Laptop Graphics Processor

[mapeku]

Hi,

I'm about to get a new laptop and there are three ATI graphics
processors to choose from. The models are Mobility Radeon X1300, X1400
and Mobility FireGL V5200.

I was hoping to get some help because I don't know which one is the
most suitable for gaming (GTR, RBR). The graphics processor must have a
sufficent memory, GTR can't handle virtual memory...

Thank you in advance;
Matti

 

[vellu]

The X1400 of these three, though even that isn't particularly "top of
the line". If you can find one with Mobility X1600 you'd be better off
for gaming (X1400 is a cut down version of it, afaik).

Also make sure the laptop has dedicated graphics memory, not shared. A
huge bottleneck if shared.

(e-mail address removed) kirjoitti:

 

[mapeku]

vellu kirjoitti:

The X1400 of these three, though even that isn't particularly "top of
the line". If you can find one with Mobility X1600 you'd be better off
for gaming (X1400 is a cut down version of it, afaik).

Also make sure the laptop has dedicated graphics memory, not shared. A
huge bottleneck if shared.

The one thing worries me with X1400 is the "Hyper Memory". Could
someone please let me know what is means?

TIA;
Matti

 

[vellu]

(e-mail address removed) kirjoitti:

vellu kirjoitti:


The one thing worries me with X1400 is the "Hyper Memory". Could
someone please let me know what is means?

TIA;
Matti

It means shared memory... Just be sure that it's not the only memory for
the chip. My laptop has X1600 with 256 MB of dedicated and optional
256MB HyperMemory (via RAM) for a total of 512 MB if one so wishes. I
don't. 256MB dedicated is plenty.

 

[mapeku]

vellu kirjoitti:

(e-mail address removed) kirjoitti:

It means shared memory... Just be sure that it's not the only memory for
the chip. My laptop has X1600 with 256 MB of dedicated and optional
256MB HyperMemory (via RAM) for a total of 512 MB if one so wishes. I
don't. 256MB dedicated is plenty.

Thanks again.

Here are the two models to choose from:

http://www5.pc.ibm.com/europe/products.nsf/$wwwPartNumLookup/_UT093xx?OpenDocument
http://www5.pc.ibm.com/europe/products.nsf/$wwwPartNumLookup/_UT077xx?OpenDocument

I am not really an expert in computer hardware desing in any way, so I
can honestly say that I don't know if the 128Mb of X1400 is or isn't
the only memory for the chip. But I think that V5200 has 256 MB
dedicated memory, which should be enough to run GTR/GTR2. I'd be very
grateful if you can help me with this, because I'd hate to get a new
laptop which would not handle the second most important task...

Matti

 

[vellu]

Here are the two models to choose from:

http://www5.pc.ibm.com/europe/products.nsf/$wwwPartNumLookup/_UT093xx?OpenDocument
http://www5.pc.ibm.com/europe/products.nsf/$wwwPartNumLookup/_UT077xx?OpenDocument

I am not really an expert in computer hardware desing in any way, so I
can honestly say that I don't know if the 128Mb of X1400 is or isn't
the only memory for the chip. But I think that V5200 has 256 MB
dedicated memory, which should be enough to run GTR/GTR2. I'd be very
grateful if you can help me with this, because I'd hate to get a new
laptop which would not handle the second most important task...

Matti

As it is indicated as "Video RAM std/max 128MB / 128MB" I'd say it most
likely means shared (adjustable amount, which isn't possible with
dedicated).

On the other hand the FireGL chips are optimized for professional
graphics applications (opengl) and not gaming, the performance might
still be better with the X1400.

Any particular reason for getting a Thinkpad, particularly these two
models? They are definitely not designed for gaming. And very, very
expensive too (3935€ for the UT077FI, 4413€ for the UT093; at
www.beesting.fi). Aimed at very high end design work, perhaps that is
your need?

If gaming is your interested there are far far better choices available
from different manufactures, and for third the price...

 

[mapeku]

vellu kirjoitti:

As it is indicated as "Video RAM std/max 128MB / 128MB" I'd say it most
likely means shared (adjustable amount, which isn't possible with
dedicated).

On the other hand the FireGL chips are optimized for professional
graphics applications (opengl) and not gaming, the performance might
still be better with the X1400.

Any particular reason for getting a Thinkpad, particularly these two
models? They are definitely not designed for gaming. And very, very
expensive too (3935€ for the UT077FI, 4413€ for the UT093; at
www.beesting.fi). Aimed at very high end design work, perhaps that is
your need?

If gaming is your interested there are far far better choices available
from different manufactures, and for third the price...

The reason for getting a Thinkpad is company policy, at least it has
been a company policy for quite some time. The model people have at the
moment is T42, and the T60 is suggested to replace it when getting new
laptops.

We actually need these also for desing work too...

If there are good alternatives (preferably by IBM) with fast enough
Intel processors, Win XP Pro, 1GB fast RAM, at least 80GB hd, 15" TFT
1400x1050 or better, DVD recordable, 1000 GB ethernet, 56K modem, Intel
3945 a/b/g, bluetooth, uncompromized security and suitable for fast
racing sims, please do let me know. I'd really like to get those for
our office.

Matti

 

[vellu]

If there are good alternatives (preferably by IBM) with fast enough
Intel processors, Win XP Pro, 1GB fast RAM, at least 80GB hd, 15" TFT
1400x1050 or better, DVD recordable, 1000 GB ethernet, 56K modem, Intel
3945 a/b/g, bluetooth, uncompromized security and suitable for fast
racing sims, please do let me know. I'd really like to get those for
our office.

Matti

You are right, there aren't many that fit these requirements.
Particularly on the security aspect, which is top of the line for
Thinkpads (even biometric).

But if I'd have to recommend something, this would be it:

HP COMPAQ NC8430

At A Glance

* Genuine Windows XP Professional
* Sleek light-weight design starting at 5.95 lb (2.7 kg) and 1.1
inch (28 mm) thin at front
* Intel® Core™ Duo processors T2400 to T2600*
* 15.4-inch wide screen display
* ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics controller with 256 MB of
discrete video memory
* Up to 4GB of 533- or 667-MHz DDR2 SDRAM, dual channel memory support
* Up to 120-GB 5400 rpm, user-removable hard drive
* Optional 802.11 a/b/g or 802.11 b/g wireless LAN modules and
optional Bluetooth®
* IEEE 1394a Port
* Integrated SD Media Reader
* Security features include integrated Smart Card Reader, TPM
Embedded Security Chip, and Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
* Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express Controller
* Certified for Novell Linux Desktop 9
* Protected by three-year standard parts and labor warranty –
certain restrictions and exclusions apply. Warranty upgrades are available.

Pretty much the same features as the models you were looking at with the
exception of the far superior X1600/256MB dedicated graphics chip. Also
about half the price.

This configuration HP NC8430 T2500/15.4WSXGA+/1GB/80GB/CMB/XPP costs
1974€ at the same Beesting dealer, allthough it isn't exactly the
components you need (only combo drive, instead of DVDR).

But there are configurations available that would have, I suppose,
everything you need.

Take a look at this site:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12442_na/12442_na.HTML

 

[mapeku]

vellu kirjoitti:

You are right, there aren't many that fit these requirements.
Particularly on the security aspect, which is top of the line for
Thinkpads (even biometric).

But if I'd have to recommend something, this would be it:

HP COMPAQ NC8430

At A Glance

* Genuine Windows XP Professional
* Sleek light-weight design starting at 5.95 lb (2.7 kg) and 1.1
inch (28 mm) thin at front
* Intel® Core™ Duo processors T2400 to T2600*
* 15.4-inch wide screen display
* ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics controller with 256 MB of
discrete video memory
* Up to 4GB of 533- or 667-MHz DDR2 SDRAM, dual channel memory support
* Up to 120-GB 5400 rpm, user-removable hard drive
* Optional 802.11 a/b/g or 802.11 b/g wireless LAN modules and
optional Bluetooth®
* IEEE 1394a Port
* Integrated SD Media Reader
* Security features include integrated Smart Card Reader, TPM
Embedded Security Chip, and Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
* Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express Controller
* Certified for Novell Linux Desktop 9
* Protected by three-year standard parts and labor warranty -
certain restrictions and exclusions apply. Warranty upgrades are available.

Pretty much the same features as the models you were looking at with the
exception of the far superior X1600/256MB dedicated graphics chip. Also
about half the price.

This configuration HP NC8430 T2500/15.4WSXGA+/1GB/80GB/CMB/XPP costs
1974€ at the same Beesting dealer, allthough it isn't exactly the
components you need (only combo drive, instead of DVDR).

But there are configurations available that would have, I suppose,
everything you need.

Take a look at this site:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12442_na/12442_na.HTML

Thank you very much for your informative answer.

As a matter of fact, I once had nc8220, and I was quite pleased with
it. The nc8430 actually is the one model I've been thinking of, and it
really seems that it would be a reasonable alternative, if not even
better - at least in some areas. It has many options and configurations
to make it a very good choice for us. I'll have to do some resarch and
comparitation to justify the purchase of hp instead of ibm laptops.

 

[mapeku]

vellu,

Thank you very much for your time and effort helping me to choose a
proper laptop. I decided to get the tailored nc8430 with the options I
listed earlier.

 

[vellu]

You're welcome, glad I could be of assistance.

(e-mail address removed) kirjoitti:

 

[mapeku]

Finally got the three NC8430 laptops ordered. The delivery times for
tailored models with T2600 and all the options needed would have been
too long. So the processor is T2500, otherwise as required. We'll have
the laptops on the following week, then we'll see the performance...

Matti

 

[vellu]

Should be pretty impressive, atleast it is on paper...

(e-mail address removed) kirjoitti:

 

[mapeku]

The laptops have finally arrived and initially tested. Very nice!

Matti

vellu kirjoitti: