8600M GT 128MB or 256MB?

[evren]

Hi all,

I have been considering to make the PC->Mac shift for a while and my 4 year old laptop died yesterday so no more waiting for me

I will be getting the 15" model but really can't decide which one to buy Other than typical browsing the internet, Office, etc. I'll only be playing World of Warcraft. Also I'd like to be able to play Starcraft 2 when it comes out. I know there are no requirements announced for it yet and I know 256MB is always better than 128MB but what are your views on this.

1. Do you think I'll be able to get decent performance out of Starcraft 2 with the 128MB option when it is out?
2. Will I feel much difference in World of Warcraft (max settings) in 128MB or 256MB Gfx ram?
3. Is £300 difference between the two 15" models really worth?
4. Is there much point in waiting for the supposed refresh in Jan/Feb 2008? Do you think Gfx card specs will increase with this refresh?

It'll be great if you can answer my questions.

Many many thanks,

Evren

 

[dziewuliz]

1. Unless you've got a beta (which i doubt even exists) there's no way you could tell what's the performance gonna be.
2. The average difference between the performance (based on some recent experiments, described in the previous threads) is ~10%. And the basic difference is that with the 128mb one, you'll be pretty much forced to use medium textures settings, unlike the 256mb one.
3. It's definitely not worth it, and the best thing I could suggest you, is finding somebody who could buy you a refurb'd one from apple store US (with 128mb - $1699).
4. No idea

 

[evren]

Thanks Dziewuliz

It is real shame that I cannot buy the 2.2GHz model with the 256MB 8600M GT. I only want to have the base model with the better Gfx card and they do not provide that option and £300 is a big difference. For less money, I can get an equally (or even more) powerful PC laptop but I really want to get a Mac as my next laptop

 

[EvryDayImShufln]

Thanks Dziewuliz

It is real shame that I cannot buy the 2.2GHz model with the 256MB 8600M GT. I only want to have the base model with the better Gfx card and they do not provide that option and £300 is a big difference. For less money, I can get an equally (or even more) powerful PC laptop but I really want to get a Mac as my next laptop

The difference between the 128 MB and the 256 MB macbook pros is not as big as you think. It is about 10% taking everything into account I believe.

 

[evren]

My only reason for trying to get a higher memory for the graphics card is to be able to play Starcarft 2 as smooth as possible when it comes out. I can't wait to play it

 

[sammich]

My only reason for trying to get a higher memory for the graphics card is to be able to play Starcarft 2 as smooth as possible when it comes out. I can't wait to play it

IF it ever comes out. Likewise, I'm hoping my x1600 will take it in it's stride.

 

[TBi]

I don't think the 256 is worth it over the 128 version. However if you can afford it, and don't mind paying the extra then please do get the 256MB version.

However if you are iffy, and don't think it is really worth it and need to be convinced then get the 128MB version. You can spend the money you save on actually buying the game

 

[evren]

Never thought it that way TBi Thanks for the advice 128MB then