Friday, June 25, 2010

Buying a new PC, will I regret the integrated graphics card later?

Add newsletters@cnet.online.com to your address book to ensure CNET newsletters reach your inbox.

CNET Reviews
June 25, 2010
Buying a new PC, will I regret the integrated graphics card later?

Dear CNET members,

Happy Friday! Let me ask you this: have you ever bought something like a TV or hard drive, only to realize a few months down the line that you regret the purchase, wishing you had bought larger or better? This "buyer's remorse" has happened to me more than a few times. Jose, however, is trying to prevent this from happening; he's doing a little homework so he doesn't regret buying a PC without enough video memory.

This week's topic is all about the confusion over video memory when shopping for a new computer. As Jose found out, there are terms such as "integrated graphics card" and "shared memory" that can be quite daunting, especially if you aren't familiar with them. But never fear; our members are here to help out! And hopefully after reading through this week's answers, you'll have a very good idea of not only what these terms all mean, but also what type of video memory in a system is best for your needs now and possibly in the future.

So to get the ball rolling on this topic, in the Q&A section I have selected a few featured member answers. Most members shared the same explanation among all the different types of video memory--some a little more in detail and some as simple as it gets. All in all, they will be very helpful to those who find themselves in this predicament. Thank you all for you great advice and recommendations! Have a terrific summer, folks!

Cheers!
- Lee


Got suggestions? Send me an e-mail: messageboards@cnet.com

Lee Koo
Lee Koo
CNET Community manager
Last week's question
Buying a new PC, will I regret the integrated graphics card later?
QuestionIt's been a long time since I've bought a new PC and I'm ready to take the plunge for a new one. However, my concern is that the HP Windows 7 system from Costco that I have in mind has an integrated video card with 256MB shared memory, but I'm not too sure what that exactly means. Are there ones that are not integrated? It seems like 256MB size for a graphic card is pretty hefty, but will it be enough to handle some of the newer games, especially the ones that are more graphic intensive. I'm not an avid gamer, but I would like to have the option to play those games when the opportunity arises. If I find that the graphic card isn't up to snuff, can I upgrade or add more memory to the 256MB graphic card? Or would I be stuck having this system that will never play those graphic intensive games. I would go for a more expensive system, but I'm currently on a very limited budget and that HP system seems like the way to go, but I don't want to regret buying it. Please help, any advice is appreciated.

-- Submitted by: Jose R. of Texas

AnswerFeatured member solutions
for last week's question:

 "Integrated vs. dedicated"
-- Submitted by: benrcrom

 "Some basic hints for new computer buyers "
-- Submitted by: chaissos

 "Maybe... Maybe not... "
-- Submitted by: Wolfie2k5

 "Replacing integrated graphics "
-- Submitted by: dokcal

 "You will most probably regret it later."
-- Submitted by: arrenforster99

 "What are your plans with this PC?"
-- Submitted by: water_man3

 "re: Buying a new PC, will I regret the integrated graphics "
-- Submitted by: wkw427

 Read all member contributions

 Thanks to all who contributed!

Previous questions and answers
1. Can I create my own Windows 7 recovery disc without all the bloatware?

2. Need help; Windows 7 system freezes after it sits inactive for a while?

3. Is it just me or is Firefox a resource hog?

4. Help me start over with a Windows 7 upgrade

5. Why is my CPU running at 100 percent, when only three windows are open?!

 All previous Community newsletters
Community buzz
1. Are there ways to reduce the ability of search engines to find your name?

2. How much should one tip for a haircut?

3. Who watches the firewalls?!

4. Need new antivirus utility, anyone have antivirus software test results?

5. Wait to buy a 3D TV?

6. Recording from VCR to computer

7. USB 3.0, light speed - when to buy laptop?

8. Reformatting hard disk and installing Windows 7

 More from the CNET forums

Mac nugget
1. Airport trouble after 10.6.4 update

2. Mini display port to dual-link DVI adapter on a Dell SP2309W monitor

3. How get correct note values in GarageBand?

4. How open .docx attachment using Word 2004 on an iBook?

 More from the Mac OS forum
Security alerts and updates
1. Security news - June 25, 2010

2. Updates - June 25, 2010

3. Vulnerabilities and fixes - June 25, 2010

 More from the security forum
Check out next week's question:
Why are my Windows system restore points disappearing?
Next week's questionI hope you all can help. I am having problems with my system restore points in Windows 7. I create the restore points, but when after I shut down my PC, they are gone. This is happening with all restore points that the system creates also, such as when it installs updates. I have tried everything suggested online. I made sure that system restore is on, I checked the service, and I set volume shadowing to automatic. Does anyone else having this issue? Any help or ideas would be really appreciated.

-- Submitted by: Paul C.

  Know the answer? Click here to submit it!

Have a tech-related question?
Click here to e-mail us on one of these topics:

· PC troubleshooting
· PC upgrading
· Digital music
· Consumer electronics
· Multimedia
· Internet security
· Digital cameras
· Home audio & video

Need help tech right away? Don't wait for us, post your questions in the CNET forums for all the tech help and how-tos.
Quick pollCommunity quick poll
Weigh in on this week poll topic!
When shopping for a computer, how important is the graphics-processing unit and why?

(Please click on button to vote)

 One of the most important things.
 Very important.
 Somewhat important.
 Not that important.
 Bleh, I don't care.
 I have no clue, should I be concerned?

Vote and discuss it here!
Simple question, simple answer
1. Word files automatically making copies of themselves

2. Can I upgrade a 32bit system with 64bit hardware parts?

3. Reformat or reinstall with no Windows XP CD

4. Questions on routers--using it mainly as hardware firewall

5. Disappearing CD/DVD combo drive

6. Any utility that can batch convert pictures in file size?

7. iPad Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi with 3G?
Help your fellow members
1. USB drives don't show up in "safely remove hardware"

2. Helmet cam for cycling: is this a good choice?

3. Scanner with feeder for 4x6 photos

4. External hard drive wrongly shows almost full
 AVG forum on CNET!
AVG and CNET have team up to create this forum so that members can discuss, ask questions about all AVG products and get assistance from other CNET forum members and directly from members of the AVG team. So if you got AVG questions, troubles, or tips and tricks, join in the new AVG forum now.

 Check out the AVG forum on CNET!



More from the CNET forums
 Windows Vista  Windows XP  Digital cameras
 Desktops  Laptops  MP3 players
 Home audio & video  Spyware, viruses, & security  View all forums

You are receiving this e-mail because you indicated you wanted product updates and information from technology vendors when you provided your e-mail address to CNET. Your e-mail address has not been, and will not be, given to any third parties.

The e-mail address for this newsletter is  tremeex@gmail.com
To update your email address, please visit our Newsletter subscription center.

Unsubscribe from this e-mail | Newsletter help | Privacy policy


Copyright 2010 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. CNET, CNET.com and the CNET logo are registered trademarks of CBS Interactive Inc. Used by permission.
CBS Interactive Inc. 235 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, U.S.A.

CNET

No comments:

Blog Archive