Forums >> Revit Building >> Technical Support >> Need to know if laptop/graphic card specs are OK for 2011

dauten

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Joined: Thu, Mar 10, 2005
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Hello!  Need help!

I've had some problems with my current HP laptop, and they are offering me a new one an "upgrade."  My current laptop is an HP 6930p, with an ATI Mobility Radeon 3450, 4 GB RAM, dual core, 2.4 ghz (I think those are the relevant items to report).  

The new one would be an HP 8440p, with the following specs:

• Product Description: HP EliteBook 8440p, Core i5 520M 2.4 GHz, 14" TFT
• Recommended Use: Small business, corporate business
• Platform Technology: Intel vPro Technology
• Processor: Intel Core i5 520M / 2.4 GHz ( 2.93 GHz ) ( Dual-Core )
• Cache Memory: 3 MB, L3 cache
• RAM: 2 GB (installed) / 8 GB (max), DDR3 SDRAM, 1333 MHz, PC3-10600 ( 1 x 2 GB )
• Hard Drive: 250 GB, Serial ATA-300, 7200 rpm
• Graphics Controller: Intel HD Graphics Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional / XP Professional downgrade

I've edited  these down to what I hope is pertinent.  I can upgrade the RAM to as much as 8 GB.  My biggest concern here is the Graphics Controller, which I believe is an integrated rather than a dedicated card.  I wasn't even sure I saw it on the graphics hardware list, though I think the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD might be close?  And that isn't even recommended.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Deb

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itsmyalterego

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Joined: Thu, May 28, 2009
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I wouldn't go for that laptop. 

They aren't specifying if it's 32-bit of 64-bit windows.  Seeing the downgrade option, I'm guessing it's 32-bit.  If that's the case, then there's no way to use more than 4 GB of ram.  It's a software limitation.  The "8-gig max" is essentially false advertising, though the motherboard supports it.  

The video card... "Intel HD Graphics Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0 " is a big red flag to me.  They're trying to sell you a vague "technology" where I'd rather see a mainstream video card with comparable stats from Nvidia or ATI.  Integrated graphics often get a bad rap, yeah.  

Soo, I'd look for a Windows 7 64-bit machine with better graphics. 

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dauten

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Joined: Thu, Mar 10, 2005
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Thanks so much for this help.  Since you posted, I've been trying to get answers from HP regarding this new machine they are offering me to see if it's 64 bit, etc..  Unfortunately, it's started to go into nightmare territory so I don't have any further information!  I think you are right though - no laptop without a dedicated graphics card.

Best,

Deb

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