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    if i do NOT play games do I need a "real" graphics card?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by the_bay_mafia, Sep 17, 2008.

  1. the_bay_mafia

    the_bay_mafia Notebook Consultant

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    Delete - Double Post!
     
    the_bay_mafia, Sep 17, 2008
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  2. tianxia

    tianxia kitty!!!

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    just go with integrated if you're 100% SURE you won't be gaming.
     
    tianxia, Sep 17, 2008
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  3. fcklongboards

    fcklongboards Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah... my friend has a dv7000? It is purely integrated and she can still play a few games..... It functions with vista and everything else pretty darn well.

    I'd say you're absolutely fine.
     
    fcklongboards, Sep 17, 2008
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  4. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    Real graphics card? Let us call it discrete or dedicated, but I know what you mean. Well there are other tasks that "real" might help on, and there is the "more is better" school.

    But yes for many especially those who do real work not like me who mostly has fun. A dedicated GPU may not be needed and can increase battery life. Integrated graphics cards from what I read have no problem with any 2D applications. The new ones can handle some 3D decent except higher games. They can do old 3D OK.

    But AMD Puma is pushing the lower end GPU's for example 8400m GS, it bests it on some?

    I don't know what you do so hard to say. If you use Office apps and such and watch DVD's yea you might not need.

    The only other thing I could add is if you told us more and what you want to spend? Some might have some good value advice.

    IGP's are fine for a very large group (the majority of) users.
     
    powerpack, Sep 17, 2008
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  5. Melody

    Melody How's It Made Addict

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    Games are basically the things that take the most toll on a graphics card(well that and heavy multimedia softwares, such as 3D design and stuff).

    So, if you don't plan on either gaming or using heavy multimedia softwares, no, there really isn't any reason to get a dedicated graphics card.

    It eats up more juice than an integrated so yes, your battery life will decrease(if you're not plugged into the wall). In return, you get smoother graphics since the card doesn't completely rely on system RAM.

    BUT... as said before, IGPs are getting better these days enough so that they can even play older games fine(rumor has it that the new ATI HD3200 can rival lower end graphics cards).

    Also, there is budget to think about. If you aren't gaming(or even if you are gaming lightly), then really, the extra +100$ and more (for the dedicated graphics card) isn't worth your money so just save it for some other stuff ^_^
     
    Melody, Sep 17, 2008
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