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    W500 questions

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by kaiz, Aug 13, 2008.

  1. kaiz

    kaiz Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've been poking around the internet and the Lenovo website, but I'm still unclear on a couple issues.

    1. What kind of memory does the ATI Mobility V5700 use, DDR2 or DDR3? Also, is it true that it's built on the new RV730 (HD 46xx series)?

    2. What's the deal with DisplayPort? Can I plug the W500 into my HDTV's HDMI port? I'd rather get the W500 with 1680x1050 resolution, but sometimes it's handy to have 1920x1200.

    3. Is there any kind of graphics switching feature when it's not plugged in to maximize battery power?
     
    kaiz, Aug 13, 2008
    #1
  2. Han Bao Quan

    Han Bao Quan The Assassin

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    1) it is GDDR3, and no, not the HD 4000 series.
    2) There is a cable "Displayport to HDMI".
    3) Yes, the GPU is switchable.
     
    Han Bao Quan, Aug 13, 2008
    #2
  3. Kyle_P

    Kyle_P Newbie

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    Do you have confirmation that the graphics is switchable? It does not explicitly state that the graphics is switchable on the W500 spec sheet (although it certainly does for the T500). There also seems to be inconsistencies in naming of the graphics card - some sources (from Lenovo site) indicate that its a "Hybrid" (which from ATIs site seems to indicate it is switchable) while the datasheet calls it the Mobility FireGL (no indication of switchable graphics).

    I just assumed that it did not have that capability because of this lack of advertisement and the "word on the street".

    Just curious since I could not find a straight answer anywhere.
     
    Kyle_P, Aug 14, 2008
    #3
  4. Han Bao Quan

    Han Bao Quan The Assassin

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    There was a review (In Europe), it is confirmed that the GPU is switchable.
     
    Han Bao Quan, Aug 14, 2008
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  5. Kyle_P

    Kyle_P Newbie

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    Thanks, It has been hard sorting through the information (lack of accurate info, typos etc) with this launch.
     
    Kyle_P, Aug 14, 2008
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  6. Kyle_P

    Kyle_P Newbie

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    FYI...

    More of an official source of information, Lenovo's blog states what models have switchable graphics (old news, I know).

    http://lenovoblogs.com/insidethebox/?p=154

    Figured it was a little more concrete than much of what I have come across on both product reviews and Lenovo's product information.
     
    Kyle_P, Aug 22, 2008
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  7. Paul386

    Paul386 Notebook Evangelist

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    Nice to see that as I have previously thought the W500 did not have switchable graphics.
     
    Paul386, Aug 22, 2008
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  8. Kyle_P

    Kyle_P Newbie

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    Did I read this wrong?

    The W500 DOES have switchable graphics, according to this blog. I was posting this link to support the previous review of the W500 that Han Bao Quan mentioned. This was supposed to be the nail in the coffin, if you will. Sorry to be vague when I posted the link.
     
    Kyle_P, Aug 24, 2008
    #8
  9. SuperAwesomeMan

    SuperAwesomeMan Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm dissapointed by the v5700. It wasn't even a 30% increase in 3DMark06 from the 570.

    BTW Is the 570 just an oc'd version of the 8600m?
     
    SuperAwesomeMan, Aug 24, 2008
    #9
  10. Arki

    Arki Super Moderator

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    The 570M is the workstation GPU of the 8600M GT.
     
    Arki, Aug 25, 2008
    #10