FireGL T2 128MB with new drivers - best gaming T43 option?

[campobello]

I 've read previous discussions here that have noted that the 128MB FireGL T2 uses drivers for stability for use with CAD, etc. programs and that therefore the 64MB X300 or X600--which are optimized for speed and gaming--would outperform the FireGL for most gaming applications.

If one were to install the right 'gaming-optimized' drivers for the FireGL, could the FireGL outperform the X300 (or X600) for most gaming? Or should one not bother fooling around with changing FireGL drivers and opt for the X300/600 if interested in occasional game use?

Also, from what I've seen in the tabook, the X300 is available and NOT the X600.

[Tsuioku]

Which notebook w/ the FireGL T2 are you considering?

You might want to note that the T2 is 128MB while the X300 is 64MB.
There is no X600.. however, there is the V3200 which is based on the X600...

If I were to rank the three cards, I'd say X300 < FireGL T2 < FireGL V3200

[trikster2]

"Also, from what I've seen in the tabook, the X300 is available and NOT the X600."

My understanding (which does not mean much!) is that the T43p V3200 graphics are based on the X600

If you are really concerned about gaming get a dell or something else with the latest X800/6800 graphics. X300 and X600 are not much better than what thinkpads had in the T42.

[campobello]

"Also, from what I've seen in the tabook, the X300 is available and NOT the X600."

My understanding (which does not mean much!) is that the T43p V3200 graphics are based on the X600

If you are really concerned about gaming get a dell or something else with the latest X800/6800 graphics. X300 and X600 are not much better than what thinkpads had in the T42.

A Dell--No thanks! I'm set on a T-Series Thinkpad but wanted to order one with the most flexibility, i.e. a T-Series that could best support OCCASIONAL gaming.

[campobello]

was thinking about the T43p 2668-G3U, 14.1" FireGl 128MB V3200, 60GB HD

[Tsuioku]

was thinking about the T43p 2668-G3U, 14.1" FireGl 128MB V3200, 60GB HD

Might be overkill for "occasional" gaming... But if you're looking for performance and don't mind putting in the extra cash... By all means, get the T43P.. It's something I can only dream of at the moment.. -_-"

However, since the 915PM chipset offers a PCIe slot... perhaps you can try out the X300 first and swap it in the future should its performance be lacking (you might wanna double check this though)

EDIT: The T43 does not offer MXM.. so nix on the idea of swapping the card in the future..

[Kenn]

To address all this talk of "stable v. performance drivers" - I really doubt there would more than a few fps difference between the two. You won't generally lose 20-30% performance for virtue of "stability," to at least you shouldn't.

[fbrdphreak]

The X300 should offer performance almost identical to that of the Radeon 9600, if not better. Same # of texture pipelines, clock speeds should be similar; basically just a PCI-E 9600 from the specs I've read.

I wish they offered the X600 though as an intermediary, the 3200 is a big price jump. I might have a 14" T43 w/X300 soon, benchies will come