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    Graphics card necessary for non-gamer?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by a-dogg, Nov 24, 2005.

  1. a-dogg

    a-dogg Notebook Guru

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    Is a basic dedicated graphics card (ati mobility radeon 9200) necessary for someone who only watches DVDs, but doesn't play games, or is the GMA 900 sufficient?

    I'd start with 512MB system RAM, but upgrade soon...

    Looking at the FS742 or 790...


    Thanks!
     
    a-dogg, Nov 24, 2005
    #1
  2. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

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    You only need it for gaming and a few specialized applications. For web, email and productivity tasks, you're fine with integrated.
     
    Brian, Nov 24, 2005
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  3. a-dogg

    a-dogg Notebook Guru

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    Thanks, Brian. Forgot to mention that I also do some video editing. basically backing up movie DVDs that I've purchased. Would that get a different answer from you?
     
    a-dogg, Nov 24, 2005
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  4. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    As long as you aren't doing 3D work, you will be fine with an integrated card. ;)
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Nov 25, 2005
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  5. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Yep, no need if your not a gamer than.
     
    nickspohn, Nov 25, 2005
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  6. cy007

    cy007 Notebook Deity

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    512MB of RAM is insufficient for the majority of Sony laptops (w/ integrated graphics; takes system RAM as video RAM) out to date. That being said, if your notebook comes with dedicated graphics, everything should run perfectly fine at 512MB. However, since you're upgrading the RAM soon anyway (I assume 1GB..), an integrated graphics solution should be all you need. A defninite plus if you're planning to run your laptop longer under battery power.
     
    cy007, Nov 25, 2005
    #6