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    i3-2310M / nVidia 540m VS AMD Quad-Core A6-3400M / AMD Radeon HD 6520G Discrete? Which is better?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by militaryguy1983, Oct 28, 2011.

  1. militaryguy1983

    militaryguy1983 Newbie

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    These are the best two gaming capable laptops I could find under 500$ here in Canada. Which laptop is the best choice?

    I plan to use it for WoW, D3, BF3 and Heroes 6.

    Thanks

    STAPLES | BUREAU EN GROS

    * 2.1GHz Intel Core i3-2310M processor
    * 4GB system memory
    * 750GB hard disk drive SATA
    * 13.3" HD Acer CineCrystal LED-backlit TFT LCD
    * Windows 7 Home Premium
    * NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M with 1GB dedicated memory
    * HD audio support with two built-in Acer 3DSonic stereo speakers
    * HD webcam with built-in microphone
    * Connectivity options include Gigabit Ethernet LAN and Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n
    * Ports include 1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0 and HDMI
    * Bilingual Keyboard with Multi-gesture touchpad pointing device
    * Blue finish
    * Up to 9 hours battery life
    * Dimensions: 0.87" /1.15"(H) x 12.63"(W) x 8.97"(D)
    * Weight: 4.12 lb.
    * 1-Year limited warranty

    ------------------------------------------------

    http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...spx?path=dadf191be68522e5b26e4db0c6af1411en02

    14.0 Inches
    1366 X 768 LED Backlit Display
    AMD Quad-Core A6-3400M
    2.3 GHz
    750 GB
    5400 rpm
    4 GB DDR3
    SuperMulti DVD
    Digital Media Card Reader for SD & MMC
    AMD Radeon HD 6520G Discrete
     
    militaryguy1983, Oct 28, 2011
    #1
  2. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    The 6520G is slower than the 540M. Neither one meets the minimum specs for BF3.

    To meet the minimum specs for BF3, you need to look at a 555M for Nvidia, or a 6600 or 6700 graphics chip from AMD.
     
    masterchef341, Oct 28, 2011
    #2
  3. Sxooter

    Sxooter Notebook Virtuoso

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    The Marketroids at AMD call it "Discrete Class" but it is NOT DISCRETE. It doesn't have its own memory, and it is an IGP. To make things even more confusing when you have a real discrete GPU and the IGP running under asymmetric crossfire, they get another name somewhat like that 6520G one up there. For instance my HP DV6Z-6135DX has a 6750M discrete GPU and the 6620G IGP of the A8 APU. This combo is called a 6755G2 (note the 2 on the end, that's the clue that it's an IGP and a discrete GPU tied together).

    The A6 6520G IGP is good enough for older games at lowest settings but it's no comparison to GT540M, not even close.

    If you can get the HP DV6Z-6135DX refurb for $549 from newegg in Canada it's a match for the GT540M and core i3 under directx9 and with crossfire is about 50% faster at DX10 and DX11 games.

    Found the HP dv6-6135DX on the newegg.ca site. It's $50 more there.
     
    Sxooter, Oct 28, 2011
    #3
  4. DEagleson

    DEagleson Gamer extraordinaire

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    I agree, if you go for AMD you should at least consider buying one with a dedicated gpu also.
    I know HTWingNut can play BF3 on his HP machine.
     
    DEagleson, Oct 28, 2011
    #4