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    Do you need Discrete Graphics to run Windows 7?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by ordinateurcomputer, Oct 29, 2009.

  1. ordinateurcomputer

    ordinateurcomputer Notebook Guru

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    is it possible to run Windows 7 on integrated graphics?

    Basically, I recall that when Vista came out, it was highly recommended that you buy a discrete GPU if you wanted to take benefit of the Aero interface.

    Is it the same case with Windows 7 as well?

    According the the Microsoft website, they don't list a discrete GPU as a requirement, but I wanted to make sure.
     
    ordinateurcomputer, Oct 29, 2009
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  2. crash

    crash NBR Assassin

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    No it's not necessary at all to have a dedicated GPU for either Windows 7 or Vista. Integrated cards run Aero just fine.
     
    crash, Oct 29, 2009
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  3. wasupdog

    wasupdog Notebook Consultant

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    of course you can run it on integrated graphics. all of the new netbooks have windows 7.
     
    wasupdog, Oct 29, 2009
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  4. ordinateurcomputer

    ordinateurcomputer Notebook Guru

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    Just for clarification though, most netbooks are running the most stripped down version of Windows 7
     
    ordinateurcomputer, Oct 29, 2009
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  5. sirmetman

    sirmetman Notebook Virtuoso

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    This is a misconception that persists from the early days of Vista. When Vista first came out, IGPs didn't support D3D (think it is D3D... know it is some more advanced graphics API), and Aero has a dependancy on low end D3D functionality, thus meaning that to run Aero you effectively needed a dedicated card. However, within the first year after Vista's release, all new IGPs were shipping with this functionality built in, so they satisfied Aero's requirements just fine. Now adays, modern IGPs all support the functionality, so you no longer need a dedicated card to run Aero.
     
    sirmetman, Oct 29, 2009
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  6. intoflatlines

    intoflatlines Notebook Consultant

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    I have integrated graphics (Intel X4500MHD) on my laptop and I can run Windows 7 Professional x64 with full Aero no problem.
     
    intoflatlines, Oct 29, 2009
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  7. Amnesiac

    Amnesiac 404

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    My friend runs Windows 7 on his Acer Aspire One with a GMA 915 or 950 (can't remember which one), and he runs with full Aero enabled, and it runs pretty well. So while discrete graphics aren't necessarily required, you will probably notice that window animation is smoother with a dedicated card.
     
    Amnesiac, Oct 29, 2009
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  8. jda99

    jda99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    The GMA 915 will not run Aero, but the 945 or anything newer will. Even without Aero Win7 will run just fine on just about any computer made in the past few years. I even have it running on a 9 year old Compaq Evo n600c (1.13ghz P3-M, 512mb Ram). It's a bit slow, but it works fine.
     
    jda99, Oct 29, 2009
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  9. Amnesiac

    Amnesiac 404

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    Sorry, must be GMA 950 then. Trust me, he is running Aero and it runs pretty well too.
     
    Amnesiac, Oct 29, 2009
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  10. Lew

    Lew Notebook Deity

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    Yes. I've been doing so for nearly six months on Lenovo T400. (Win7 RC and Win7 RTM)
     
    Lew, Oct 29, 2009
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