which is better? Intel X3100 GPU or Mobility 9600 128mb

[tlucca]

Hi all,00

Im considering getting a new inexpensive laptop to replace my aging Inspiron 8600. It has a Radeon Mobility 9600pro with 128MB. the new laptop selling at Bestbuy tomorrow for $399 has a Intel x3100 chipset. I rarely play games but on occasion I like to fire up Civilization 4.

Will the x3100 play games (even at low resolutions) any faster than my 8600 with the descrete graphics?

thanks for the help,
Tom

 

[onlyCOpunk]

I'm pretty sure they will be about even, but a dedicated GPU even if it is a 64MB GF 8400m is still better then integrated.

 

[TheStu]

The 9600 will beat out the X3100... but my GMA950 can run Civ4 pretty well, and from most of what I have seen, the x3100 is about twice as 'fast' as the GMA950 (fast isn't quite the right word... strong? ballsy? awesome?) so it should be fine. Also, the better processor in the newer laptop will make up any difference.

 

[Brainonska511]

The X3100 should also be getting better. At the moment, drivers are more fine-tuned for general use, but Intel has been working on getting their integrated graphics drivers tuned for playing games.

 

[pukemon]

I have an x3100 in my notebook... I've never tried any games on it, but I'd think that even with older games, the Mobility Radeon 9600 itself is going to be "faster"... but the faster CPU, memory, and hard drive on the new machine will likely make up for it...

And then there's the boat anchor known as Vista... so... your mileage may vary.

 

[TC91]

x3100 for sure. lighter, less power use, more battery life, sm3.0 (and 4.0 too!! but that is kind of pointless), and better video acceleration.

 

[Parasitic]

Originally posted by: TheStu
The 9600 will beat out the X3100... but my GMA950 can run Civ4 pretty well, and from most of what I have seen, the x3100 is about twice as 'fast' as the GMA950 (fast isn't quite the right word... strong? ballsy? awesome?) so it should be fine. Also, the better processor in the newer laptop will make up any difference.

I think twice as "extreme" is the word.