Question About Laptops & Computer Graphics Cards

[Ro_Laren]

I need to buy a new laptop for school and have to make sure it meets some system requirements for some software I also have to buy. One of those requirements is a minimum of 128 MB Direct X9 graphics device, but it is recommended that the computer have a 512MB Direct X9 graphics card with WDDM 1.0 or higher device. Now, I have no idea what that means.

I found a Dell laptop that has a Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD, but according to the Dell Rep I was chatiting with, that is only 64 MB. Is that true or was the Rep trying to upsell me?

I also found an HP laptop with a Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with 1695MB shared memory. Is that the same as the Dell laptop? Would that work?

I am trying to spend less than $700 on the laptop because the software is going to cost me $450 to $650 (depending on which package I get). I have to get a PC because the software doesn't have a good MAC version. I want to have at least a T6 Core 2 Duo processor or better, 4 GB or higher of memory, and at least a 320 GB hard drive. Any one know of anything that meets those specs? I know I can build a laptop on Dell, but it wouldn't be shipped until mid January and I don't know if it will get to me before school.

 

[Amaris]

I need to buy a new laptop for school and have to make sure it meets some system requirements for some software I also have to buy. One of those requirements is a minimum of 128 MB Direct X9 graphics device, but it is recommended that the computer have a 512MB Direct X9 graphics card with WDDM 1.0 or higher device. Now, I have no idea what that means.

I found a Dell laptop that has a Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD, but according to the Dell Rep I was chatiting with, that is only 64 MB. Is that true or was the Rep trying to upsell me?

I also found an HP laptop with a Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with 1695MB shared memory. Is that the same as the Dell laptop? Would that work?

I am trying to spend less than $700 on the laptop because the software is going to cost me $450 to $650 (depending on which package I get). I have to get a PC because the software doesn't have a good MAC version. I want to have at least a T6 Core 2 Duo processor or better, 4 GB or higher of memory, and at least a 320 GB hard drive. Any one know of anything that meets those specs? I know I can build a laptop on Dell, but it wouldn't be shipped until mid January and I don't know if it will get to me before school.

How's this?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220636



J.

 

[wellsweb]

I like the specs on this one, too...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway...rown/9605383.p?id=1218130488875&skuId=9605383

 

[Amaris]

I like the specs on this one, too...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+-+Laptop+with+AMD+Athlon%26%23153%3B+II+Dual-Core+Processor+-+Coffee+Brown/9605383.p?id=1218130488875&skuId=9605383

That one's nice, but the memory isn't dedicated 512mb, which means serious video performance lag. They can heap all the shared memory they want into the video buffer, but if the RAM has to be diverted and the processor still handle most of the weight, then there will be a major reduction in rendering or anything else that requires graphics intensive programs.


J.

 

[Snaploud]

I need to buy a new laptop for school and have to make sure it meets some system requirements for some software I also have to buy. One of those requirements is a minimum of 128 MB Direct X9 graphics device, but it is recommended that the computer have a 512MB Direct X9 graphics card with WDDM 1.0 or higher device. Now, I have no idea what that means.

I found a Dell laptop that has a Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD, but according to the Dell Rep I was chatiting with, that is only 64 MB. Is that true or was the Rep trying to upsell me?

I also found an HP laptop with a Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with 1695MB shared memory. Is that the same as the Dell laptop? Would that work?

I am trying to spend less than $700 on the laptop because the software is going to cost me $450 to $650 (depending on which package I get). I have to get a PC because the software doesn't have a good MAC version. I want to have at least a T6 Core 2 Duo processor or better, 4 GB or higher of memory, and at least a 320 GB hard drive. Any one know of anything that meets those specs? I know I can build a laptop on Dell, but it wouldn't be shipped until mid January and I don't know if it will get to me before school.

How's this?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220636



J.

Less money (including rebate), essentially the same product except with a better processor (Intel T6600 Core 2 Duo Processor rather than a Turion):

http://www.amazon.com/K50IJ-D2-15-6...inment-Windows/dp/B002P3KMOY/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_4

 

[Amaris]

I need to buy a new laptop for school and have to make sure it meets some system requirements for some software I also have to buy. One of those requirements is a minimum of 128 MB Direct X9 graphics device, but it is recommended that the computer have a 512MB Direct X9 graphics card with WDDM 1.0 or higher device. Now, I have no idea what that means.

I found a Dell laptop that has a Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD, but according to the Dell Rep I was chatiting with, that is only 64 MB. Is that true or was the Rep trying to upsell me?

I also found an HP laptop with a Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with 1695MB shared memory. Is that the same as the Dell laptop? Would that work?

I am trying to spend less than $700 on the laptop because the software is going to cost me $450 to $650 (depending on which package I get). I have to get a PC because the software doesn't have a good MAC version. I want to have at least a T6 Core 2 Duo processor or better, 4 GB or higher of memory, and at least a 320 GB hard drive. Any one know of anything that meets those specs? I know I can build a laptop on Dell, but it wouldn't be shipped until mid January and I don't know if it will get to me before school.

How's this?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220636



J.

Less money (including rebate), essentially the same product except with a better processor (Intel T6600 Core 2 Duo Processor rather than a Turion):

http://www.amazon.com/K50IJ-D2-15-6...inment-Windows/dp/B002P3KMOY/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_4

I think Ro is going to have to give us an idea of what she's going to use the laptop for, because your link doesn't seem to have dedicated video ram (they would point it out), it probably has shared video ram, which will slow down video performance. If it's just for drawing, then your laptop is a good choice, but if it's video rendering or higher end 3D work, the one in my link would work better.

J.

 

[Snaploud]

^Ah, good catch...

 

[Amaris]

^Ah, good catch...

So now we wait with baited breath.

J.

 

[Snaploud]

Here's a break-down of video cards:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=302231

It looks like my link goes to a laptop with an Intel® GMA X4500M (listed under integrated graphics processors).

 

[Amaris]

Here's a break-down of video cards:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=302231

It looks like my link goes to a laptop with an Intel® GMA X4500M (listed under integrated graphics processors).

The Intel GMA X4500Ms are okay. I have an Intel GMA 950 in mine, and I can watch full screen video if I allocate all 256mb of video memory to it. There's not a great amount of difference in the performance. Laptops that don't use dedicated video memory suffer lag and low frame rate.

Hopefully, Ro will come along shortly and tell us what she plans on using it for, and we can help guide her steps a little more.

J.

 

[Deks]

I need to buy a new laptop for school and have to make sure it meets some system requirements for some software I also have to buy. One of those requirements is a minimum of 128 MB Direct X9 graphics device, but it is recommended that the computer have a 512MB Direct X9 graphics card with WDDM 1.0 or higher device. Now, I have no idea what that means.

I found a Dell laptop that has a Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD, but according to the Dell Rep I was chatiting with, that is only 64 MB. Is that true or was the Rep trying to upsell me?

I also found an HP laptop with a Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with 1695MB shared memory. Is that the same as the Dell laptop? Would that work?

I am trying to spend less than $700 on the laptop because the software is going to cost me $450 to $650 (depending on which package I get). I have to get a PC because the software doesn't have a good MAC version. I want to have at least a T6 Core 2 Duo processor or better, 4 GB or higher of memory, and at least a 320 GB hard drive. Any one know of anything that meets those specs? I know I can build a laptop on Dell, but it wouldn't be shipped until mid January and I don't know if it will get to me before school.

Well, let's put things into perspective.
Numerous software companies will put out specific minimum specs, regardless of the fact most of those can be handled by something that is perceived as 'less advanced'.

What exactly will you be using the laptop for?
Be specific on what kind of software will you be running on it.
3d software such as AutoCad, 3d Studio Max, Maya, Lightwave and Blender for example can be handled fine (for the most part) by integrated solutions (although, I would try to find a laptop featuring an Nvidia or Ati integrated cards because they are much more powerful in comparison to Intel solutions).
If on the other hand you are considering gaming, then a dedicated gpu would be a must ... in the mid-range most likely and featuring a GDDR3 memory.
A dedicated card with 128bit bus and DDR3 memory will handle 3d applications even better of course.

I would recommend you use www.notebookreview.com, go into the forums, and fill out the FAQ.

Alternatively, this laptop would essentially be perfect for your needs:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115675

Installing Windows 7 x64 (in order to utilize full 4GB RAM) would be prudent.

Finally ...
I would recommend you avoid laptops with AMD cpu's for now.
They are slower, consume more power and produce more heat in comparison to Core2Duo's.

 

[Ro_Laren]

Wow, thanks everyone!! I am actually buying the computer to use at school, but I will also end up using it at work / for fun. I never thought that the software I have to use is very video intensive. Here is the link to the tech faq's: http://www.logos.com/support/techfaq

I am in Seminary and the software is actually really neat Bible software that I am required to have for class. I am not sure why it needs / wants the graphics card that it does. I have seen my professors use the software and they never played any videos...

I might end up buying an HP just because I am familiar with the brand, but am open to other possibilities. What is the difference between AMD & Intel. Is it like Ford versus Chevy? I know that different chips have different speeds, but is there any other considerable difference between the two brands?

 

[Deks]

Well, I'm not personally familiar with the program in question, however, taking into consideration all of the aspects you mentioned, then the laptop I found on newegg for you would likely serve you perfectly (oh and it's a steal for $700 ... as usually such laptops have a tendency of having a much higher price, and I was actually surprised to have been able to find a laptop with those specs for that price).

Regarding the differences between ADM and Intel ... read my upper post.

 

[Amaris]

Wow, thanks everyone!! I am actually buying the computer to use at school, but I will also end up using it at work / for fun. I never thought that the software I have to use is very video intensive. Here is the link to the tech faq's: http://www.logos.com/support/techfaq

I am in Seminary and the software is actually really neat Bible software that I am required to have for class. I am not sure why it needs / wants the graphics card that it does. I have seen my professors use the software and they never played any videos...

I might end up buying an HP just because I am familiar with the brand, but am open to other possibilities. What is the difference between AMD & Intel. Is it like Ford versus Chevy? I know that different chips have different speeds, but is there any other considerable difference between the two brands?

In that case, any decent spec'd laptop will do the job for you. I looked over the software and it's not at all image intensive. You wouldn't need anything more than shared memory, aside from personal choice. So mine, Snaploud's, Dek's or wellsweb's links would be more than enough for those needs. In fact, wellsweb's is the best bang for your buck, overall, if you like Gateway (they're decent).

J.

 

[Snaploud]

Well, I'm not personally familiar with the program in question, however, taking into consideration all of the aspects you mentioned, then the laptop I found on newegg for you would likely serve you perfectly (oh and it's a steal for $700 ... as usually such laptops have a tendency of having a much higher price, and I was actually surprised to have been able to find a laptop with those specs for that price).

Those specs were the most impressive (of the ones posted in this thread). You should definitely read the reviews, though, as there may be some quality control issues (particularly regarding the keyboard, touchpad, and possibly the WIFI card).

 

[Deks]

Well, I personally have an Acer 5930G laptop for over a year now (9600m Gt Gddr3 gpu) which I paid for £600 at the time in London, and it's working superb to this day.

Granted, ever since then, I undervolted the cpu and gpu (the gpu, I also overclocked by about 15% to 20% while retaining the lower 0.89V) along with a laptop cooler, so the temps don't go over 60 degrees C (for either cpu or gpu) when doing heavy gaming or 3d applications.

A rather good achievement for a laptop that comes with average cooling at best (oh and I made sure to clean out the air vents every 3 or 6 months).
:-)

As for the laptop I located on newegg ... well, I would say the OP wouldn't really experience many issues with keyboard/touchpad/wifi, provided he/she knows how to treat technology well.
Avoid hitting the laptop in fits of anger or dropping it to the floor and you should do fine.
Well actually, my own laptop fell to the floor once. Nothign serious really (it was a gentle bump). I checked/tested the HDD afterward to make sure it was ok, and went on with my business (will backup files just in case though).

I'm sure there are other laptops with similar specs in the market ... the trouble is, if the price range acceptable enough?