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    GPU : HD 4530 (256mb) vs HD 3470 (512mb)??

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by yoyoda, Aug 10, 2009.

  1. yoyoda

    yoyoda Newbie

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    Hi,

    I am planning to buy a laptop. I am interested in a Toshiba model but I am hesitating between a L510 and M300. The main difference seems to be the GPU. The way they describe it is :

    - L510 : ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4530 up to 1023MB total available graphics (ext 256MB VRAM)

    - M300 : ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470 up to 1279MB total available graphics (ext 512MB VRAM)

    I guess it means that both are using the ATI hybrid technology. The HD 4530 seems to be better according to bencmarks but it has only 256MB dedicated whereas the 3470 has 512MB.

    So which option would be the best for gaming? (I know they are both not the best GPUs for gaming but they are the only options within my budget).

    Thanks.
     
    yoyoda, Aug 10, 2009
    #1
  2. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    They will both be pretty bad at gaming, but the 4530 will be less terrible. Its greater performance will more than make up for the difference in VRAM.
     
    Mastershroom, Aug 10, 2009
    #2
  3. tianxia

    tianxia kitty!!!

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    4530 for sure, 512 memory is a waste for low end cards anyway.
     
    tianxia, Aug 10, 2009
    #3
  4. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    It really depends on GPU memory type. If both are DDR2 or GDDR3, then the HD 4530 would be better. If one is GDDR3 and the other is DDR2, the GDDR3 one would be better. As stated before, GPU memory amount doesn't matter for low end cards.
     
    sgogeta4, Aug 10, 2009
    #4
  5. iGrim

    iGrim Notebook Evangelist

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    HD 4530 is better regardless of memory size.
     
    iGrim, Aug 11, 2009
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  6. pacmandelight

    pacmandelight Notebook Deity

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    For low end cards, memory size does not matter since you would naturally game at lower resolutions. The newer 4530 is better. Faster and more efficient GPU design is more important than memory size.
     
    pacmandelight, Aug 11, 2009
    #6