any point to on die graphics if laptop has seperate nvidia card?

[RadNow]

Is there any point to the chip having the integrated graphics such as sandy bridge if you are going to have a seperate nvidia card?

I am having second thoughts about getting the sandy bridge architecture and may just go with the intel core chip or something to save money.

 

[OS]

doesn't nvidia optimus switch between integrated and discrete based on performance on demand?

 

[Brainonska511]

Why would you go with an earlier generation Intel processor over Sandy Bridge? Even if you don't use the SB integrated graphics, the processor is still significantly faster than previous generations.

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

The newer integrated graphics is faster and more energy efficient, with the ability to switch gears to a dedicated GPU for more intensive work. Win win imo.

 

[Zap]

I am having second thoughts about getting the sandy bridge architecture and may just go with the intel core chip or something to save money.

Unless you can't afford a notebook with a Sandy Bridge CPU, there is no reason to get anything older. Even if you completely ignore the integrated graphics, a Sandy Bridge notebook will perform better, run cooler and have better battery life than any Core 2 based notebook except for ULV versions, which will run cool but perform even worse.

 

[gsaldivar]

Is there any point to the chip having the integrated graphics such as sandy bridge if you are going to have a seperate nvidia card?

Having both allows you to the flexibility of switching as needed to maximize performance or battery life, or to minimize fan noise, heat... etc.

 

[corkyg]

Operational efficiency will be greater with Sandy Bridge. Unless there is some sort of game fetish involved, there's no reason to use Nvidia.

 

[gsaldivar]

Operational efficiency will be greater with Sandy Bridge. Unless there is some sort of game fetish involved, there's no reason to use Nvidia.

Non-gaming discrete GPU uses: Business graphics, CAD/CAM, Graphic Design (Photoshop, etc), Hardware video codec assist...

 

[StrangerGuy]

Is there any point to the chip having the integrated graphics such as sandy bridge if you are going to have a seperate nvidia card?

I am having second thoughts about getting the sandy bridge architecture and may just go with the intel core chip or something to save money.

The entire point is to save power. Keeping the discrete GPU on while during office work is going to drain a lot of unnecessary battery life.

 

[corkyg]

Non-gaming discrete GPU uses: Business graphics, CAD/CAM, Graphic Design (Photoshop, etc), Hardware video codec assist...

On a laptop?

 

[gsaldivar]

On a laptop?

Why not?

 

[corkyg]

I suspect that there will not be noticeable visual difference between a SandyBridge based display and the Nvidia on a 14-in display at native resolution in any of those programs.

OTH, since OP already has the Nvidia GPU, does it makes sense to spend more $$$ to get Sandy Bridge? IMHO, no. Stick with the Nvidia as long as it does the job, and save some bucks.

 

[alent1234]

adobe flash has supported hardware assisted playback on intel GPU's going back a few years. unless you play games or do something like photoshop where there is GPU optimization in there you are wasting money buying a GPU laptop. even my core i5 intel graphics plays Mass Effect and older games OK

 

[Anonemous]

Isn't the onboard gpu on the sandy bridge equivalent to Geforce 310M?