Is it worth it to pay for a gf4 in a notebook?

[butch84]

I am looking at getting a dell laptop for college, and i want to have a decent video card in it to go to LANs once in a while, or play games in class, etc. The only thing is, it will cost at a bare minimum $300 to $400 just to get into a laptop with a GF2 go, not even a gf4. SO, how is the integrated video in most systems. I think it would vary from S3 integrated video, to intels integrated video solution. Would i be able to play any games whatsoever with such integrated graphics solutions??? Those of you who have experience (and even those who dont), what do you think? Is it worth it??

Thanks a bunch,
Butch

 

[Adul]

it isnt the gf4 that is in the new nvidia lchipset. it is more like the MX4. and that is closer in relation to the geforce 2/ with geforce 4 memory controler.

 

[butch84]

right, i realize that, but i didnt think i needed to go that in depth- most everyone who will respond to this is aware of the nature of the GF4 go/mx, and so am i. What im really trying to ask, is: can an integrated graphics solution "cut it" in some occaisonal gaming, or do i need to spend lots of extra cash for an independent graphics controller?

Thanks again,
Butch

 

[apoppin]

Integrated laptop graphics are suck.

You want an ATI 16MB DDR Mobility Radeon as the bare minimum if you want to play today's 3D games. I think you can still get an Inspiron 4200 with above card or a Geforce2Go for about a grand.

 

[apoppin]

Like an example?

I bought a Dell Inspiron 4100 last year with ATI card and P3866M. It can play RtCW, Max Payne and Serious Sam SE (either 800x600 -details hi or native 1024x768 details mid) with decent framerates. It scores 1500 or so on 3DMark2001.

My buddy bought the 1.1Ghz Athlon with (32MB for video) integrated graphics. It won't load ANY of these games and scores about 500 on 3DMark.

You NEED a dedicated videocard. Now hop over to Hot Deals and see what you can score for cheap.

 

[MWink]

IMO, the GeForce 4 Go is worth every penny. I got the GeForce 4 Go 440 with 64MB DDR SDRAM in my Inspiron 8200 and I love it. The performance is amazing for a laptop. I get 4700 in 3D Mark 2001 SE and 7200 in 3D Mark 2000. The GeForce 2 Go is acceptable but not nearly as fast (I had one of those too).

I do know some people who do game with integrated video and they don't like it at all. Also one thing to remember is some of those junky video cards still use Pixel Doubling which looks terrible (I will NEVER own another laptop that uses Pixel Doubling!).

If you want to play games well get the GeForce 2 Go or the Radeon 7500. If you want them to play acceptably get the Radeon or GeForce 2 Go. If you don't want to play games very well at all get the integrated video.

 

[butch84]

Yeah, i guess i will just have to spend extra cash if i want to be able to play games. THe trouble is, i dont need the greatest processor, all i want is a decent graphics card. Unfortunately, dell only puts GF4 go in their pentium 4 laptops, which are damn expensive. If i could find a laptop with a mobility radeon 7500 and a PIII/celeron 1Ghz i would be happy. Does anyone know where i could find this?? I want to keep the price tag as low as possible, while keeping decent gaming ability.

Thanks,
Butch

 

[human2k]

You can save $80 buy dropping down to a 32MB version of the GeForce 4 MX 440 GO.........should still be pretty decent at gaming......or find a P3-M with a Radeon 7500 64MB......performance is only shy of a GeForce 4 MX.

 

[spanky]

the gf4go performs pretty closely to the gf4 mx440. so if u can afford it... that is currently the best mobile gaming option.

 

[ElFenix]

the radeon 7500 is almost as fast... though with a p3-m who can tell.. the p3 is just the same for everyday apps... but lots of games like the bandwidth the p4 and ddr provides.

but integrated si teh suq!

 

[Dudd]

Dell has some refurbished notebooks for $1600 that have the 64 mb Geforce 4 Go. It's about $100 less than the cheapest new notebook with a Geforce 4. I have one, and I must say that it works great in games.

linky

 

[butch84]

Right. i would be content with a radeon 7500 and a PIII. However, there is one problem: Where can i find one? I dont see anything on dell's website about it- anybody else know where i can find one??

Thanks,
Butch

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: butch84
Right. i would be content with a radeon 7500 and a PIII. However, there is one problem: Where can i find one? I dont see anything on dell's website about it- anybody else know where i can find one??

Thanks,
Butch

Well, the best way is to check Dell's refurbished site twice a day. And have your credit card in hand because they go fast. Also, check AT Hot Deals every day - sometimes there is an almost unbelievable offer. Be patient amd good luck!