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    Question about the GPU in Sony FW290

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Mr D, Dec 22, 2008.

  1. Mr D

    Mr D Notebook Consultant

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    I understand that it comes with the ATI HD 3650 with 512MB vRAM...

    However, is it possible to change this to another video card (nVidia 9600M GT or 9800GT)

    Or are these GPU's directly attached to the motherboard?

    I'm considering this laptop or the Macbook Pro 15 inch. Does anyone have any input comparing these two models together?

    I'll be waiting until Macworld to see if they announce anything great such as Blue Ray or HD display...

    I plan on getting a 24 inch monitor with it too, if anyone wants to add input on suggestions for that.

    Thanks!
     
    Mr D, Dec 22, 2008
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  2. Wujohn

    Wujohn Notebook Consultant

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    You cannot change the GPU-it is soldered on the motherboard. The 3650 is not a bad card; certainly not high performance but then again, neither is the 9600GT.
     
    Wujohn, Dec 22, 2008
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  3. Mr D

    Mr D Notebook Consultant

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    it... no, I'm sure it's not a bad card. How well will it play Blu-ray movies compared to something like the others?

    I wouldn't be using the laptop for gaming, but I would be using it for editing graphics (Photoshop) and movies.

    I see you just ordered yours...
     
    Mr D, Dec 22, 2008
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  4. hendra

    hendra Notebook Virtuoso

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    ATI HD 3650 card would be fantastic for playing Blu-ray. The GPU is more than adequate to play Blu-ray and its 512MB VRAM is double the size of recommended requirement. As for Photoshop, I don't think it will use too much of your GPU power. For Photoshop, CPU is more important than GPU.
     
    hendra, Dec 22, 2008
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  5. ascariss

    ascariss Notebook Deity

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    macs have blu ray? I thought they did not?

    the FW is a fantastic laptop, for movies and other multimedia activities.
     
    ascariss, Dec 22, 2008
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  6. Mr D

    Mr D Notebook Consultant

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    No, they don't currently... I was stating that I was hoping they will add it at MacWorld.

    It is great for multimedia, however I'd be using it for work and business purposes too, and I think it'd be great for that too.
     
    Mr D, Dec 22, 2008
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  7. hendra

    hendra Notebook Virtuoso

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    Apple wants to push movie download so that their ITunes Store can make more money. They think that people would prefer movie download than Blu-ray. Not going to happen because it is not cost effective. It would cost you 5 dollars to download HD movies. You can get a much better deal by renting from Netflix or Blockbuster Online. And the HD quality is limited to 720p and the worst of all, you must buy Apple TV to watch their movies !!
     
    hendra, Dec 22, 2008
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