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    What discrete video card means?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by wonllee, Jan 10, 2009.

  1. wonllee

    wonllee Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello,

    Some lenovo model lines says it has a discrete video card, which I read somewhere it's switchable.

    Does it mean that I can physically take it out from the system and replace it with some other (maybe better suited) video card?

    Thanks in advance. JL.
     
    wonllee, Jan 10, 2009
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  2. wonllee

    wonllee Notebook Enthusiast

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    To be specific, it's T-400
     
    wonllee, Jan 10, 2009
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  3. booboo12

    booboo12 Notebook Prophet

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    Discrete just means that a card processes video mostly using it's own memory instead of stealing a chunk of system memory like integrated graphics do.

    Usually discrete graphics are soldered to the motherboard, and aren't user upgradable,

    Some systems come with switchable graphics which allows you to toggle between integrated and discrete graphics via. a switch on the machine. In that case both integrated graphics and a dedicated card are installed.

    Ricky :)
     
    booboo12, Jan 10, 2009
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  4. Renee

    Renee Notebook Virtuoso

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    Auto-switching is employed on VISTA ONLY systems. For XP, a reboot is required.

    Renee
     
    Renee, Jan 10, 2009
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