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Graphics: Intel HD 3000 vs... NVidia (512mb) w/ Optimus

post #1 of 5
9/2/11 at 1:40am
Thread Starter 

I have two choices in my new laptop:   I leave out the make/model so I get an opinion on JUST the video config.  

                          Full configs linked at the bottom.  But please comment on graphics first.

 

i5-2410M

8gb

Intel GMA HD 3000 graphics 

 

or 

 

 i5-2410M

 6gb

 NVidia N12p-GV (GeForce GTG 520M?) at 512mb  with Optimus

 AND

 Intel GMA HD 3000 graphics 

 

Both HD 3000 set for up to 1.7gb

 

2nd config does stream 1080p via WiDi

 

PC Mag rates them too close to make a difference.  Actually gives the first config their Editors Choice mark.  What would you say?   

Battery life is a major requirement so a dedicated graphics has to be Optimus which the 2nd unit has.

 

I have one pet peeve with the 2nd config.the polymer-Lithium battery is built in.  

 

http://www.pcmag.com/image_popup/0,1871,iid=303731,00.asp   --> gives away the make/model.  please focus on configuration,  

 

Feedback?

 

 

Use:

no gaming

Video watching and minor editing

No 3D work

Major multitasking.

Browsers with as many tabs open as you can imagine...  Some integrated video.

A DVD or online video now or then.  -  Some while traveling.

 

 

Full Configs:
Samsung QX411
ASUS u46E

 

 


Edited by Sierraguy - 9/2/11 at 2:29am
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post #2 of 5
9/2/11 at 7:33am
Nvidia all the way. If you look at Notebook Check's benchmark scores and game performance list, the 520M has Intel graphics beat every time.
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post #3 of 5
9/2/11 at 10:16am
Thread Starter 

I've seen those scores and those comparisons are some of the most complete in the industry.  But if I'm not focused on gaming benchmarks and am going mainstream user, how does HD 3000 stand up in real usage.  I'm a researcher by profession and know that in many instances lab results are just that, performance in the lab....   It's rather quantitative, I'm, hoping to find qualitative results outside the lab.  Andd gaming benchmarks don't apply to my usage context since I'm not a gamer.

 

Still the NVidia then?  For extra cost and impact on battery?

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post #4 of 5
9/2/11 at 10:22am
I'd go with the ASUS and the HD3000 GPU, it will do fine with what you stated. I personally haven't experienced a good automatic GPU notebook switcher (Sony Business Z here) myself, always ending up using just the integrated GPU and forget about the rest (too much hassle with drivers update) unless, as Djembe mentioned above, you want it to get some oomph out of some games and heavy media handling

cheers ...
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post #5 of 5
9/13/11 at 8:13pm
Thread Starter 

 

I bought the Asus U46E and couldn't be happier.  The configuration is awesome for the price.  Fast, light (by my measures), LONG battery life (I've gotten 8 hours), and the GPU is more than enough for the "advanced-average" user.  I got the 8gb model so I have memory to spare for the integrated HD 3000 graphics.  I believe it's set to run up to 1.7gb so with 8gb it doesn't begin to tap into RAM allocated for general processing.  

 

I would recommend this machine to ANYONE.  Well, except the serious gamer..  Okay, to accommodate the fact that ASUS support sucks, noone without above average technical skills.

 

****

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