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    Question about v5700 vs Raedon 3650

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by npv1597, Jul 4, 2009.

  1. npv1597

    npv1597 Notebook Guru

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    I am purchasing a Lenovo w500 or t500 in the morning. The only difference is the video card. The t500 comes with a "ATI Mobility Radeon 3650 with 256MB with Intel Advanced Management Technology" while the w500 ships with "ATI Mobility FireGL V5700 (512MB VRAM) with Intel AMT"

    Will the v5700 give me a huge performance boost when playing some games (Starcraft 2) or using CAD?
     
    npv1597, Jul 4, 2009
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  2. Darth Bane

    Darth Bane Dark Lord of the Sith

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    I'm not familiar with FireGL cards, but I am guessing it would be better then the 3650.
     
    Darth Bane, Jul 4, 2009
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  3. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    Only partially correct.

    Basically, the two cards are identical to each other in every way except for the amount of graphics RAM that one has (which does not make any difference, really, since the card is limited by its 128-bit bus) and the drivers that they use.

    The W500's FireGL card has drivers optimized for workstation CAD applications, and will therefore perform better in those applications, where the Radeon may not even be supported. In games, however, it will likely perform worse than the Radeon in the T500, which is optimized for games and general graphics performance rather than CAD.

    Note that although it is in theory possible to put Radeon drivers on a FireGL card, forumers who attempted to do so have not been succesful.

    In conclusion: If you will primarily be doing CAD work, get the W500. If not, get the T500 as it will likely provide better gaming performance.
     
    MidnightSun, Jul 4, 2009
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