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    Does extra RAM and non-integrated graphics card effect battery power?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by amirjpl, Jan 10, 2007.

  1. amirjpl

    amirjpl Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just bought a HP dv2000t (which I love) with 1gb of ram and the integrated graphics. Now since vista is comming out, I have a chance to return the laptop and order one with higher specs of 2gb and 128mb nvidia graphics card (this upgrade is only $92 higher).

    Questions:

    1. Will having extra RAM of 2gb and stand alone graphics card (128mb nvidia) effect battery power? If yes by how much?

    2. According to Microsoft the integrated graphics in the HP dv2000t is enough to please Vista Aero inerface. Do to this is the graphics card upgrade really necessary?

    I would really appreciate all the help I can get about this issue.
    Thank you in advance :)
     
    amirjpl, Jan 10, 2007
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  2. crappyGPU

    crappyGPU Notebook Consultant

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    more RAM wouldn't make much difference, but a dedicated graphics card would cost you around 30 minutes of battery life.
    no intergrated graphics can handle Vista Aero :D
     
    crappyGPU, Jan 10, 2007
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  3. robfactory

    robfactory Notebook Consultant

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    Well, if you have an integrated GPU and it requires 512mb out of your 1 gig it does make a difference.
    Cause then you would be left with 512mb.
    The thing about Aero is that it's a GPU hog. You will need at least 2gigs to run it. As far as an integrated GPU not being able to run it, well that's just a bit misleading, since according to tests and certification, the 950 by intel can run it and so can the ATi R350 which is on the MS271 laptops. The thing about aeros is that it's so heavy on RAM use, you will need at least 2 gigs to run your laptop efficiently if anything.
    IF you are going to do heavy multitasking on this system, I would ask you to reconsider your opinion and go with something dedicated.
    Dedicated graphics do have an effect towards battery life; however, you are looking at something minimal, usually about 30 mins less. Depending on your chip.
    At the end of the day, it is way better to have dedicated than integrated. You can alway buy an extra battery and get the 30 mins back that way. But you just can't upgrade a gpu when ever you feel like it. (if it's integrated)
    Either way, the way things are going, dedicated is the best bet and the most future-proof.
     
    robfactory, Jan 10, 2007
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