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MacBook graphics issue?

Alright, so I realize that I didn't buy a MacBook to game or anything. However, I've recently faced some pretty horrific graphics rendering, and was wondering if I could aid it in performing better, or not really. I don't know if it makes a difference (I don't think it does, because I HAVE been able to get Windows games run full-screen at a decent fps) but I boot into Windows only--turned out I don't like Mac OS X. =X

My most recent woe is a port of the standard Flurry screen saver from Mac to Windows. It is only a .scr file, but it performs absolutely horribly, as do other things that utilize OpenGL and DirectX. A screen saver! Are the on-board graphics really that crappy?

for the record, bought this thing exactly a year ago, upgraded to 2.4 Ghz, 250GB HD, and it has 3GB RAM. I'm not sure if any of this makes a difference for graphics... >.>

Update:

(I forgot to add--go ahead and laugh--that the on-board graphics are something like 128-but-not-quite MB... can this be expanded like virtual memory for RAM???)

Update 2:

I'm sorry, I don't mean to be complicated! Really, I would like others' opinions, I suppose.

How does a MacBook (not Pro) with decent enough power but the integrated graphics perform--or not perform--for you with OpenGL/DirectX?

Also, can't believe I forgot to ask... does an EXTERNAL MONITOR slow things down?? I have a 19" dual-monitor set up, VGA output

3 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    I'm trying hard not to laugh but I've been warning people against getting Macs "because you can use boot camp and run Windows" for the exact reason that you're having issues. It's probably just a driver issue. You may not be able to get Windows drivers for your particular graphics adapter, though... You also may be able to set the shared graphics memory to a higher value, but I'm not sure and since you're on a MacBook, you may not be able to find the answers easily. Good news is that if you format and reinstall Mac OS and sell your computer you may be able to get more than enough money to buy a new laptop that is more powerful than the MacBook AND get the free Windows 7 upgrade... The computer below is $600 and has your specs plus WAY better graphics.

    The second monitor (especially if your desktop is extended) might slow the computer down. I know that my GPU temps drop about 5 C when I disable my second monitor. You need to disable it in the display properties, though. Otherwise your GPU is still processing the image, its just not being sent to a monitor. You may also want to change the resolution to see if that helps. If you're running 2 @ 1600x1200 that's pushing it...

  • Anonymous
    4 years ago

    look, that usually is the worst selection you're making in each and each and each and all the existence. that is going to run like Terry Fox plagued by insomnia. do no longer do it and in basic terms keep your self the time and purchase a computing device with an user-friendly video card.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Complicated, go to the Apple Store for a quick fix.

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