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Help! I'm confusing.

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  • Graphics Cards
  • 3D
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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June 14, 2003 8:29:40 AM

I need to get a laptop for myself. budget around RM6k (approximately USD1600, exchange rate is 1:3.8).
I work a lot on AutoCad 3D modelling, 3D Studio Viz rendering, and Adobe
Photoshop + basic word, multimedia processing;

extra remark -
(a) I'm not really need a high configuration for gaming purpose,
(b) a wireless internet connection and good mobility will be good, anyway
3d graphic processing power will be the main concern.


I have check out several models that available in the market, and I'm
interested in

(i) Intel Pentium M processor 1.5 (centrino) + integrated shared 64MB 3D
AGP (based on Dell Inspiron 500m -
http://dellstore04.sg.dell.com/public/cart/Builtit.jsp?...
le.jsp&prd_id=81098&flag=Y&smg_old=387 ) OR
(ii) P4 2.0 + 32MB ATI Radeon 9000 (based on Dell Inspiron 8500 -
http://dellstore04.sg.dell.com/public/cart/Builtit.jsp?...
le.jsp&prd_id=81101&flag=Y&smg_old=387 )

1. For 3D processing + modelling, izzit an integrated graphic card (like
theshared 64MB 3D AGP Video mentioned above) have a lot of difference
comparing to an independent graphic card (like the ATI Radeon 9000 mentioned
above)? 3D Modeling and Rendering, these two process take count on cpu
speeds or graphic card's capability?
2. Which model from above do u think I should go for?
3. Izzit there any better model in the market that suites better to my
needs?

I'm currently running on a Pentium Celeron 500Mhz with 192 MB SDRAM with a
discreet 32MB MSI GeForce2 400MX graphic card.

It took me more than 10 minutes to switch a view of my 3D model working in
AutoCad 2002.
The zooming in and out I did in 3D Studio Viz 4.2 is oso extremely slow,
it's like impossible for me to work on it.

In the other hand, my fren is running on a Pentium III 500Mhz with 128 MB
SDRAM with a discreet 32MB Riva Tnt2 Savage 3D graphic card.

It took me an approximate 10 secs to switcg a view of my 3D model working in
AutoCad 2002.
The zooming in and out I did in 3D Studio Viz 4.2 is quite slow but
acceptable, at least I can work on it.

Both system with non other background programme running. and tat was done on
a clean WinXp based OS.

Some say cpu do the job, graphic card only show the output.
Some say cpu is a lot more important in the 3d modelling process and graphic
card is only little affected.
Some say graphic card is a lot more important in the 3d modelling process.
I'm wondering and confusing from the feedbacks I got.

1. Izzit the CPU speed or the Graphic Card Processing Power are concerned in
CAD applications?
2. how about rendering (for wat I know rendering is purely depends on cpu
speed)?
3. how about when we zooming in and zooming out, switching views when doing
3d model?

Any question answered will be really appreciated. I need advices in
makingbetter decision. Any feedback are welcomed please. Thx in advanced :) 

may u be well, happy and healthy.
may ur wishes come true.
-------
With Metta,
SoMa.

More about : confusing

June 14, 2003 4:50:24 PM

1-Ok RENDERING is done by the CPU. So if you render a lot, i suggest a good CPU.
2-Moving the viewport,zooming etc is done by the GRAPHICS card.

I would not get the centrino--smal screen+integrated graphics, you will regret it.

Get the dell8500 and big screen, doing CAD on a 14po screen is a pain. get the mobility radeon or GF4200 go. It may be better than a radeon 9000.

Seriously a laptop is probably the worst thing for you but if you need one.

I would suggest at least 512meg of ram. Those program need lots of ram to work efficiently.

www.alienware.com builds GREAT laptop, but they are expensive. around $2500us
June 14, 2003 5:22:41 PM

Dude get a dell. I really dont care for the tech support, cannot understand them, but they make great machines. the inspiron 5100 with the 64mb ati option would work. Get at least 512mb ram and the machine comes with an Intel 3.06 chip standard. Its about 1,800USD and you may be able to get that price down with a little cuss and discuss or put it on their dell prefered acct. Only other laptop Id look at is alienware but they are rip-offs while other companies are not good with CAD and graphics work.
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a b U Graphics card
June 14, 2003 6:55:21 PM

The radeon 9000 IS a mobility radeon. Too bad they don't give you the option of the 64mb (they do here in Canada on the 8500s) Alienware and others even use the 128mb version.

The centrino is a LESSER platform, it is great for battery life, but sacrifices raw power at the top end (and you will likely be plugging this in mostly. Go with the 8500 and the R9000. The GFGO is ok, but depending on the price diff. (is about $150us from what I saw. [didn't know which country to select] In HK$ it was a $156HKD diff.) The additional memory will help with larger resolutions and such. The main thing is get the most powerful processor you can and either of the graphics chips are similar so go with the most memory in either (dpeending on price diff.). If I were you I'd wait (I AM waiting) until the Mobility Radeon 9600 appears in laptops. It is by far the king of mobile VPUs. But of your choices the 8500 with either graphics chip is the best solution.
The main problem is there is no way of knowing the availibility to you of certain product as there are cheaper more powerful products availible in N.Amer. that may not be availible to you. Iwould usually say shy away from dell if you can, but their laptops are pretty good (although I think IBM is far FAR superior [but moreexpensive]).

Anywhoo, that's my two frames worth.


- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp <i>(or internet account)</i> ! <font color=green>RED</font color=green> <font color=red>GREEN</font color=red> :tongue: GA to SK
June 14, 2003 7:07:51 PM

We have had SUCH bad experiences with IBM laptops. My mom is on her 2nd (dunno WHY she bought a 2nd!), and both have been nothing but trouble. Phone tech support was useless, and they were slow returning the laptop after we sent it in for some work. Not to mention they are overpriced.

Dell and Alienware all the way.

"Every Day is the Right Day." -Pink Floyd
a b U Graphics card
June 14, 2003 7:19:50 PM

Totally opposite of my experience (always quick repair/sesponses/support), but hey that's just the nature of the Biz. I love mine and all the one's I've had. The guys who I work with at the phone company (they are field techs) HATE their new dells, and have complained quite loudly (even at a conference with the VP) that they want to return to their Thinkpads. The list of problems is huge. But the price diff. was an original factor, however there have been so many returns, replacements, and complaints that the next one's will be IBMs, or either Terralogic Toughnotes or Panasonic Toughbooks (my suggestions actually, I got a gift certificate for it [and yes a cookie and a pat on the head]) they are still going through approval.

I do agree with you on Alienware though. Awesome computers in awesome colours, and not bad price.


- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp <i>(or internet account)</i> ! <font color=green>RED</font color=green> <font color=red>GREEN</font color=red> :tongue: GA to SK
!