Intel X4500 or nVidia 9600M GT in my laptop?

Hi there. I recently ordered a HP Dv5t for use as a desktop replacement. I'm a college student and don't really have time for gaming. I used to play UT, but since that's a game from 1999 I'm sure even my configuration with integrated X4500 graphics will play that just fine. My question is on that, though - the GPU. I decided to go integrated because mobility was my top concern. I would have spent the extra $200 for the 9600M GT, but my thinking was I wouldn't need it. And I figured the 9600 would consume considerably more power than the integrated unit, even at low-task, so the X4500 seemed to be my wisest choice all considering. Does that sound like a logical line of thinking? I know my system is bottlenecked by the video card, but if I'm not gaming or using advanced image rendering software, will I even notice any difference regardless? I know the X4500 is garbage in comparision to the dedicated cards, but for my use (non-gaming), was it wise to save the money and stick with the integrated and the lower power consumption? Thanks in advance!

 

are you serious you won't be gaming though, maybe you just wanted to try ut3 one day?

 

t_darc I think your logic and strategy are sound.

 

Positive. I won't be gaming on this machine. I don't have time for it and they are too addicting for me. Too much gaming + school work to do = bad grades.

Just out of curiosity, are the power consumption differences between the Intel and nVidia cards pretty significant? Only say one way or the other if you know, please. Thank you!

 

No point getting the 9600M GT then since it will cost more and make your laptop hotter.

 

go with the x4500, I think you should get 1-2 extra hours of battery life.

 

I completely disagree I would suspect more like 1/2 hour normal usage (screen dimmed) at best.

 

The difference in battery life seems to be heavily over-rated, you are not looking at 1-2hrs difference. Have you considered going with the 9300GS instead of the 9600GT as it wont be as hot, but will allow you to run video apps should the need arise.

 

That was my strategy, but the laptop I was going for had an integrated card for the price of a slightly larger computer with a good one. I'm not going to be gaming during the year, but I figured,"why not?" I may get really bored over break or over next summer.

 

I think you would make a good decision taking the integrated. You can save money for buying a gaming desktop when you have more time. If you dont have immense amounts of money, the gaminglaptopindustry is impossible to follow.

A desktop is cheaper, and UPGRADEABLE, and you dont have to watch battery life...

 

Your logic sounds good to me. It all comes down to this: If you're not going to game, you don't need the dedicated card. So congratulations on your purchase and have fun with it!

 

It will depend on what model we're talking about.

Sony with Ati HD3470 gets 3.5 hours battery life, while with X4500 it gets over 4.5 hours.

And i assume 9600GT will use more power than HD3470.