CPU vs. GPU

T1tan · 28th June 2006, 9:55 PM

G'day

Sorry, I didn't want to clutter up the forum with this post, but I didn't think it was relevant only to my previous post.

I have narrowed down my notebook options to about 3 or 4. Two are sony, which I'd purchase for size/weight/decent specs. The other two are Asus (A8Ja and A8JM), which are cheaper and appear the better overall value, if a little bulkier. The deciding factor between the two Asus laptops is really that there isn't much difference in the two besides the following:

A8Ja:
Core Duo 1.66
x1600 256mb dedicated + 256mb shared

A8Jm:
Core Duo 1.83
Geforce Go 7600 512mb Dedicated

Either machine will have 2gb of ram within a short time after purchase.

Now, as I understand it, the x1600 is a little more powerful than the 7600 (not taking into account the amount of ram), and in games the GPU tends to matter these days more than the CPU. So these setups really even out. The other specs of the laptops are largely irrelevant.

Which of the two would you pick? I don't play games often, but when I do, I'd like it to hassle free in the near future. The cost difference is about $200 which really doesn't bother me in this context.

T1tan · 4th July 2006, 4:10 PM

bump^

is anyone able to help me out?

SSJX · 4th July 2006, 4:13 PM

i say go for the better CPU in this case since you don't game that much.

Both GPUs listed are ok for gaming as long as your going not hardcore style.

Varuna · 4th July 2006, 4:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T1tan

Now, as I understand it, the x1600 is a little more powerful than the 7600

The 7600 in the A8JM overclocks quite well. One of my mates has his overclocked to 520/425 and manages 2640 in 3dmark06. The Nvidia would also have less problems in Linux.

stmok · 5th July 2006, 4:43 AM

I would lean to this one...

A8Jm:
Core Duo 1.83
Geforce Go 7600 512mb Dedicated

Mainly because I use Linux, and its often a trouble free experience to avoid an ATI solution where possible.

Both GPUs seem pretty much about the same in performance, and you get a few more Mhz with the A8Jm. If cost isn't much of a factor, go with this one.

Chemware · 5th July 2006, 8:50 AM

From what I've seen, the X1600 scores slightly better than the 7600Go on 3DMark05, but slightly worse on '03 and '06. 7600Go is, like the X1600, 256M native + 256M system via PCIe. Very similar cards in practice, I suspect, and which is best will depend on the game you play.

T1tan · 5th July 2006, 4:12 PM

cheers everyone, quite helpful

mxlaser · 6th July 2006, 11:21 AM

I've got the A8JM, i get 2635 3Dmark 06. The X1600 i've seen, reviewed gets around the 2200-2400 mark mostly (talking not overclocked)

I was faced with the same decision, but the 7600 is more than enough. It runs oblivion at native 1200x800 with mid-high settings with an average of 21fps.

Other games are similar, i found, look at the 7600GT benchmarks, then take off about 10% and your there with the A8JM.

I love mine BTW, amazing laptop, build is great, rigid, quality. all round get sa good

here...

I also whacked in 2GB of ram as well, and transplanted a 60GB 7200RPM drive into it (mate straigh swapped for the 100GB it comes with. Battery has suffered about 10mins from two proper tests, so nothing i worry about.

System flies IMO, and very happy i went the Asus as well..

28th June 2006, 9:55 PM	#1
T1tan Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sydney. Posts: 3,852	CPU vs. GPU G'day Sorry, I didn't want to clutter up the forum with this post, but I didn't think it was relevant only to my previous post. I have narrowed down my notebook options to about 3 or 4. Two are sony, which I'd purchase for size/weight/decent specs. The other two are Asus (A8Ja and A8JM), which are cheaper and appear the better overall value, if a little bulkier. The deciding factor between the two Asus laptops is really that there isn't much difference in the two besides the following: A8Ja: Core Duo 1.66 x1600 256mb dedicated + 256mb shared A8Jm: Core Duo 1.83 Geforce Go 7600 512mb Dedicated Either machine will have 2gb of ram within a short time after purchase. Now, as I understand it, the x1600 is a little more powerful than the 7600 (not taking into account the amount of ram), and in games the GPU tends to matter these days more than the CPU. So these setups really even out. The other specs of the laptops are largely irrelevant. Which of the two would you pick? I don't play games often, but when I do, I'd like it to hassle free in the near future. The cost difference is about $200 which really doesn't bother me in this context. __________________ --Nik

4th July 2006, 4:10 PM	#2
T1tan Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sydney. Posts: 3,852	bump^ is anyone able to help me out? __________________ --Nik

5th July 2006, 4:12 PM	#7
T1tan Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sydney. Posts: 3,852	cheers everyone, quite helpful __________________ --Nik

6th July 2006, 11:21 AM	#8
mxlaser Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Melbourne Posts: 1,481	I've got the A8JM, i get 2635 3Dmark 06. The X1600 i've seen, reviewed gets around the 2200-2400 mark mostly (talking not overclocked) I was faced with the same decision, but the 7600 is more than enough. It runs oblivion at native 1200x800 with mid-high settings with an average of 21fps. Other games are similar, i found, look at the 7600GT benchmarks, then take off about 10% and your there with the A8JM. I love mine BTW, amazing laptop, build is great, rigid, quality. all round get sa good here... I also whacked in 2GB of ram as well, and transplanted a 60GB 7200RPM drive into it (mate straigh swapped for the 100GB it comes with. Battery has suffered about 10mins from two proper tests, so nothing i worry about. System flies IMO, and very happy i went the Asus as well.. __________________ NINTENDO™ DS Lite ... Owners Club Member #0039

4th July 2006, 4:13 PM	#3
SSJX Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Sydney Posts: 2,746	i say go for the better CPU in this case since you don't game that much. Both GPUs listed are ok for gaming as long as your going not hardcore style.

5th July 2006, 4:43 AM	#5
stmok (Taking a Break) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Sydney Posts: 6,271	I would lean to this one... A8Jm: Core Duo 1.83 Geforce Go 7600 512mb Dedicated Mainly because I use Linux, and its often a trouble free experience to avoid an ATI solution where possible. Both GPUs seem pretty much about the same in performance, and you get a few more Mhz with the A8Jm. If cost isn't much of a factor, go with this one.

5th July 2006, 8:50 AM	#6
Chemware Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Melbourne Posts: 161	From what I've seen, the X1600 scores slightly better than the 7600Go on 3DMark05, but slightly worse on '03 and '06. 7600Go is, like the X1600, 256M native + 256M system via PCIe. Very similar cards in practice, I suspect, and which is best will depend on the game you play.