Can anyone explain to me why there :o would be the expected difference in performance between a 1gb ram system using a video card with 64 mb of shared memory (like in the TR3) versus a dedicated video memory card in the type S. It seems like 1gb is plenty of ram and can easily spare a measly 64 mb. I don’t understand the peformance improvements if both have 64 mg of video memory.

I can’t give you a “scientific answer” at the moment ... just kiddin g00vy ...
But I’m pretty sure it has to do with the fact that it is quicker to access the dedicated memory since it is only recieving input from the GPU rather that the regular RAM which is getting input from the entire system.

Its not just the size of the RAM that matters. Having a dedicated videocard is all around better then an intergrated one that shares resources. I don’t have time to get into an answer right now, but there is more to it then MBs.

Erik

There are a few reasons.

Speed: Dedicated memory is typically way faster than your typically DDR memory. Most of these video cards use GDD2 or GDD3. Some even have integrated video memory located on the GPU itself for even less latency and higher bandwidth.

Bandwidth: Discrete video cards have much more bandwidth because the designs were made to handle high performance video. Integrated graphics suffers from design compromises since they have to add video to the existing northbridge of the system. They have limited silicon real estate to dedicate to pipelines, memory paths, etc.

Raw Processing: A discrete solution almost always outperforms integrated solutions. It’s more than just the memory…it’s the GPU that matters. The Type S has a dedicated processor that has Transform and Lighting abilities. Basically, for 3D apps, the GPU handles the calculations. In integrated solutions, the host CPU is forced to try to calculate the geometry slowing down the system in general. The Intel integrated graphics can do some fixed function calculations but almost all new software doesn’t use those features anymore. Most require T&L abilities, wider pipelines, and more bandwidth.

Mr. scientific strikes again.  Always quick to help (but a little behind on the PM’s :xeno: )

I don’t know how we ended up with you, gr00vy, but you sure are a blessing around here.  I’ve learned more from your posts than anything else I try to learn from about computers.  My friends actually think I know what I am talking about.  :D

Where’s that Paypal button? (hint, hint….wink, wink….nudge, nudge)

A practical opinion:

When it comes to graphics and games the quality of the Graphics card is a must.

As an example, I have an elderly PIII 800MHz desktop that had a cheap old Rage Fury Pro 32MB card in it and with benchmark software was about 1700 which is similar to what our TR’s test at I think (over 10,000 is considered good for modern games with over 20,000 excellent based on the older 98SE DX8 benchmark software).

My friend bought a new 1.8Ghz PC with FX5200 graphics & I think his sytem gave a rating of about 4000. His card even lacks a lot of the Hardware features built into the older GF4 5800 TI card and couldn’t do some of the tests.

I bought a GF4 5800 TI 128MB (old now but in its day the “dogs bollocks”) and allowed my old PIII system to outperform the newer machine giving near 7000 on benchmark tests.

My other friend has just bought a cheapo full size laptop which has a graphics card so poor it only rates at 700!!! (He wouldn’t take my advice)

The best modern day value I have seen for an ultraportable (based on weight) class is about 10,000 but they are fitted with the latest mobile Radeon GPU.

I just want to ask a simple question..!! :D
what is the best game we can be play in sony TR3 ?
max payne ?
counter strike : condition zero ?
command and conquer zero hours?

perhaps thats what he wants.. people’s opinion..

Most graphics intesnive game?

[quote author=“freestyler”]I just want to ask a simple question..!! :D
what is the best game we can be play in sony TR3 ?
max payne ?
counter strike : condition zero ?
command and conquer zero hours?

Dunno ‘bout best game…but basically, any game that doesn’t require hardware T&L, ie: deus ex 2, silent hill 4. 

~nox