In the following we will briefly list all laptop graphics adapters known to us. The GPUs are sorted by performance and classified in different classes. To get a better overview on current laptop graphics adapters, older cards can be greyed out.
These cards offer the best 3D performance in a laptop. They can handle all the latest games at high resolutions and high detail settings. The power consumption of these GPUs is very high, therefore, only big laptops with bad battery life usually offer these cards.
Two GeForce GTX 480M (Fermi) cards in SLI-Mode. Because of the maximum power usage of 2x 100 Watt of both MXM boards, the GTX480M SLI can only be used in very large laptops.
The Crossfire Dual ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 or X2 is a combination of two Mobility 5870. It suffers from micro stuttering in low framerates and needs a lot of power. The performance should be 0-80% better than a single 5870.
Two GeForce GTX 285M graphics cards in SLI combination. About 0-40% faster than a single GTX 285M and due to the slightly higher clock rate only a bit faster than a GTX 280M SLI combination. Because of the SLI combination, there can be the problem of micro stuttering (around 30fps).
Two GeForce GTX 280M graphics cards in SLI combination. About 0-40% faster than a single GTX 280M. Because of the SLI combination, there can be the problem of micro stuttering (around 30fps).
Two Mobility Radeon HD 4870 in Crossfire mode (similar to SLI). Doubles the power consumption but shows only 0-80% better performance (depends on the game support, drivers and settings).
Mobile Fermi GPU and technically a lower clocked desktop GTX 465M. Due to the 100 Watt TDP (including board and memory) it is only suited for large laptops.
Two GeForce GTX 260M in SLI combination. As the 260M is only minimally faster than a 9800M GTX, the 260M SLI should perform similar to a 9800M GTX SLI (about 0-40% faster than a single 260M). May suffer from micro stuttering in low fps ranges.
Two 9800M GTX paired with SLI. About 0-40% faster depending on the game / benchmark. As all SLI combinations, the 9800M GTX SLI suffers from micro stuttering with low frame rates. In SLI-Mode enormous energy consumption.
Fermi based mobile workstation graphics card with ECC RAM and DP floating point support. Should be based on the GF100 chip / GeForce GTX 480M with less shaders.
High end DirectX 11 graphics card and based on a desktop HD5770. Due to the 128 Bit memory bus, only with GDDR5 memory very fast (otherwise it would be a bottle neck).
Professional workstation graphics card with certified drivers. Based on the GeForce GTX 280M core. Compared to the FX 3700M, the FX 3800M features higher clock speeds and is manufactured in 55nm.
The GeForce GTX 280M is based on the G92b chip with the full range of 128 pipelines and therefore is similar to the Desktop 9800 GTX+ (but not similar to the GTX 280). Due to more pipelines and a higher clock, it is considerable faster than the 9800M GTX.
Two 9800M GT in SLI comination. The 9800M GT is identical like the 8800M GTX regarding the technical data. Therefore, the performance can be compared with the 8800M GTX SLI. According to the SLI support, the performance is 0-40% better than a single 9800M GT. Micro stutterings can occur like with all SLI combinations.
Two 9800M GTS graphics card in SLI-Mode. The two cards are somewhere between 0-40% faster than a single GTS and need the twice amount of current. As all SLI combinations, micro stuttering can be an issue.
Professional high-end mobile workstation graphics card with certified drivers. Features even more shaders than the 9800M GTX (128 versus 112) at compareable clock speed.
Workstation graphics adapter based on the Mobility Radeon HD 4860 with up to 1 GB of GDDR5 graphics memory (that compensates the 128 Bit memory bus). Should compete with the Quadro FX 3700M and even surpass it in some professional benchmarks.
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 260M is basically a higher clocked GeForce 9800M GTX in 55nm and based on the G92b core (therefore not compareable to the desktop GTX 260). Compared with the 9800M GTX, the GTX 260M is produced in 55nm and therefore higher clocked.
As the 8800M GTX, the 9800M GTX is based on the G92 chip, but has more unified shaders. It was later succeeded by the GTX 260M in 55nm. The integrated PureVideo HD engine can assist the CPU in decoding HD videos.
Professional high-end workstation graphics card with certified drivers. Due to 96 shader cores it is similar to the 9800M GT but may be produced in 55nm already (and it features a higher core clock).
Based on the G92 core, but only with 96 shaders. The performance should be similar to the 8800M GTX. PureVideo HD supports the CPU in decoding HD Videos.
The professional graphic card for CAD, DCC and visualising applications is based upon the 8800M GTX (according to GPU-Z on the GTS). Professional drivers grant an errorfree and faster representation with professional applications than the GeForce models.
The HD 5850 is a slower clocked HD 5870 and also depends on fast GDDR5 memory to perform in the high end segment (using DDR3 it is signinficantly slower). It is based on the Desktop HD 5770 chip but with a lower clock speed.
Same chip as the GTS 260M but with higher clock rates (412 versus 396 Gigaflops according to Nvidia). Delivers a high end performance with GDDR5 graphics memory.
The GTS260M is a higher clocked 250M that also consumes a lot more power according to the official TDP values (38W versus 28W). Because of the 128 Bit bus it should perform worse than a 9800M GT (perhaps the performance can be reached with GDDR5 memory).
550 MHz, 96 - unified, DX10.1 | 1800 MHz, 128 Bit
Class 2
Midrange Graphics Cards - These cards should be able to handle all current games with fluent framerates but not all with high detail settings. Especially demanding games may only run in low-medium detail settings. However, you can get some cards in smaller form factor laptops with good battery life.
Based on the desktop 9600 GT (G94 core), the 9800M GTS is produced either in 65 nm (512 MB) or 55 nm (1024 MB). The performance of the GTS is compareable to the GT version (due to the higher clock speed). The PureVideo HD engine supports the CPU in decoding HD videos.
As the 9800M GTS, the 9800M GS is based on the G94 core but features a lower clock speed. It is manufactured in 55 nm and therefore has a lower max current consumption (60W). The integrated PureVideo HD engine is able to decode HD videos.
The HD 5830 is a slow clocked HD 5850 without GDDR5 support. Because of the 128 Bit memory bus, the used (G)DDR3 should be the bottle neck of this card.
Slower clocked Mobility Radeon HD 4860 and therefore also based on the 40nm RV740 chip (desktop HD 4700 series). Supports only DDR3 and GDDR3 instead of GDDRR5 in the HD 4860.
Fastest model of the HD 5600/5700 series with GDDR5 support. The HD 5770 is not based on the desktop HD 5770, but a faster clocked Mobility Radeon HD 5650 with 400 shaders.
Depending on the used graphic memory middle - high end graphics card (DDR3 - GDDR5) with DirectX 11 support. Technically a higher clocked HD 5650 with GDDR5 support.
The HD 5730 is a higher clocked HD 5650 (and therefore not based on the desktop HD 5700 series). It does not support GDDR5 and therfore performs like a middle class graphics card with DirectX 11.
According to the released informations, the Geforce GTS 350M should be just a renamed GTS 250M. Therefore, the card is a fast middle class card (with DDR3 graphics RAM) or even a slow high end card with GDDR5.
The GPU has 96 shader cores but only a 128 bit memory bus that supports GDDR5 memory. With DDR3 memory, the GTS 250M performs clearly worse. Because of the 40nm process (and a selection process) the 250M offers a relatively low power consumption (the 260M needs 10W more).
Higher clocked version of the Mobilty HD 4650. Supports the Avivo HD technology. The performance of the cards depends on the used type of memory (DDR2, DDR3, GDDR3 possible) and should lie somewhere between the desktop HD 4650 and 4670.
Mobile workstation mid-range graphics card for 15" laptops. Based on the same core as the GeForce GT 335M but equipped with professional drivers and support.
The Mobility HD 4650 is based on the Desktop 4650 architecture, but features a lower clock rate of memory and core. Depending on the core clock (450-550MHz possible) and the used memory (DDR2, DDR3, GDDR3 with 600-800 MHz possible) the mobile 4650 can show a different performance. The current consumption of the chip alone ranges from 15-25W. Features Avivo HD video features.
The Nvidia GeForce GT 330M is the successor of the GT 230M and technically just a slightly higher clocked GT 240M (but it should still maintain the power envelope of the GT 230M as the naming suggests).
Slower clocked HD 4650 (based on the same chip) and also Mobility Radeon HD 4630 called graphics card that is still produced in 55nm and supports DirectX 10.1.
The GeForce GT 240M is the successor of the GT 130M / 9600M and has now 48 instead of 32 shader cores. Therefore, the performance should be noticeable better. Because of the 40nm process, the TDP is still 23 Watt.
The Quadro FX 3500M is the fastest professional workstation graphic card for laptops frpm NVIDIA. Probably it is based upon NVIDIA GeForce Go 7950GTX. Therefore also a good gaming performance can be expected.
Successor of the 8700M GT and technically a higher clocked 9600M GT. Improved video engine for decoding HD videos (PureVideo HD - VP2), HybridPower, CUDA, and PhysX support.
The GeForce GT 230M features 48 shader cores as the 9700M GTS but only a 64 bit memory bus. Because of the 40nm process the power consumption is in the region of the GT 130M.
The GeForce GT 130M is a higher clocked GeForce 9650M GT with a slightly lower TDP (level of the 9600M GT). The performance differs according to the used type of memory (DDR3 up to 1066 MHz and DDR up to 600 MHz). PhysX is only supported in an SLI configuration.
The GeForce 9650M GT is a higher clocked 9600M GT but because of the die shrink from 65nm to 55nm the current consumption stays the same. The performance of the higher clocked chip should be up to 20% faster than the 9600M GT.
The 9650M is a higher clocked 9500M GS and the successor of the 8700M GT (same chip but other spinning). Therefore, the performance should be on par with the 8700M GT.
DirectX 10 business graphic card, which is optimized for compatibility and stability. The graphic card seems to have the same core like the 8700M series and therefore shows good performance data.
Successor of the 8600M GT and because of the smaller 65nm production process the card is higher clocked (and therefore faster) with the same current consumption.Furthermore, it features an improved video processor (VP3) and HybridPower to save current (in conjunction with the 9100M G).
The GeForce GT 220M is a relabeled GeForce 9600M GT for OEM laptop sellers. It is for example used in the Medion Akoya P6620 where it uses fast GDDR3 memory. The specs and features are identical to the GeForce 9600M GT.
Professional graphics card with certified drivers for professional 3D applications and CAD with a significant improved OpenGL performance. The chip is based on the 9600M GT consumer cards.
Slower clocked GeForce GT 130M with the same features (55nm) and a lower power consumption. Successor of the 9600M GS and about as fast as the 9600M GT.
Low-Midrange Graphics Cards - Low-end graphics cards for users who want to play games. New games should run on these cards, but only with low details and mediocre resolution. The power consumption (of modern cards in this class) should lead to a good battery life.
Middle class GPU that ist about 10% faster than a similar clocked GeForce 8600M GT graphics adapter. Therefore, the card does not deliver enough performance for very high details with DirectX 10 effects of demanding games like Crysis.
Entry level DirectX 11 chip with GDDR5 support but only 80 shader cores. Supports Eyefinity (up to 4 monitors) and 8-ch HD audio over HDMI. Performance on par with the old GeForce 8600M GT.
The 5145 is a renamed Mobility Radeon HD 4570 with slightly higher clock rates. Therefore it has no DirectX 11 support and a performance between the 4570 and 5470.
Lower middle-class GPU that features a low shader count and a 64 Bit memory bus but a high clock speed. Similar to the desktop Radeon 4550. Supports Avivo HD and DirectX 10.1.
The GeForce G210M is the successor of the G110M and also possesses 16 shader cores. Because of the 40nm process, the chip is clocked much higher but is still staying in the same power envelope.
Business graphics card that should be based on the GT218 core (e.g. GeForce 305 / 310M) but with drivers that are optimized for stability and compatibility in business applications).
Compared to the 9600M and 9500M GS, the 9500M G has only half of the unified shaders (16 versus 32) as the old 9600M GS. Therefore, the performance should be clearly beyond these cards. The 9500M G is the fastest card that still supports GeForceBoost (SLI with chipset 9100M G). Furthermore, HybridPower and the new PureVideo HD (VP3) engine are included.
Business graphics card that should be based on the GT218 core (e.g. GeForce 210M) but with drivers that are optimized for stability and compatibility in business applications). Compared to the NVS 3100, the 2100 features a lower clock speed.
The GeForce 305M is a slower version of the GeForce 310M and has the same computing power as the 9400M (ION) integrated card (according to Nvidia). Still, due to the dedicated memory, it should be faster in games.
The GeForce G110M features 16 shader cores but because of the 55nm process needs the same amount of energy as the 8 shader 9300M GS. Because of the higher shader amount it is about 10% faster than the G105M.
Higher clocked 9300M GS and therefore a bit faster. Still manufactured in 65nm. Supports Hybrid-SLI with HybridPower and GeForceBoost (in conjunction with the right Nvidia chipset).
Combination from Nvidia GeForce 9400M (G) chipset and dedicated NB9M entry level graphics card (GeForce 9200M GS or 9300M GS) in GeForceBoost mode. For energy saving the laptop can run only with the 9400M chipset graphics core. In combination the 9500M GE has the disadvantages of SLI combos (micro stuttering e.g.).
Integrated (shared Memory) graphics adapter. Built in in current MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air laptops and also used in the ION (LE) platform for netbooks. Also called GeForce 9400M G. Fastest available motherboard GPU (in 2009). Integrated PureVideo HD (VP3) video processor to decode HD videos with the GPU.
ION2 is a GT218 graphics chip for Pinetrail Atom systems (D510, D410, N450) with 8 or 16 shader cores depending on the platform (10", 12", desktop). Compared to ION 1, ION 2 is a dedicated graphics card (connected only by a PCIe 1x due to the Pinetrail limitations) based on the GeForce 305M / 310M. Supports PureVideo HD to decode HD videos.
Combination of dedicated Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS or 9200M GS and a 9100M G chipsetz graphics in SLI (GeForceBoost from Hybrid SLI) mode. Should be a little bit faster than a single 9300M GS. Supports the dynamic switching between integrated and dedicated GPU.
Compared to the 9300M G, the GS has only 8 unified shaders but a higher clock rate. Therefore, the performance should be similar according to Nvidia. Supports Hybrid-SLI (GeForceBoost and HybridPower) with Nvidia 9100M G and PureVideo HD (VP3).
Based on the GeForce 9200M / 9300M GS Chip with professional drivers for CAD, DCC, and visualization applications. Supports PureVideo HD. The memory clockrate depends on the built in memory chips (GDDR2: 400 MHz, GDDR3: 700 MHz)
Based on the GeForce 9300M GS but optimized for the stable business use (special drivers and bios). Supports PureVideo HD to help the CPU decode HD videos. Memory speed: 400 MHz GDDR2, 700 MHz GDDR3
onboard graphics adapter (RS880M chipset) with UVD2 (PIP support) and DX 10.1 support (compared to the older HD 3200). Beware, possibly no 2D acelleration in Windows XP (as the HD3200).
onboard graphics card that is built in the new Arrandale CPUs (Core i3 / i5 / i7 Dual Cores). Depending on the model and Turbo Boost, the GMA HD is clocked between 166 and 766 MHz.
Based on the GeForce 9200M GS but optimized for the stable business use (special drivers and bios). Supports PureVideo HD to help the CPU decode HD videos. Compared to the NVS 160M, the 150M is slower clocked and supports only smaller resolutions (1680x1050 or 1600x1200). Memory speed: 400 MHz GDDR2, 700 MHz GDDR3
The GeForce 9100M G is an onboard graphics card that is based on the 9200M core (but without dedicated memory). Therefore, it supports PureVideo HD (VP3) to decode HD videos. In conjunction with dedicated 9x00M graphic cards the 9100M G supports GeForceBoost to enhance the performance. The combination with 9200M GS / 9300M GS is called GeForce 9400M.
onboard (shared Memory) graphics chip (on RS780M chipset) based on the HD 2400 graphics core. It also features the UVD video engine to decode HD videos. Furthermore, it supports Hybrid CrossfireX (for accelleration) and PowerXpress(to save current) with a dedicated graphics adapter (of the HD 3000 line). Beware: Under Windows XP the HD 3200 may have no 2D accelleration because of a driver problem.
Slower clocked Radeon HD 3200 onboard graphic chip with a reduced feature set (missing HD video decoding features?). Beware: Under Windows XP the HD 3200 may have no 2D acceleration because of a driver problem.
350 MHz, 40 - unified, DX10 |
Class 4
Barely Games-Capable - Some modern games can be played with these graphics cards but only non demanding ones. Still, these cards provide enough performance for office tasks or video viewing (inconclusively for HD videos). The integrated cards offer usually the best battery runtime.
onboard (shared Memory) GPU built in the GM45, GE45 and GS45 chipset (Montevina). Because of two more shaders and a higher core clock, much faster than the old GMA X3100. Still not advisable for gamers (DirectX 10 games not playable or only with very low settings). The integrated video processor is able to help decode HD videos (AVC/VC-2/MPEG2) , e.g., for a fluent Blu-Ray playback with slow CPUs.
The graphics core of the Intel GL40 and GS40 chipset features a slower clocked GMA 4500MHD (400 versus 533 MHz). Because of the slower core speed, full Blu-Ray Logo support is not given and the gaming performance is a bit worse.
Low End Graphics Cards - Only some older games can be played fluently with these graphics chips. Shared memory graphic cores in this category got the advantage of less heat production and longer battery runtimes. For office, internet, image processing, and (SD) video editing tasks these graphics chips are still useable without any restrictions.
Integrated (shared memory) graphics card in the intel Atom N4xx CPUs. Minimally faster than an old GMA 950 and therefore not suited for 3D games or HD videos (only MPEG2 acceleration).
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 is an integrated (onboard) graphic chip on Mobile Intel 945GM chipset. It is a faster clocked version of the GMA 900 and supports no hardware T&L (Transform & Lightning) accelleration (which is required for some games).
Unsuitable for Games - These graphics cards for notebooks are not suitable for games. If they run, they may run with graphical errors and very low frame rates. Office and internet tasks are, to the contrary, no problem for these GPUs.
onboard (shared memory) graphics card integrated in the SIS M672MX
chipset. Windows Vista Premium certified. Not usable for 3D games (even
less demanding games like WOW are not playable).
Integrated (onboard) graphics chip in the Atom Z600 series CPUs with a licensed PowerVR SGX core. DirectX 10.1 support but because of only 4 shaders not suited for 3D games. The integrated video decoder accelerates the playback of HD videos (MPEG2, VC-1, AVC).
Integrated (onboard) graphics chip on the UL11L, US15L, and US15W chipsets with a licensed PowerVR SGX core. DirectX 10.1 support but because of low clock rates (100-200 MHz UL11L - US15) and only 4 shaders not suited for 3D games. The integrated video decoder accelerates the playback of HD videos (MPEG2, VC-1, AVC).
The integrated graphic card (shared memory) VIA Chrome9 HC IGP is found on the VN896 chipset for notebooks and provides DirectX 9 suport and video acceleration. Windows Vista Aero is possible but only with some stutterings.
The S3 Graphics UniChrome Pro II is a DirectX 7 (without T&L) onboard graphics solution (shared memory) of VIA for laptops with VIA C7-M CPU and VX700 North-Bridge, which is intended for office applications and hardly suited for 3D games. There is no Aero support.
The S3 UniChrome (Pro) is a DirectX 7 (without T&L) onboard graphic solution (shared memory) from VIA for laptops. Mainly, it is intended for office activities and hardly suited for 3D games.