Thinkpads Forum

Hi there,

If I'd like to buy T61, what's the different between Integrated vs Discrete Graphics?

Thanks,

Paul

integrated uses system memory as video memory where discreet has dedicated DDR VRAM.

Also note that discrete graphics will use considerably more battery. If you don't have a need for the extra graphics horsepower, the integrated might be a better bet.

Integrated GPU generate less heat and spens less power than discrete.... But discrete GPU, in general, has much better performance than integrated (due to dedicated RAM and more advanced hardware).... See what fits to your needs....

If you're interested in running anything but Windows on the machine, drivers for any of the newest chips will be more difficult to get running. Intel and AMD (which now owns ATI) have made commitments to open their chip details. ATI and nVidia also make their own drivers for Linux as well.

But as others wrote, the main trade-off is between battery life and graphics performance.

Thanks guys. I will probably can safe some money then.

Integrated GPU is sufficient for basic tasks, Discrete GPU is suitable if the usage demands more processing power for applications such as CAD

I am just a regular/normal user and don't use a lot of graphic software.
However, I may use DVD burner, video converter software once in a while. I normally use nero and iTune. So should I get integrated graphic and can safe some money or discrete graphic?

Thanks,

Paul

Good rule of thumb is "is it 3d". If it is 3d, then discrete helps, if it's not, then go with integrated.

DVD burner, video converter, etc don't involve 3d.

If you were editing video, then I might recommend discrete graphics. Converting video is mostly processor-intensive, so integrated graphics will do the job fine.

why would editing video require 3D graphics? Rendering is one thing but editing?