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    GPU question...do I really need a dedicated GPU?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by RESmonkey, Jun 8, 2008.

  1. RESmonkey

    RESmonkey Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    Background:

    -I need something for college (computer engineering/might switch to engineering physics)

    -Won't be playing games, really. Maybe Portal 2 if it comes out, or KOTOR 3 MMO.

    -Might get a Thinkpad X****whatever is the fastest tablet PC, and will be doing some extensive Photoshop work (which I think only utilizes the CPU)



    Question(s):

    Do I really need a discrete/dedicated GPU, or is an integrated GPU fine? I want my tablet to be fast enough for Photoshop and what not. Isn't the GPU mainly for game graphics, anyways? Photoshop and watching HD video should be the CPU, correct?


    Thanks all
     
    RESmonkey, Jun 8, 2008
    #1
  2. lunateck

    lunateck Bananaed

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    Processing HD Video is gpu's job. Just say that it won't hurt to have 1. Even something like a 8400m gs would be nice.
     
    lunateck, Jun 8, 2008
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  3. jisaac

    jisaac Notebook Deity

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    I'd definately recommend a dedicated card if you frequently use programs like CAD or even photoshop.
     
    jisaac, Jun 8, 2008
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  4. RESmonkey

    RESmonkey Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    How is GPU used in Photoshop? I don't think it is.
     
    RESmonkey, Jun 8, 2008
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  5. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    Discrete is nice but no you do not need! For HD or anything else you mentioned. If you are going to be doing CAD then maybe but don't really know.
     
    powerpack, Jun 8, 2008
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  6. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    Emotional security and an overall sense of masculinity! I mean come on! More is better right? ;)
     
    powerpack, Jun 8, 2008
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  7. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    Yup, if you have a graphics card, you will have a much clearer texture map than from an integrated gpu. If the option of getting a 8400 or 8600 is $100 more than integrated, I would get the dedicated card just so you can game and do more powerful hd video watching and such in the future. The problem is, once you choose to have integrated, you cant go and put in a dedicated gpu in your laptop. It just doesnt work that way. Different motherboards are used, so if you dont have it, you cant get it later on.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Jun 8, 2008
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  8. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    K-T is correct apparently I was thinking about something else when I said "Emotional security and an overall sense of masculinity!", sorry. :)
     
    powerpack, Jun 8, 2008
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  9. RESmonkey

    RESmonkey Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    I would choose a dedicated if I could, but it appears tablets don't offer it (and it they do offer a dedicated GPU, the CPU is isn't Penryn).
     
    RESmonkey, Jun 8, 2008
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  10. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    What are your choices?
     
    powerpack, Jun 8, 2008
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  11. GRB

    GRB Notebook Deity

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    for the record, no it isn't. That said, Photoshop CS4 is rumoured to include GPU acceleration (first time for PS) and the performance gains are astounding. Even the weakest dedicated GPU would easily increase your performance in CS4 (if -- and that's a big if -- Adobe chooses to include GPU acceleration)

    but still, I agree with everyone else, get a dedicated GPU :)
     
    GRB, Jun 8, 2008
    #11