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    Upgrade from Intel X3100 to NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by hraklis_1, Apr 5, 2009.

  1. hraklis_1

    hraklis_1 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi everybody,

    I'm currently in the process of ordering a Dell Vostro 1310, and am debating whether to make the upgrade listed in the title. I'm getting a pretty good deal on the laptop, so I've upgraded the processor to a T9300 and 4gb of RAM.

    I'm not going to be using the laptop for gaming, but I do a lot of website development (which means that I'll be using programs like Dreamweaver, Photoshop, etc.). Would upgrading to a dedicated graphics card be beneficial, or am i fine with the integrated graphics?

    So just to summarize, is upgrading fron an Intel X3100 to 128MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8400M GS (64 bit) worth it? Or for my purposes, am I fine with the integrated graphics. Thanks for your help
     
    hraklis_1, Apr 5, 2009
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  2. Xirurg

    Xirurg ORLY???

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    how much is the price difference?
     
    Xirurg, Apr 5, 2009
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  3. hraklis_1

    hraklis_1 Notebook Enthusiast

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    well i recieved a 75% off coupon from Dell (lucky me). So the price difference would be neglible. Maybe 25$.

    I just wasn't sure because I didn't want to add the dedicated card, and reduce my battery life, if it adding it was really overkill anyways.
     
    hraklis_1, Apr 5, 2009
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  4. nu_D

    nu_D Notebook Deity

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    Stick the hell away from the 8400 dude- that POS will die in a 13 months.... I would know.
     
    nu_D, Apr 5, 2009
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  5. Kevin

    Kevin Egregious

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    You need the 8400M imo. It's better to have it than not, and it's worth $100.

    Have you looked at the Vostro 1320?
     
    Kevin, Apr 5, 2009
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  6. TimeWriter

    TimeWriter Notebook Evangelist

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    X3100 is enough for your apps, an upgrade isn't necesary.
     
    TimeWriter, Apr 5, 2009
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  7. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    The battery life will not be drastically different. I have dedicated graphics and I get just over 3 hours of life on a 6-cell battery, and nearly 4 and a half on a 9-cell. It's worth the money, especially if it's $25. If anything, it'll add resale value to the thing if you ever sell it later. :p
    Believe it or not, that doesn't happen to everyone. And if it does, the warranty covers it.
     
    Mastershroom, Apr 5, 2009
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  8. Luke1708

    Luke1708 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Trust me, the x3100 scores 300 smething in 3dmark06 and the 8400m gs scores ~1300. You are better off with the 8440m gs.
     
    Luke1708, Apr 5, 2009
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  9. Tippey764

    Tippey764 Notebook Deity

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    I have had an 8400m gs for over a year and it has gotten up to 120°C and it still works fine.
     
    Tippey764, Apr 5, 2009
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  10. Clutch

    Clutch cute and cuddly boys

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    I am using the x3100 and wish I got the 8400m
     
    Clutch, Apr 5, 2009
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  11. mullenbooger

    mullenbooger Former New York Giant

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    A 75% off coupon????!!! Howd you swing that
     
    mullenbooger, Apr 5, 2009
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  12. hraklis_1

    hraklis_1 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm not sure if it's available in the US, but I signed up for a Dell "mystery coupon" thing, and they'll occasionally send you an email with a coupon code that you can redeem. Turns out mine was for 75% :)
     
    hraklis_1, Apr 5, 2009
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  13. Clutch

    Clutch cute and cuddly boys

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    lucky you <ninjatext>
     
    Clutch, Apr 5, 2009
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  14. Kevin

    Kevin Egregious

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    If the upgrade is as cheap as you say, then it'd be crazy to not choose the upgrade.
     
    Kevin, Apr 5, 2009
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  15. stevezachtech

    stevezachtech Notebook Evangelist

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    I guess you still need a powerful system even though its purpose is not for gaming since you use such powerful editing programs. Try asking the store's technician for expert advice and suggestions at the same time.
     
    stevezachtech, Apr 6, 2009
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