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    Vista video memory requirements?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by travelin, Apr 4, 2007.

  1. travelin

    travelin Newbie

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    Hi all,

    Just need to check my understanding, since technology has changed a bit since I last bought a laptop...

    I'm looking into a new HP nc6400 for work and play, which comes with an option for an ATI X1300 with either 64 or 128MB of dedicated RAM or Intel® GMA 950 shared. I'm not really a gamer, and would be more interested in longer battery life (see original post here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=114791). However, I've read that Vista requires at least 128MB dedicated RAM.

    I'm assuming that I could run Vista with the Intel GMA, but would not be able to use the fancier Aero graphics. Is this correct? Advice welcome.

    Thanks!
     
    travelin, Apr 4, 2007
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  2. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    The GMA950 will run Aero with no problems. Video memory isn't that important these days, because the graphics card could just use the computer's RAM.
     
    Budding, Apr 4, 2007
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  3. travelin

    travelin Newbie

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    Ok. Thank you for the clarification -- you may have saved me considerable battery life! I find it a bit odd that they list "128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)" in the requirements if video memory isn't such a big deal, but I suppose folks could have older machines...

    If the graphics will use the computers RAM, then would you recommend purchasing extra RAM (eg, 2 GB vs. 1 GB) if I stay with the shared graphics?

    For future reference, what would be the advantage of dedicated video memory? I don't do much gaming, but I do considerable photo editing, and may move into video editing as well.
     
    travelin, Apr 4, 2007
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  4. Thibault

    Thibault Banned

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    Video memory is important depending on what applications you use.
    If you do anything that's graphically demanding (like play games) you'll need a good video card with memory.

    Some of the integrated cards can run Vista from what I hear. Yes they do take their memory from the RAM and the more memory you have the better.

    Have a look at the graphics card guide.
     
    Thibault, Apr 4, 2007
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  5. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    The GMA950 as posted won't have any issues with Aero, so no need to get the ATI card if you don't play games. It will only decrease your battery life and add to heat.
    Definitely get 2GB of RAM for Vista. In what country are you buying this laptop in? If you're in the US, you can get 2GB of RAM for low prices off of online tech stores like www.newegg.com. Here's a 2GB DDR2-667 kit for $115:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231116
    That's an amazing price.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Apr 4, 2007
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  6. usapatriot

    usapatriot Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Of course video memory is important if you plan on using any 3D dependent apps, when a GPU borrows system memory as its own it severely reduces performance.
     
    usapatriot, Apr 4, 2007
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