T500 - Do I need a dedicated graphics card?

Now that Lenovo appears to have solved their keyboard backlog problem, I ready to buy a new T500. I will use it to watch streaming content (from Fox for example) and DVDs. Some of the streaming content claims to be HD.

Is there any need for a dedicated graphics card, i.e. ATI 3650, or will the Intel X4500HD integrated graphics work just fine.

Part of my reason for asking is in the past I would have just purchased it with dedicated graphics but I've watched a bunch of stuff on an X200 with integrated graphics and have experienced no performance or other problems whatsoever. So I now question my need dedicated graphics and if I were to purchase it what benefit would I get from having it.

 

Good question for mainstream users as the newer integrated cards are better but the dedicated card N9300 256 MB in theory should help graphics performance & not much more expensive, interested in replies as well.

 

dedicated graphics is required for advanced 3d modeling, intensive gaming, connecting a second monitor
but since you only want integrated, why not get the t400, which has better battery life, more portable, used to have a better screen (now has overkill led screen)

 

I believe only the T500 has HDMI output if he cares, integrated graphics will display DVDs & HD but dedicated should be able to handle multiple graphics demands better if he needs that right?

How should he be further guided to make that call of the aforementioned integrated vs discrete GPU?

 

Generally the only noticeable difference between integrated and discrete graphics is in 3d applications like games, CAD software, etc. Discrete is not necessary for video playback (the integrated Intel card already accelerates HD video decoding), and it is not required for attaching a second monitor.

 

So discrete will only benefit 3D apps, no benefits over intel integrated for multiple graphics demands-Vista that may eat up RAM?

 

The t500 has displayport (video output only).

As afty said you only need the discrete card for modeling/gaming usually. For movies you are fine with the integrated and it accelerates HD afty also mentioned. As well the second monitor is not dependent on having a discrete card.

 

I meant the SL500 having HDMI:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4592

So really discrete GPU waste of $ unless 3D, no benefits for other multimedia app-OS multiple graphics demands?

 

Basically yes. If you don't plan on playing games or running OpenGL applications, then modern integrated graphics are more than adequate.

In addition, integrated graphics run cooler and use less energy (better battery life) than a discrete alternative.

Even if you get the discrete option, I would recommend running in integrated mode (the T500 is switchable) when not gaming to cut down on heat/power draw.

 

The discrete GPU can be used to offload processing from the CPU for HD videos and properly encoded H.264 videos. This would only be very useful to you if you watch high-bandwith 1080p videos that are Blu-Ray quality.

 

So for $11 more you think NVIDIA 9300-256 is a waste of $ & energy over Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD?

Yes I do like watching HD.

 

$11 more? Might as well just get the 9300M then. It's the better of the two integrated GPUs.

 

The x4500 MHD can do this just fine as well. It can accelerate decoding of H.264, VC-1, and MPEG-2.

Unless you play games or run heavy 3D applications, the x4500 is more than adequate (and far better from a heat/power standpoint).

 

What are you talking about? T500s don't come with NVIDIA cards where I live.

 

I think the OP is actually looking at an SL500. These offer NVIDIA, but I'm not sure if it's switchable.

 

Yeah I was referring to SL500, so switchable graphics for notebooks-definitely netbooks would be ideal but if I want the versatility to do 3D apps-games go for the discrete NVIDIA 9300-256 GPU over Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD for the $11 difference?

Interesting to know how far along integrated GPUs have come however.

The discrete GPU will tax heat/power much more than 4500MHD even when not be stressed, much less efficient?

 

Only $11? Throw it in there. It's worth it just in case you need it in the future.

 

I am the OP

 

Get the card and future proof yourself a little. I got a W500 and was running only on integrated.(it was cheaper then the T500 when I ordered). Well I ended up with a new HD video camera for Christmas and the card make a huge difference in editing. The intel chips couldn't compile the dvd correctly except for small chunks. I switched to the graphic card and chewed through it perfect and has great output. So not only a time saver but quality difference in the output. You don't know what santa will bring... so be prepared.

 

Yeah only $11 difference for same config so I wanted to get it like my original intent for versatility-ability to do more advanced 3D-games {the NBR moderator sounded so definitive about its waste potential however} but the following question still remains unanswered:

Will the discrete GPU tax heat/power much more than 4500MHD even when not be stressed, much less efficient?

I still want it for myself but reconsidering for dad-but even he might want to play a game at some point & mom a 3D modeling app is possible.

 

LoveNotebooks - Scroll down near the bottom of this review and determine whether the heat and battery life with the 9300M GS meets your expectations:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4592

Personally, for $11, I would get the 9300M GS, especially if you think there's any chance you or your parents will use it for gaming or 3D. Judging by the review above of the SL500 where the measured battery life is over five hours on the 9-cell battery and only one area of the laptop is above body temperature under load, I would be perfectly comfortable with the heat and battery life of the SL500 with the 9300M GS.

akadoublej - The answer for your situation with the T500 is different. The 4500MHD should be fine for watching streaming HD content. Is that all you'll be doing with the laptop though? I once convinced myself I wouldn't do much more than watch movies on my laptop and then somewhere along the line before my purchase, I ended up with plans to use my T500 as a midrange portable gaming rig and HTPC. The Mobility Radeon HD 3650 then became a requirement. Also, what is the price difference between the 4500MHD and the switchable ATI graphics?

 

The 9300GS shouldn't be too bad heat and power-wise, since it's a relatively weak card (although much more capable than Intel Integrated).

For the OP, the only disadvantage to getting discrete on the T500 is price (it's switchable graphics, so you can get the best of both sides). However, with some higher configurations of the T500's CPU, it may actually be more worth it to get discrete graphics (since you're starting with, say, the Elite model, not the basic integrated one and tacking on upgrades). Lenovo's pricing scheme is strange, so play around with configurations.