Hardware question.

schmitt00 · 12 Oct 2009, 22:49

I want to buy a new notebook and would like to know if the "GMA 4500MHD" graphics card can handle sketchup?

PS. any experiences with other cad programs are also welcome.

thanks.

solo · 12 Oct 2009, 23:13

As far as integrated graphics go it's not too bad, It certainly is not ideal for any CAD based software but will run SU, not great but okay.
Remember this integrated chip has no dedicated memory so will be reliant on your Ram further handicapping your SU experiance.

I would encourage you to get a machine with a dedicated video card if possible.

schmitt00 · 12 Oct 2009, 23:31

As i'm looking for a notebook with 13.3" display at max its kinda hard find a model with good processor and graphics.
The "OK" performance is good enough for me, thanks for the help.

Anssi · 13 Oct 2009, 18:35

@solo said:

As far as integrated graphics go it's not too bad, It certainly is not ideal for any CAD based software but will run SU, not great but okay.

Solo,
I don't think I have heard of anyone being able to run SU with a GMA graphics chip with OpenGL Hardware Acceleration on. Has Intel finally produced a working driver? I am getting outdated as I haven't had to fight with these for a long time. When I read about mouse trails and reversed selection I just conclude that it is a question about a GMA chip.

Anssi

schmitt00 · 14 Oct 2009, 13:35

ok, I'm confused again ^^
no one have actuality tried it?

sketch3d.de · 15 Oct 2009, 11:51

@schmitt00 said:

As i'm looking for a notebook with 13.3" display at max its kinda hard find a model with good processor and graphics.

check the Dell Studio XPS 13 w/ the dedicated nVidia 9500m video sub-system. And upgrade to a faster CPU as e.g. the intel Core2 Duo P8600 or P8700 if you can afford.

Win 7 will be officially released end of next week, would probably wait for this instead of lame Vista.

hth,
Norbert

schmitt00 · 17 Oct 2009, 16:56

It's a bit over my budget but thanks for the advice.