Intel Integrated Graphics Differences

Hi,

Will all of these run Vista's Aero nicely? What are the key differences?

Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 & 943GML Chipset
Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950, 945GM Chipset
Intel® GMA x3100 Graphics

Thanks.

 

I don't think there is difference between the first two, but the difference is considerable between 1&2 and X3100.
I suggest you opt for that.

 

The GMA 950 is the GPU for the first two. People say it will run Aero OK but I found it to be a little slow and, in my opinion, slow visual effects are worse than none at all. I have my Vista's visual effects set to best performance (with the exception of smoothing display fonts) and I think it looks best like that. However, I do miss those little previews of open applications. Usually I am running XP and this is also set to the best performance.

The GMA X3100 is about 4 x faster than the GMA 950 and will have no difficulty with Vista's eye candy.

John

 

Thanks for the replies.

Ok, so how about the difference between the

GMA X3100 -- and -- ATI Mobility Radeon 128MB Graphics, 945PM Chipset

Thanks.

 

You need to be more specific about the ATI graphics. The ATI 1250M chipset with integrated graphics is similar in performance to the Intel X3100 and the Mobility Radeon X1300 would fall into the same class. If the ATI GPU is a number bigger than X1300 then it will be even faster.

But if battery life is a consideration I would go for the Intel integrated graphics and switch off the eye candy.

John

 

Hi John,
It seems as if it is the ATI Mobility Radeon x1400. Would that be better than the Intel X3100?
Thanks

 

The ATI Radeon X1400 should have roughly twice the performance of the X1300.
Since the X1300 has similar performance to the Intel X3100, then you can expect the Radeon X1400 to have double the performance of the X3100.

 

The X3100 is good as far as shared graphics cards go, but go for the dedicated video cards (i.e:X1600 from ATI or 7600 nVidia) if you want good graphical performance. A good video card will also take strain off your processor.

 

Yes. The X1400 is a respectable medium class (by 2006 standards) GPU. However, I would repeat my previous comment that if battery running time is a significant factor in your decision making then Intel integrated graphics is the better choice. Dedicated GPUs tend to leak a little power enen when they have nothing to do.

John

 

Thanks. I believe this will be last question. Do you know if the X1400 will support DirectX 10 (DX10)?

 

that sounds very doubful indeed
in fact im almost positive no.

 

I'm 99.??% sure the answer to that is No. DirectX 10 is 2007 technology while the X1400 is 2006.

John

 

I guess a followup would be how important is DX10 support near term? If I buy a laptop with a video card that does not support DX10, am I in big trouble as far as graphical applications are concerned?
Thanks.

 

Only if you play games...then you might find your available options dwindling as time progresses.