Thinkpads Forum

I wonder if the new NVS4200M switchable option is even worth it? The benchmarks i see show about 40% increase which is pretty marginal for a discrete chip. It's like $300 extra on the 420s, so is it really worth it? I mainly do regular business tasks, might run a 2560x1600 monitor, and would like to be able to play the occasional game like Dragon Age 2, call of duty series, etc. My T500 switchable does fine for these tasks now, but i want some more performance and portability.

What are you seeing in the real world with your switchable T420/s.

Thanks!

On my T420 i'd say it is.
CUDA support is priceless.

It's also the sole device that runs the DP port. (the intel will in intel only mode, but it's not as good at it)

Looking at the average 3dmark06 scores over at Notebookcheck:

NVS 4200M........4805 (19%)
HD 3650............3570 (14%)
Intel HD 3000.....3820 (15%)

Again, averages. But the NVS 4200M doesn't stack up too well. I would still say get it, because why bother spending the money for a new laptop if it isn't a somewhat decent improvement. Like blackomegax stated, CUDA support = priceless. Paper or not, the Nvidia is still a better card. Especially for gaming, as I can't see games becoming less demanding in the future.

On that note, games won't get MORE demanding until new consoles come out, and the 4200 is faster or on par with the 360. (runs ports great and at higher than 360 default settings)

Nvidia also has far better driver support for...everything.