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    Compare the CPU and Graphics Card of these two and help me out?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by pmo123, Dec 6, 2011.

  1. pmo123

    pmo123 Newbie

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    Hey guys,

    Need some help with this..

    **This may seem like a "which laptop" post but I really need a knowledgeable opinion on these parts.**

    The laptop I'm buying now is basically going to be for college, for a lot of browsing, carrying around, but I also play counter strike 1.6 a lot and I want to keep it at 100fps with med/high settings.

    I'm stuck between these two:

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...ctlist&SID=228801&PID=404255&is=REG&A=details

    http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...ffiliateID=TnL5HPStwNw-10iLPuJANxEh2VR6434SbQ

    Let me give you guys the break down of what I think:

    Basically it comes down to, I want the smaller one for the size and because it looks really cool. I'm also not a huge fan of refurbed computer even though I know they're most likely fine.

    But mostly the size is very convenient. I wanted to know if it was worth the +100 dollars.

    1. How does the i3 370m processor at 2.4Ghz compare the to a6-3400m at 1.4Ghz? I think the i3 is first generation (not sure), is that bad?

    2. The 13.3in has hybrid graphics, anyone know about that? It's a hybrid of an integrated Intel card and a dedicated GeForce 310M.
    Does it mean it will automatically switch between the integrated and dedicated graphics card depending on what I'm doing? - It seems that way from what I'm reading but I'm pretty clueless

    3. I know the Radeon 6720 graphics card with the a6 processor will run CS 1.6 at 100fps fine, but how will the GeForce 310M handle it? (assuming the computer switched to the 310M card when I game?)


    If the graphics cards and processors are about even I think I'm going with the 13.3incher. If the smaller one can't handle CS, then the bigger one it is.

    Thanks in advance!!
     
  2. Fenom96

    Fenom96 Notebook Evangelist

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    Counterstrike 1.6 uses the Half Life engine which will run on pretty much any modern laptop (integrated or dedicated) 80+ fps.

    1. The a6-3400 I believe has a bigger cache size, this means that it is going to be faster, although it runs at a lower GHz. The i3 is a good processor, but doesn't live up to the a6 (however, the second link doesn't provide specs).

    2. The Nvidia GeForce 310M is an extremely poor dedicated memory graphics chip. Although it does have a full 1GB of VRAM, it's shader module is poor, and will lag when too much smoke is on screen (not in counterstrike though; only modern games). I believe that since it is hybrid, it runs on both integrated and dedicated when need be.

    3. The 310 will handle counterstrike. You may want to search on notebook check to get some benchmarks on gameplay just to see how it runs.

    NVIDIA GeForce 310M - Notebookcheck.net Tech

    Keep in mind that the 15.6" laptop is refubrished*