Which programs use the MBP graphics card (non-games)

[acrafton]

Ok - so we know that the Macbook has no card and the MBP do have graphics cards which provides better 'high end' graphics performance but I can't find which apps heavily use it. Even photoshop benchmarks don't seem to make much of a difference. . .so, other than games, which programs make heavy use of graphics card?

 

[iW00t]

Aperture for one.

 

[bmcgrath]

OS X? Aperture, Final Cut pro, Aperture, and im sure there are lots of them I just cant think of them right now

 

[dkirlew]

3D programs like Maya which I use use the MBP graphics card.

 

[AliensAreFuzzy]

Motion also uses it pretty heavily. Pretty much anything that uses core image or core video.

On another note, I was looking at the list of core image compatible cards. Does anyone else think it's strange that the MBP's video card (ATI Mobility X1600) isn't listed?

Core Image-capable graphics cards include:

* ATI Mobility Radeon 9700
* ATI Radeon 9550, 9650, 9600, 9600 XT, 9800 XT, X800 XT
* nVidia GeForce FX Go 5200
* nVidia GeForce FX 5200 Ultra
* nVidia GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL, 6800 GT DDL

 

[kolax]

Everything uses your graphics card otherwise you wouldn't see much.

 

[osiris24x]

Due to Core Image and Core Video, tons of things utilize your graphics card. Even iTunes Visualizer does.

 

[CaptainHaddock]

Due to Core Image and Core Video, tons of things utilize your graphics card. Even iTunes Visualizer does.

The iLife apps as well use Core Image to a certain extent, so they should benefit from good video hardware. Apps like Aperture and Motion will need it.

 

[tristan]

Yeah, your screen would be blank without a graphics card, and you'd be looking at your own ugly mug in the screen, we know. I think the original poster's question is basically:

Yes, I know the MacBook's graphic card is so unspeakably awful that it might as well be a dead rat glued to my motherboard. But what affect will that really have on my ability to use the computer? What applications would have a performance penalty?

I think its an interesting question, and want to know the answer too. In my opinion, most apps would work fine except 3D games. You may also want to check in with some places that specialize in benchmarks, like BareFeats and see if they compare MBs and MBPs at specific applications.

 

[CaptainHaddock]

I think its an interesting question, and want to know the answer too. In my opinion, most apps would work fine except 3D games.

Apparently iMovie also uses Core Video for video filters, so that will almost certainly run better with a dedicated graphic card if filters are in use.

Keynote's 3D transitions use Quartz/OpenGL and will benefit, especially running at high resolutions.

Basically, anything that uses Core Image, Core Video, or OpenGL will benefit from dedicated video hardware. For the present, that means games and some select professional or creative apps. In the future, it could be anything.

Wikipedia's entry on Core Image is interesting if a little low on details.

 

[Nar1117]

iTunes visualizer uses the graphics card a fair amount.