Should I buy a dedicated Graphics card.?

Question

I am about to buy a Dell XPS M1210 and I would appreciate your opinion on whether I should stick with the Integrated Intel GMA 950 or spend $80 on the NVidia GeForce 7400 Turbocache.
I would only be playing Sims 2, SimCity 4, Neverwinter Nights and maybe BGII. I have heard that the Nvidia can make your battery life up to an hour shorter and makes the laptop hotter.
Please let me know whether the better graphics are worth the cost and battery life.

Mako · Accepted Answer

Definitely get a dedicated. Integrated graphics are horrible for games and stuff like that. Also, I find that with dedicated, the computer runs faster. If you have a good fan and don't overclock the card, it won't get hot. I'm not sure about battery power, but if you're home and sitting somewhere you can charge/use the outlet for power, it makes sense to charge it anyways.

figgypower · Answer

A dedicated video card will for sure suck more battery power then one that is integrated into the motherboard.  Simpler games actually do just fine with the integrated Intel GMA 950.  Heavier gaming, such as Neverwinter Nights and BGII are probably better off with a dedicated video card.  Gaming-on-the-go (i.e. just battery) is not really practical.

William E. Roberts · Answer

Definatly. Integerated graphics are absolutly terrible for computer games. Really you shouldn't get a laptop for games at all, but if you can get a video card, you without a doubt should.

Anonymous · Answer

its always better to have a none on board video card " not built in to the mother board" . But it will all come down to your budget and how many times and hours you play games on your computer. Good luck

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Should I buy a dedicated Graphics card.?

4 Answers