Philly0381 Philly0381

So, just how good are intergrated graphics these days?

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So, just how good are intergrated graphics these days?

from WinCustomize Forums

The reason that I pose this question is that recently my previous computer decided that it was done providing me any enjoyment in my life, (still not sure if it was suicide or murder, may have been the poisoned mushrooms).

I now have an off the shelf Gateway that has a second generation i5-2320 CPU @ 3.00GHz, 500GB HD, 16.0GB of DDR3 ram (came with 4.0GB) and integrated Intel HD Graphics 2000.  Trying to be as intelligent as I could be about setting up the new computer I was advised to first hook up the keyboard, mouse and monitor to be sure it operated correctly out of the box.  This it did very nicely.  I had a spare video card but the graphics I was seeing on the monitor was pretty good, in fact as good as what I remembered the previous computer was with a GeForce GT100 1GB DDR2 video card.  There are connections for HDMI and VGA off the mother board.  I tried the HDMI on the 46in LED TV and it didn't like it much, so I connected the VGA output to it and sent off for a HDMI to DVI connector as my 24in LED monitor has only DVI.  I now have two monitors working in clone mode and am very pleased.

Here is a screenshot of Intel Graphics and Media Control Panel.

As you can see it gives you a lot of options/functions in setting up your system.  I can set up a single monitor or dual monitors running in clone or extended mode.

Now I am in now way an expert when it comes to computers, just one of the many users out there that has a computer to do email, searching the internet and doing desktop customizing and occasionally playing a game of solitaire.  I in no way want folks to interpret what I am saying and showing as meaning that there is no need to install a separate video/graphics card.  I'm sure that for a lot of you that are serious gamers or folks that use their computer to earn income doing 3D rendering and such that you couldn't do that kind of thing with integrated graphics.

So what do you think, heard or read on new versions of integrated graphics?  :sun:

 

87,663 views 34 replies
Reply #26 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Thanks. :)

I had a Gateway awhile back, it treated me well.  Mainstream package machines are kind of designed to Plug-and-run-as-is as opposed to load-up-the-case.  Not quite sure which I'll do next time around, but it appears that it'll be a little sooner than I was hoping, and at this point plug-and-run is an attractive option.  Computers are great hobbies, they'll suck up all the cash you want to throw at them \o/

Reply #27 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Philly0381, reply 24
@ starkers I guess I must not be much of computer person, probably should stick with pen/pencil and paper. 

I don't see a need to upgrade the power supply for the following reasons.

1. The integrated graphics seem to be working fine so no need to add a video card

2. The computer is wifi ready, no card needed.

3. I use a 46in LED TV as my monitor which is connected to a home theater system so the sound off the mobo is okay, no sound card needed.

4. I do run a USB HD Docking Station but it doesn't get it's power through the USB connection, has a power cord.

All this means that there are four PCI slots that have nothing in them and thus not adding internal heat to the system

Tell me if I'm missing something or being shortsighted.
End of Philly0381's quote

Well I guess if you don't intend or need to add anything internally, and any replacement parts [if ever needed] are of the same power rating, then you'll be okay with the 300w.  It just seems like such a small power output in today's terms, with everything bigger and better than in yesteryear, but if Gateway manufactured the machine with just 300w, then I'm sure it'll be fine.  They would have assessed the power requirements for that particular setup and then allocated the correct power output for it, so I guess it was just me being a worry wort. 

After listening to various people with high-end this and that, 300w just seemed underpowered in terms of today's machines. Looks like you got it covered, though, and if ever you do want to upgrade something internally, at least you'll look into upping you PSU to accommodate it.

:)

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Reply #28 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Having a higher rated power supply than you need isn't a bad thing necessarily.  If you're below maximum load it's cooler, more efficient, and lasts longer.

Stock power supplies are not all bad, but I think you would feel reassured to know a little bit more about your power supply than its power rating which, as I've just alluded to, is the maximum load it can take.  Most computer power supplies run best when they're at 75% or less, which comes out as 225W for yours.  Now that's fine for covering all the basics, but you can see that it doesn't give you a lot of breathing room if you wanted to add things later.

Reply #29 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Yes, what MarvinKosh said....

Never scrimp-out on your Power specs.  You 'can' end up frying your entire machine...or at least its MoBo.

I have a bucket-full of bits that used to be an Acer Travelmate ....dead because the psu/charging circuits of the MoBo went tits-up.

Reply #30 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Jafo, wouldn't you think thought that the power supply that came with the computer is sufficient for as the computer is configured or doesn't the manufacturer worry about that?

MarvinKosh, based on my replies to starkers, what else would I be looking at putting in the computer?

Reply #31 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Philly0381, reply 30
Jafo, wouldn't you think thought that the power supply that came with the computer is sufficient for as the computer is configured or doesn't the manufacturer care?
End of Philly0381's quote

Manufacturers are pre-occupied with the bottom line...so everything is 'minimal' and will do 'just'.  If and when you wish to add something trivial they'll say..."oh, gosh that will entail you ALSO buy [from us] a bigger PSU".  They get you TWICE.

My last 2 machines were home-made ... so their PSUs were 'appropriate' for not 'just' the current specs but for potential/likely upgrades.

Old one was a P4 3.0gig has a TruePower 600w ...

Current one is a i7 920 with a Antec TruePower Quattro 1000w ... I have 5 physical HDs, 2 burners, the GTX590 and sundry other crap to support...;)

Reply #32 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 31
Manufacturers are pre-occupied with the bottom line...so everything is 'minimal' and will do 'just'.  If and when you wish to add something trivial they'll say..."oh, gosh that will entail you ALSO buy [from us] a bigger PSU".  They get you TWICE.
End of Jafo's quote
very true--- meanwhile office pc´s come along with a standart of 600w PSU´s here not the 600+ but the sharkoon psu´s of the old generation...
 

Reply #33 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I suppose if I ever do get to that point that I want to add some new function or option then I would have to get a bigger power supply unit.  I just don't see that happening anytime in the near future.  What can I say, I'm easily satisfied.  :sun:

Reply #34 from WinCustomize Forums Top

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2011/03/24/nvidia-geforce-gtx-590-3gb-review/8 

Peak power consumption of 'just' the Graphic card I use is 491 watts.

Even at 'idle' it's 156 watts.

If you wish to run some high-end 3D games you'll find both your HD2000 and your PSU to be suffering/lacking.... but pushing pens and surfing will be just fine and dandy...;)