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    Between CPU and Graphics Card, which way should I go?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by DogBreath, Jun 17, 2006.

  1. DogBreath

    DogBreath Notebook Guru

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    I want to get a HP d2000 for business applications, plus the occasional gaming session. The problem is I can't get a good balance between the CPU and the graphics card. I can get either:

    1. AMD Turion 64 X2 Mobile TL-52 ( 1.60GHz/512KB) paired with the NVIDIA GeForce Go 6150

    - or -

    2. Intel Core Duo processor T2500 ( 2.0 GHz) with onboard Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950


    I want the best of each, but I have to compromise one way or the other. Having onboard graphics seems lame, but overall I guess it's more important to have the best possible CPU. Any thoughts on this? Will any modern games even be playable with the Media Accelerator? Is the Turion good enough for most applications (and planning for the future)?
     
    DogBreath, Jun 17, 2006
    #1
  2. Tim

    Tim Notebook Virtuoso

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    Number 1 will be great for your needs. If you want to play any games you really need the dedicated graphics. However the 6150 isn't the top of the line. What games are you planing on playing?

    The three biggest things that affect gaming are hard drive, ram and GPU (graphics card). (Not in any particular order).
    Tim
     
    Tim, Jun 17, 2006
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  3. tennisplayer121

    tennisplayer121 Notebook Geek

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    I personally would stay away from integrated graphics. But, I guess we do really need to know what games you are wanting to play on it. Why can you not get a lower of the line Core Duo and have a graphics card... what is your price range?
     
    tennisplayer121, Jun 17, 2006
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  4. DogBreath

    DogBreath Notebook Guru

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    I might play something a year or two old, like Haf Life 2, but I wouldn't mind being ready in case anything new comes out that I might want to play. The games really aren't critical, as I have a full-sized PC at home and the laptop will really be for work.

    The reason that I can't do any other combinations is that the two I listed are the two best options available for the d2000 according to the HP website. Maybe I could call their customer service and see if there are other options.
     
    DogBreath, Jun 17, 2006
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  5. tennisplayer121

    tennisplayer121 Notebook Geek

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    So just to clear things up you absolutely want this model of HP?
     
    tennisplayer121, Jun 17, 2006
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  6. chuchutrain

    chuchutrain Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    try the lenovo n100

    15.4 inch screen

    1.66-1.83 core duo with a good vid card
     
    chuchutrain, Jun 17, 2006
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  7. DogBreath

    DogBreath Notebook Guru

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    I did the FAQ on the "What Laptop Should I Buy?" topic, and this model of HP comes closest to what I want (14" widescreen, dual core processor, built-in web cam, wireless LAN, Bluetooth, multi-card reader, long-life battery, etc.). The last choice is now between the CPU/graphics combos.

    Although... the Portable One EX is a close runner up, and it has a better combination CPU/graphics with Intel Core Duo T2400 1.83GHz 667MHz 2MB Cache and NVIDIA GeForce 7300 128MB Dedicated VRAM; 256MB w/TurboCache.
     
    DogBreath, Jun 17, 2006
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  8. djpharoah

    djpharoah Notebook Evangelist

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    I personally would have gotten the Compaq V3000 if I hadnt picked up an older IBM T41p.

    The Compaq also looks pretty nice. The Geforce 6150 is decent enuf for a light gamer.
     
    djpharoah, Jun 17, 2006
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