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Do I need more RAM if I get integrated graphics?
Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 8:49 am
by jtrino
I'm going to purchase a Thinkpad with the integrated Intel graphics. Is it recommended to get more RAM to make sure that there is enough RAM for the graphics to get all they need?
I was going to get 4GB. But I'm wondering if I get 6GB whether the graphics will perform better?
Re: Do I need more RAM if I get integrated graphics?
Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 10:37 am
by visionviper
Even if you set the integrated graphics to use the maximum amount of memory it really isn't THAT much. 4GB will more than have you covered.
Re: Do I need more RAM if I get integrated graphics?
Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 5:35 pm
by jdrou
Which models were you looking at? The Intel GMA HD (used in X201/T410/T510/etc) will use up to 1.7GB of video memory if you have 4GB or more of main memory (assuming Windows Vista or 7). That still leaves you with over 2GB for the OS and applications. Pretty sure the latest GMA HD 3000 is similar. Older chips would not take as much video memory.
Re: Do I need more RAM if I get integrated graphics?
Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 7:52 pm
by jtrino
sandy bridge, so the hd3000 is what my computer has graphics wise. don't you think I should have at least 4GB for the OS and applications alone? how much do apps and OS need to run with full performance?
Re: Do I need more RAM if I get integrated graphics?
Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 2:33 am
by ozzymud
HD3000 minimum graphics memory is 64MB, and maximum is 1.6GB if i researched correctly... so at 4GB with max video mem shared, that still leaves 2.4GB of system memory...
Is that enough for you, depends on what you do... more video memory = better performance in some games... more system memory = better windows performance IF your apps need/utilize the extra memory...
My machine right now has 3.2GB total (actually 4GB in XP 32, 900MB ramdrive with extra
)
I have open Firefox (40 tabs), Thunderbird, a web server, ftp server, various other background tasks, and I don't game heavy duty (Empire Earth AOC ain't stressful)...
out of the 3.2GB I have 2.3GB available... so again depending on YOU, 2.4GB system and 1.6GB vid MAY be plenty.
If you are a heavy duty gamer, I don't see a laptop being the best anyways, but most games are fine with 1 to 1.5GB memory (mostly used for 3D textures)... 2D on the other hand at 1600x1200@32bit 2X AA double buffered only uses like 32MB video memory
Re: Do I need more RAM if I get integrated graphics?
Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 7:19 am
by RealBlackStuff
And don't forget that the graphics only take away more memory WHEN and AS MUCH AS needed.