laptops with great build quality. How do I know? Well, I used to own one! (until I spilt water on it accidentally and killed it)
     
    Cakefish, Jun 21, 2012
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  12. niffcreature

    niffcreature ex computer dyke

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    Yea but its still a bit too much for a machine with a 1366x768 screen and integrated graphics.
     
    niffcreature, Jun 21, 2012
    #12