Questions regarding dedicated graphics card

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In summary, it is important to keep a high-end notebook computer with a dedicated graphics card properly ventilated to prevent overheating. This can be achieved by using the computer on a hard surface and regularly cleaning the vents and heat sinks. However, performance notebook computers typically have shorter battery life and may not be the best choice for long-term use. It is recommended to consider building a desktop for better performance and investing in a separate notebook for mobility.
  • #1
AllenHe
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I am planning to get a HP laptop with 2GB dedicated graphics card, but I heard that laptops with dedicated graphics easily burn down. Is it true, and are there anyways to prevent this from happening? Because I heard that you can switch between integrated and dedicated or something like that. And will the battery lasts for 3 or 4 hours?

Thanks in advance ;D
 
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  • #2
You will need to keep the notebook computer properly ventilated. A high end graphics card will produce waste heat and this heat will need to be transported away from the system efficiently. If you put the notebook computer on your lap or some other soft surface like a bed, this will tend to close off the air vents on the back of the system and internal temperatures will rise quickly.

These days, there's fail-safes build into the computer so it shuts itself down before it catches on fire per say but high operating temperatures will adversely affect performance and the lifespan of all the components on the system. The degradation is significant. You will need to take extra care like cleaning vents and heat sinks and always using the computer on a hard surface like a table to ensure proper ventilation and maybe even getting a table top usb fan to blow air into the vents from the bottom like this (http://goo.gl/kazg5m)

Performance notebook computers rarely ever have good battery life. Depending on what you're doing, 3-4 hours may be optimistic.

From my own personal experience with Alienware gaming notebook computers, I very strongly recommend that you avoid notebooks for performance. You're better off looking at a desktop build for performance. You will pay less for more performance on a desktop.
 
  • #3
Thanks for your reply. I am thinking of using it for about 2 to 3years, for university studies and gaming, hope it will last that long without any failure. :D
 
  • #4
Gaming notebook computers can easily go over the $2,000 mark. You can build a desktop that's better at playing games for a thousand dollars, get a good "work" notebook for 700 bucks, spend the remaining 300 on getting a monitor/keyboard/mouse/headsets and you will have a notebook/desktop which can easily last you 4 years.

I have a Dell XPS13 Ultrabook to carry about and my desktop is coming up on 5 years old. I still play all my games on max graphics as I upgrade my graphics card every 2 years.

I suggest this because it's cheaper and a gaming notebook on battery won't last you a whole day of lectures.
 
  • #5
Notebook for mobility, desktop for performance. Any "universal" solution means compromises and won't be as effective.
 

1. What is a dedicated graphics card and how does it differ from integrated graphics?

A dedicated graphics card, also known as a discrete graphics card, is a separate processing unit designed specifically for handling graphics-related tasks. It has its own memory and processing power, which allows it to handle more complex graphics and provide better performance compared to integrated graphics, which are built into the computer's CPU.

2. How do I know if my computer has a dedicated graphics card?

You can check the specifications of your computer or the product information of your laptop to see if it has a dedicated graphics card. If it does, it will be listed separately from the CPU or processor. You can also open the Device Manager on Windows or the System Information on Mac to see the graphics card listed under the Display Adapters category.

3. Can I upgrade my dedicated graphics card?

Yes, it is possible to upgrade your dedicated graphics card in most desktop computers. However, laptops usually have integrated graphics that cannot be upgraded. If you have a desktop computer, you can check the compatibility of your current motherboard and power supply with the new graphics card you want to install. It is recommended to consult a professional or do thorough research before attempting to upgrade your graphics card.

4. What are the advantages of using a dedicated graphics card?

Dedicated graphics cards offer better performance and higher quality graphics compared to integrated graphics. They are also more suitable for gaming, video editing, and other graphics-intensive tasks. Additionally, having a dedicated graphics card can take the strain off of the computer's CPU and improve overall system performance.

5. How do I troubleshoot issues with my dedicated graphics card?

If you are experiencing issues with your dedicated graphics card, the first step is to make sure your drivers are up to date. You can also try adjusting the graphics settings in your games or applications to see if that improves performance. If you continue to encounter problems, it could be a hardware issue and it is recommended to seek professional assistance.

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