Radeon graphics

hi i am buying the hp dv6t quad tomorrow.
So basically i have two options for the graphic cards:

1GB GDDR5 Radeon(TM) HD 6490M Graphics

or

1GB GDDR5 Radeon(TM) HD 6770M Graphics

the difference is only 25 dollars, actually less with the coupon.
The problem is that i don't really play heavy games, i play like the sims 3 and fifa for which i heard that the 6940 is plenty enough.

However it would be nice to have the option of a higher graphing card for the future for just that price. I was just wondering would it consume more battery life, overheat the laptop or make noisy sounds.

i don't want to sacrifice battery life and heating for a graphing card that i will not use. I also heard switchable graphics, or something like that ( i am new to these stuff)

 

the dv6t has switchable graphics. When you're not using the 6770M, it will switch to the integrated graphics and conserve battery life.

 

If the difference is as low as you say then sure, go with the higher end parts.

 

so for example when i am just surfing the internet or using word the laptop will not use the graphing card? and is this process automatic or manual?

 

I think its manual switching, doesent even need a reboot from what i heard.

 

If you want to play games, pick the 6770M. If you want to play games with playing games, pick the 6490M.

 

Few years down the road when you learn that $25 in your pocket means the difference between lag and no lag, you'll beat your head in
Battery life and heat won't be affected too badly as the system will switch (if it has switchable graphics) and if it doesn't, the ATI chip will downclock super low anyway

 

for 25 bucks? Get the 6770. You're getting like a ~30-40% increase in gpu power for very cheap.

Honestly, what is 25 bucks? You'll be pleased when you're able to max out anything you feel like playing.

 

It's not 30-40%, it's at least a factor of 2 and maybe even 3 (the 6490M is a 160 stream processor, 64-bit part). Ordinarly, I would say that if you don't need a high-end GPU, you shouldn't get one, but with switchable graphics and for that absurdly low price difference, you should just go for it.

 

Go for the 6770m. In the future if you want to sell this, This will also add to the resale value of your laptop. And for $25 more, you should really get the best one.

 

For $25 it's a no brainer even if you don't play games. A few years down the road you'll get more than $25 back when you're selling it.