Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Question regarding MacBook GPU.

M

mac.hoar

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 15, 2007
10
0
Hey everyone!

I'm a current windows user who has been thinking about getting a macbook for a few months now. I really dont want to shell out all that cash that bill gates wants for a upgrade i think is unworthy of price. With these macbook updates, now its time to make a definitive decision.

The one thing that i've been having trouble understading is the current macbook GPU (Intel GMA 950) and how it relates to my needs.

From the outrage of the people in the main forum in regards to the lack of the Santa Rosa, it sounds like there is a HUGE difference in GPU power.

What i'd really like for someone to explain to me is what is the actual difference in real terms for me. I'm just someone who would use it mainly for word processing, internet browsing and watching dvd's. Occasionally i might play a little World of Warcraft or use the iLife video editing program. Also, in terms of games, what could the MacBook comfortably play?

So for me is there really any need to wait for Santa Rosa? Or is it more important for gamers and proffesional video editors?

Cheers for the help people =)
 
I have no problems doing all the things you mention. Many games (including WoW) play on the MacBook's GMA950. You may want to check with the game manufacturers to see if the games you want to play will run on the Intel chip. Watching DVDs and movie making in iMovie are very smooth and easy on the MacBook.
 
mac.hoar said:
From the outrage of the people in the main forum in regards to the lack of the Santa Rosa, it sounds like there is a HUGE difference in GPU power.
Click to expand...
The only noticeable difference is in 3d rendering (World of Warcraft, etc). Anything 2d, plus word processing, watching DVDs, etc, will be no different.

I have exactly the same requirements as you do. I waited for today's update *just in case* they decided to put the 965 in the new macbooks, but I bought a 2GHz macbook this morning without pause.

I recommend getting 2GB of RAM right away, though. The 950 shares RAM with the CPU. I think it tops out at 224MB (for the GPU), but only if you max out the RAM. You will get much better graphics performance that way.
 
Bad Paper said:
The only noticeable difference is in 3d rendering (World of Warcraft, etc). Anything 2d, plus word processing, watching DVDs, etc, will be no different.

I have exactly the same requirements as you do. I waited for today's update *just in case* they decided to put the 965 in the new macbooks, but I bought a 2GHz macbook this morning without pause.

I recommend getting 2GB of RAM right away, though. The 950 shares RAM with the CPU. I think it tops out at 224MB (for the GPU), but only if you max out the RAM. You will get much better graphics performance that way.
Click to expand...
Hardware accelerated MPEG-2 and VC-1 decoding on the GMA X3000/3100. On Windows you'll scale your RAM usage between the minimum and maximum as needed.

Usage does vary in OS X as well.
 
Great thread! I'm in the exact same quandry, though for somewhat different uses. I'll be using primarily CS3 with a 23" external monitor, and I can't seem to get a straight answer as to whether the macbook will support my needs well.

About half the people who offer a solution tell me to get a MBP, and about half of those tell me the the GPU will help vastly. But they can't explain why.
 
Eidorian said:
Hardware accelerated MPEG-2 and VC-1 decoding on the GMA X3000/3100. On Windows you'll scale your RAM usage between the minimum and maximum as needed.
Click to expand...
Doesn't it support H.264 as well?

EDIT: Nevermind it doesn't. Which is very odd. You would think Intel wouldn't have chosen sides like that. *Shrug*
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back