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Resolved Integrated graphics memory better for non-gaming laptop?

Discussion in 'Mobile Devices' started by psaulm119, 2014/09/02.

  1. 2014/09/02
    psaulm119 Lifetime Subscription

    psaulm119 Geek Member Thread Starter

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    I'm thinking I might be buying a new laptop soon (current one is goofing up).

    I just read an article comparing graphics cards with integrated memory and dedicated memory. It said that the higher end graphics cards typically have dedicated memory (for gaming), but that these can overheat, and that for nongaming purposes, a card that uses integrated memory would not only be cheaper, but would run at a lower temperature.

    Is this true? If so, I should shy away from a laptop that has dedicated memory, as I really don't do any gaming. My laptop budget would be no more than $700, so I'm not sure if cards with dedicated memory would make it down into that range, anyways. Its just that I've always heard that cards with dedicated memory are better, so this one is new to me.
     
  2. 2014/09/02
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Hi Paul.
    Yes this is true. Laptops with integrated video chips only will use less power and as a result they are cheaper to buy.

    If you don't do any gaming or intense video editing then you won't need a laptop with a dedicated video chip. The laptops that run the Intel HD 4000 graphics is more than adequate for watching videos and multitasking while using multiple programs.

    Would you like me to recommend you a new laptop that is within your $700 dollar budget?
     
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  4. 2014/09/02
    psaulm119 Lifetime Subscription

    psaulm119 Geek Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks for confirming what I've read.

    As far as a recommendation, if you have one off the top of your head, feel free. But please don't go out and spend time and research this--I might not end up buying for another year or so, and I might not like the brand you recommend. My approach (at this point in time) will be to go onto Best Buy (where I can buy it with 18 mos interest free card) and buy the best Lenovo, Samsung, or Asus laptop in my price range. I've read a few reliability studies and these three are usually up there. I'm rather scared of Dell and Toshiba at this point, due to past experience. I've had an HP desktop that is ok for reliability, but they are scoring fairly low in surveys, so I think I'll shy away from their laptops.

    And, as I said in my first post, right now I'm not looking. I'm just trying to be prepared, b/c I can't go w/o a laptop for long so I'll have to act fast IF this one I have now acts up.

    Anyways, if you do have anything to say about my choices, feel free.
     
  5. 2014/09/02
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Well even if you are not going to be buying a new laptop for a while, I will list two laptops one from AMD and the other from Intel that you can use as a reference for what kind of specs you can get in your price range. Don't worry about the manufacturer but instead focus more on the specs of the laptops.

    AMD: HP - Pavilion TouchSmart 15.6" Touch-Screen Laptop - 6GB Memory - 750GB Hard Drive - Silver/Midnight Black.

    Intel: HP - ENVY x360 2-in-1 15.6" Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel Core i5 - 8GB Memory - 750GB Hard Drive - Natural Silver.
     
  6. 2014/09/02
    psaulm119 Lifetime Subscription

    psaulm119 Geek Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks. That's helpful to see what I can get. I forgot to mention that I dont need touchscreen. But still its good to see what I can get for that much cash.
     
  7. 2014/09/02
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Most laptops come with touch screens anyway so with $700 dollars you can go a long way with the specs that are available to you.

    Glad to have helped point you in the right direction.
     

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