Shared graphics memory. What does it mean?

[Danny2107]

Hey, thought i posted this already but obviously not. My question is that dell laptops, specificaly the 1300 inspiron comes with 256mb shared graphics memory. Does this mean that it will have graphics with extreme detail so i can play the latest 3d games? Thanks

[ll_billym]

It means that some of your main system memory (RAM) will be used by your graphics card. This means that not only will your system have less available RAM to run programs but also your graphics card is using normal (slower) RAM than dedicated graphics cards that use a much faster type of RAM.

In a nutshell the Inspiron is not built for running the latest 3D games and will do so poorly if at all.

To play games you properly you need a laptop built for gaming, Google "gaming laptops", they start at around �2000.

[Danny2107]

Well if i have 1024mb ram, will this cope? The games i'm interested in are fifa 07, test drive unlimited and half life 2

[ll_billym]

Not really. The issue is the type (i.e. speed) of the memory and the quality of the graphics card. The standard Inspiron with on board graphics doesn't make the grade.

[vehelpfulguy]

Good answers from ll_billym

Just to clarify, it means your graphics are build into the motherboard and are hence fairly basic graphics. This is why they use the system memory.

For good graphics support you need a separate graphics card with its own graphics processor and own graphics memory.