kern
09-19-2006, 03:04 PM
The following info will give you a general idea of how much performance you need when selecting a Notebook Graphics Card.
Overview:
The latest technology in Graphics cards is PCI Express. PCI Express GPU's can access system memory at much faster speeds than AGP, and as a result, GPU's can dynamically share system memory. New technology such as ATI's HyperMemory, and nVidia's TurboCache, allow manufacturers to build less expensive parts that require less dedicated video memory. nVidia's TurboCache features are built into the GPU's, while ATI's HyperMemory is done entirely in software.
Types of Graphics "Cards":
Integrated Graphics "card"- a Graphics GPU that is built into the "core" (northbridge) chipset on the motherboard. Integrated GPUs run cooler and use less battery power than a "dedicated" GPU, although they "share" system memory which can effect system performance.
If you don't play games on your notebook, an integrated GPU will suit your needs. Most modern integrated GPU's share system memory dynamically (only use what it needs).
Dedicated GPU- a "separate" video card which has its own memory. These generally have superior gaming performance but create additional heat and use more battery power than an integrated GPU.
Some Dedicated GPU's use HyperMemory (ATI) and TurboCache (Nvidia) technology which allows system memory to be dynamically "shared" (only use what it needs, and only during video intensive tasks such as gaming). Its an inexpensive method to increase a chips performance, but since system memory is slower than dedicated GPU memory, dedicated GPU memory is still the best choice for gamers.
When choosing a dedicated card, make sure to read the fine print- for example: a card may be listed as having 128MB of video memory which may in fact be 32MB "dedicated" + 96MB "shared". With few exceptions, a video card with a minimum of 128MB dedicated video ram is required for gaming.
Performance aspects of a GPU:
Clock Speed- determines how fast a GPU will run, and how fast its memory will run. The faster (in mhz) the better. Integrated GPU's share system memory so clock speed will not be listed. Regardless of which Graphics Card you choose, whether for a Desktop or Notebook, a more powerful GPU (vs more video RAM) will always provide better performance.
Memory Bus Width - a wider bus allows a larger amount of data (from RAM) to be transferred at once. Bus width's are 64-bit, 128-bit, and 256-bit. 128-bit is minimum for gaming.
Pipelines/Shaders- the number of pixels that can be shaded per cycle in the chip. 4 is minimum, 8 and greater are better. The higher the Shader Model, the number of graphic features a GPU can support increases, meaning you can add more detail in games that support higher detail, provided the GPU is powerful enough to keep the game running smoothly.
DirectX- the level of graphical features the chip can render in hardware. Most games will run on a DX7 or greater GPU, but most have features designed specifically for DX9 GPU's.
Here are some current models:
Integrated
ATI Xpress 200M / 1100 /1150 , nVidia GeForce Go 6100 / 6150
Dedicated
"Low" performance - ATI Mobility X 600 , X1300 , nVidia Go 6300 , 7200
"Better" performance - ATI Mobility X 700 , X 1400, nVidia Go 6600 , 7400
"Best" performance - ATI Mobility X1600 , X 1800(fastest) , Nvidia Go 7600 , 7800, 7900(fastest)
Bottom line:
You now have the basics, but do your homework before you buy- read the fine print, check manufacturers websites, and ask questions if "specs" are not readily available.
Overview:
The latest technology in Graphics cards is PCI Express. PCI Express GPU's can access system memory at much faster speeds than AGP, and as a result, GPU's can dynamically share system memory. New technology such as ATI's HyperMemory, and nVidia's TurboCache, allow manufacturers to build less expensive parts that require less dedicated video memory. nVidia's TurboCache features are built into the GPU's, while ATI's HyperMemory is done entirely in software.
Types of Graphics "Cards":
Integrated Graphics "card"- a Graphics GPU that is built into the "core" (northbridge) chipset on the motherboard. Integrated GPUs run cooler and use less battery power than a "dedicated" GPU, although they "share" system memory which can effect system performance.
If you don't play games on your notebook, an integrated GPU will suit your needs. Most modern integrated GPU's share system memory dynamically (only use what it needs).
Dedicated GPU- a "separate" video card which has its own memory. These generally have superior gaming performance but create additional heat and use more battery power than an integrated GPU.
Some Dedicated GPU's use HyperMemory (ATI) and TurboCache (Nvidia) technology which allows system memory to be dynamically "shared" (only use what it needs, and only during video intensive tasks such as gaming). Its an inexpensive method to increase a chips performance, but since system memory is slower than dedicated GPU memory, dedicated GPU memory is still the best choice for gamers.
When choosing a dedicated card, make sure to read the fine print- for example: a card may be listed as having 128MB of video memory which may in fact be 32MB "dedicated" + 96MB "shared". With few exceptions, a video card with a minimum of 128MB dedicated video ram is required for gaming.
Performance aspects of a GPU:
Clock Speed- determines how fast a GPU will run, and how fast its memory will run. The faster (in mhz) the better. Integrated GPU's share system memory so clock speed will not be listed. Regardless of which Graphics Card you choose, whether for a Desktop or Notebook, a more powerful GPU (vs more video RAM) will always provide better performance.
Memory Bus Width - a wider bus allows a larger amount of data (from RAM) to be transferred at once. Bus width's are 64-bit, 128-bit, and 256-bit. 128-bit is minimum for gaming.
Pipelines/Shaders- the number of pixels that can be shaded per cycle in the chip. 4 is minimum, 8 and greater are better. The higher the Shader Model, the number of graphic features a GPU can support increases, meaning you can add more detail in games that support higher detail, provided the GPU is powerful enough to keep the game running smoothly.
DirectX- the level of graphical features the chip can render in hardware. Most games will run on a DX7 or greater GPU, but most have features designed specifically for DX9 GPU's.
Here are some current models:
Integrated
ATI Xpress 200M / 1100 /1150 , nVidia GeForce Go 6100 / 6150
Dedicated
"Low" performance - ATI Mobility X 600 , X1300 , nVidia Go 6300 , 7200
"Better" performance - ATI Mobility X 700 , X 1400, nVidia Go 6600 , 7400
"Best" performance - ATI Mobility X1600 , X 1800(fastest) , Nvidia Go 7600 , 7800, 7900(fastest)
Bottom line:
You now have the basics, but do your homework before you buy- read the fine print, check manufacturers websites, and ask questions if "specs" are not readily available.