Computers & Electronics

Debating between 2 laptops (better processor vs. better video card)

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  • Sep 5th, 2010 6:54 am
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Sr. Member
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Apr 11, 2008
562 posts
1 upvote
T.O.

Debating between 2 laptops (better processor vs. better video card)

Laptop 1:
- Samsung 15.6" (R580)
- Intel Core i3 330M Laptop
- nVidia GeForce 310M 512 MB video card
- $779

Laptop 2:
- Sony VAIO 15.5"
- Intel Core i5-430M
- Integrated video card
- $799

Laptop would be used primarily for 3D design (AutoCAD, Solidworks, CATIA) and occasional gaming.

Any suggestions?
5 replies
Deal Addict
Feb 1, 2008
1506 posts
135 upvotes
Defo the first one, video card is much more powerfull than the intel one.
Deal Addict
User avatar
Dec 22, 2006
2865 posts
296 upvotes
Toronto
The nvidia 310m vs. core i5 430m, both should perform very similar. For 3D work (and most games) wouldn't you need something a lot more powerful?

If I had to choose I'd go for the core i5, nvidia would just draw more power and decrease battery life for no reason.
Deal Fanatic
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Jul 26, 2006
7742 posts
399 upvotes
Scarborough
Why would you get a 15.6" screen for CAD? You'd need AT LEAST a 17.3" and maybe even a 18.4".

Also, you'd need a more powerful machine.

Check these two here:
Acer for $999 and it's i5 430m, AMD Radeon HD5650M, 4GB RAM, 18.4" @ 1920x1080 screen

OR

Asus G73Jh-A1 for $1677 i7 720QM, AMD Radeon HD5870 2nd Fastest Mobile GPU on the planet, 8Gig ram, 17.3" @ 1920x1080
Deal Expert
Feb 24, 2007
15169 posts
2743 upvotes
The machines that Allan recommended are much more adaptable for 3D design applications that either one of OP's. Large size panel +powerful gpu are a necessity for Solidworks.

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