MBP graphics comparison

[Wotan31]

I have a 15" C2D Macbook Pro. It has the intel T7600 (2.33 Ghz C2D processor with 4 MB of L2 cache), 4 GB of RAM, and the ATI x1600 graphics.

I'm giving some thought to one of the new 13" MBP's, since now that they have added firewire again on the 13" size, I can actually use it for my purposes.

My question for the class, is how does the ATI X1600 compare with the Nvidia 9400M for 3D graphics performance? X1600 was a mid-range performer in its time, and the 9400M is in the low-end by today's standards. I have a feeling they're not too far apart performance wise, but I don't want to take a step backwards. Anyone know of any benchmarks comparing the X1600 to 9400M in real-world tasks?? Also keeping in mind the difference in screen resolution between the two.

TIA!

 

[POX]

Check this mobile graphics table: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html

I can´t tell you the real world performance but on 3DMmark06 the diferences are minium.

The scores are:

9400M = 2000
X1600 = 1800

 

[MRU]

Both much of a muchness overall I would have thought.

Question i'm wondering is why change ? The 13" isn't that much smaller than your current 15", and performance wise - likewise - and you already have a higher res screen ?

 

[Bill Gates]

They're very close performance-wise. I wouldn't bother upgrading just yet. If you have the itch for a new laptop, I would wait this generation out. There really is very little incentive in upgrading right now, unless you need to address >3GB of RAM or need the slight reduction in size that the 13" model offers. I used to have the exact same model MBP that you are using right now, and personally, I found it to be an excellent machine, and I actually found it to be more enjoyable to use day-to-day.

 

[theclipper]

They're very close performance-wise. I wouldn't bother upgrading just yet. If you have the itch for a new laptop, I would wait this generation out. There really is very little incentive in upgrading right now, unless you need to address >3GB of RAM or need the slight reduction in size that the 13" model offers. I used to have the exact same model MBP that you are using right now, and personally, I found it to be an excellent machine, and I actually found it to be more enjoyable to use day-to-day.

You say that this generation may be worth passing up. Is there supposed to be big changes to the next batch to make it worthwhile? I only ask because I am thinking of getting a 13" MBP right now. I have a perfectly fine desktop, so I can definitely wait if need be.

 

[Bill Gates]

You say that this generation may be worth passing up. Is there supposed to be big changes to the next batch to make it worthwhile? I only ask because I am thinking of getting a 13" MBP right now. I have a perfectly fine desktop, so I can definitely wait if need be.

No one knows what the next generation will bring. I based my recommendation on the fact that his current computer and the 13" MBP are very close in graphics power. The CPU is somewhat faster on the new one; even the 2.26GHz model is faster due to its newer architecture, but I don't see it being worth the upgrade. A refurbished 15" with a dedicated GPU may even be a better deal for the money, but if he has no problems with his current laptop, I would recommend waiting for another refresh, with perhaps better graphics chips in the models with integrated graphics only.

Since you are coming from a desktop, it's a different situation entirely. If you feel the need to purchase a MBP now, then by all means, do so. However, there is always something better around the corner so it makes no sense to wait if you need to purchase a laptop now, or if you are a student who can take advantage of the iPod offer.

 

[lazydesi]

if you have no problem with your current MBP, stay with it.

Next revision will be interesting with Arrandale, USB 3, Bluetooth V3, and cheap SSD.