Graphic Cards for Pros

Note to the graphic cards: The OpenGL graphic cards listed here are selected models which are found frequently built in to notebooks at the moment and for which test results are currently available. Brand new or older types can be alternately found in the Notebookcheck Comparison List and compared.

Notes to the benchmark list: Please consider that the listed values are test results of certain configurations. The GPU, as a rule especially the CPU, hard disk, RAM and display resolution influence the results. Also, you have to consider that full performance is not always given in battery mode.

Note to the benchmarks: The listed benchmarks are meant to clarify the efficiency of the graphic card in the OpenGL range, as well as to give comparison values for DirectX performance.  The Cinebench R10 OpenGL Shading and 3D Mark '06 are so-called "synthetic Benchmarks". These are aimed to stress certain components (in our case the graphic card) and to rate the efficiency. The results are noted in a point system, the higher the better. The SPEC test contrarily belongs to the so-called "real-life benchmarks" that revert to certain process steps in order to attain a more realistic/program orientated result. The results are indicated in frames per second for the respective program. In this case the higher the value, the smoother the display applies, too.

Who needs an Open GL-optimized graphic card?

Three conditions/questions should be taken in account before acquirement:

1. Software

With which programs do you work/are you going to work with and in how far do these build on an OpenGL functionality? (See the software summary at the end of this editorial).

2. Frequency

How intensive will the OpenGL based software be used and how high is its part in the daily process flow?

 
3. Activity

What requirements do you have considering optimal driver support, maintenance and stability? Devices equipped with a pro card are usually certified/tested for a whole range of software and grant a high degree of compatibility, stability and support.

Case study: The student, who is short of money, may be able to do without perhaps sooner than the architect who earns his living with it. The student would take a device with HD 3650 or 9600GT for reasons of cost, the architect would choose a notebook with V5700 or FX 770M for reasons of support and speed.

Verdict: 

Commercial customers who intensively work with the programs mentioned below can't get around the respective equipment. Speed, stability and support are adapted for the professional field and offer the best possible performance. 

The occasional user, however, should evaluate exactly how additional costs relate to usage intensity and decide according to his cost-benefits analysis.

Software Summary

In the following is a summary of the most common OpenGL software. This is not to be seen as conclusive or complete, it is only meant as a suggestion.

Normally every software has minimum requirements and recommended requirements. You should never orientate yourself on the minimum since operating speed, work flow and quality (image) usually suffer through this.

Don't forget other important elements when choosing the right notebook!  

Following points should be evaluated and considered in addition to the graphic card when choosing the right notebook. In doing so you often have to decide which equipment detail you favor since not every one is available together or combinable. 

1. Display properties

Size, resolution (work surface, detail depth), outdoor competence, color spectrum

2. Connectivity/Connections (eSata, FW400, FW800, UMTS)

3. Hardware CPU/RAM, internal hard disk (number, velocity)/SSD

4. Flexibility/Extensions

Blank module docking station/port replicator for a quick connection of stationed equipment.

Many of these options are narrowly connected with mobility. Therefore it's always necessary to weigh up pros and cons for the particular field of application.

Module slots for a quick exchange of opt. drive, hard disk, battery, floppy