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    Xpress, IGPs, and High End Cards

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by diznanl, Aug 26, 2006.

  1. diznanl

    diznanl Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey Guys,

    I've been wondering about this PCIexpress graphics interface. I want to purchase a new laptop, but many of them have IGPs ATI m200 or Intel. Are they upgradable? Will I be able to purchase, say, a Mobile Radeon 1900 PCI Xpress card and pop it into a m200 based laptop?

    Am I way off in wondering this? I thought that most manufacturers were going toward a standard, so that this would be possible.

    Help me out ... thanks! :confused:
     
  2. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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  3. diznanl

    diznanl Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok, here's the FAQ:

    GENERAL
    1. Budget: $1200-2700
    2. Screen Size: 15.4"-17"
    3. Tasks: Audio/Video editing, Gaming, General Office Programs
    4. Portability: I will have it MOST of the time at my desk, but occasionally will travel with me
    5. Games: I want the latest and greatest titles to be playable ... Oblivion, F.E.A.R., PREY, and more.
    6. Brands I prefer/don't like: I would REALLY like to have the numberpad on the right hand side. I notice Dell doesn't do this, and I haven't seen Toshibas that have this either. I notice a lot of 17" notebooks don't employ this. Why not?? It is a huge waste of space not to.
    7. Battery Life: I don't need much ... 2 hours would be fine. I'd really like to have the Turion X2, as that would improve battery life, I know.
    8. Buy Online: No problem, as long as they have a zero-dead-pixel policy
    9. USA

    SCREEN SPECIFICS
    10: Widescreen
    11: WSXGA+ or WUXGA only
    12: Glossy vs Matte: I don't know ... I could go both ways. They have thier advantages and disadvantages. What do you suggest?

    BUILD QUALITY AND DESIGN:
    13: Looks and style are irrelevant to me
    14: I'm looking to purchase in the next month or two. I would like the laptop to last and run the course of Windows Vista ... and be able to handle intense graphic and processor programs for the next 2-3 years

    NOTEBOOK COMPONENTS:
    15: Hard Drive Space: I would like 80gb 7200RPM. Maybe a raid 0 setup? I plan on getting an external for massive backups and files
    16: Optical Drive: I would like a Blu-Ray or LightScribe ... or whatever is most compatable

    Thanks!
     
  4. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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