Do I need a discrete GPU?

[fcoliver]

If I don't plan to do any video editing or serious gaming, do I really need (i.e. will I see any difference in) a discrete GPU?

It sounds like the Intel 3000 integrated graphics in the Sandy Bridge is weak, and the Intel 4000 in the Ivy Bridge is much, much better, and would eliminate (for my purposes) the need for a separate GPU.

Most of the people talking about GPUs seem to be serious gamers.

For Internet surfing, YouTube, Netflix, and the occasional DVD movie, would I even notice the difference in performance from a discrete GPU. Are there any downsides to having a GPU besides initial cost and shorter battery life?

Currently shopping for a 15.6" 1600x900 anti-glare, i5 or i7 [SB or IB] for general use. Considering HP Dv6t or Lenovo T520/T530. Other suggestions welcomed.

(If this is a stupid newbie question, please pardon it; otherwise, thanks for your input.)

[fcoliver]

Another, related, question: If I wind up with a FHD display (even though I think HD+, or 1600x900, will be adequate for my needs) will I need a discrete GPU to handle the display.

On the one hand, it doesn't make sense they would put out a notebook where the CPU w/ integrated graphics could not adequately manage the display's native resolution. On the other hand, I've seen discussion (here) that the graphics processor needed faster memory (DDR5) just to handle the 1920x1080 resolution. (Or was that related to more intense graphics requirments, such as 3D, gaming, video editing, et cetera?)

Thanks

[anotherusername]

No, for the purposes you mentioned (surfing, netflix, watching HD videos in 1920x1080 resolution etc.) you don't need a discrete GPU. My 4 year old laptop with core 2 duo and integrated graphics chip from back then can handle all these tasks efficiently. You will be more than fine with an ivy bridge laptop with the latest Integrated graphics chip.

[Brandons3737]

For your needs sandy brides intergrated will handle it but Fodor the ivy bridge of you can. It's a decent difference between the two and will put any worries you have to the side for web surfin ect.

[fcoliver]

Thanks for responding. It's sorta what I was thinking... the Intel 3000 might be sufficient for my needs, and the Intel 4000 in Ivy Bridge almost certainly will. OTOH I don't recall seeing any i7 Gen 3 (IB) that did not come w/ a discrete GBU.

I've been shopping pretty hard, and any of several choices would do the job for me. I don't want to waste money on something that won't make any difference in performance (for me) but also don't want to wish later on that I'd gotten something better.

After several months' studying these notebooks, a few more weeks of waiting (for more options with Ivy Bridge) won't hurt.

I wonder how long before we'll see some choices with i5 Ivy Bridge.

[fcoliver]

Yes, I'm leaning toward the i5 IB, even if it means waiting a few weeks to find one. I've seen the i7 IB available in a number of notebooks, including some due on June 1st. Haven't yet seen the option of a 3rd gen i5.

I wonder if I'll wind up w/ a 3rd gen i7, even if it costs a little more. With my computer use I can't imagine seeing any performance difference. I guess the only other downside would be a little less battery life. Correct?

I also wonder if I'll be able to find a notebook with 3rd gen i5/i7 with a 15.6" matte screen at 1600x900 that does not have discrete graphics.

[maverick1989]

All Intel IVB are quad core for high end laptops. As such, they would need to have dedicated GPUs otherwise, well, it won't be a high end laptop. The mainstream CPUs for IVB released in June I believe. I would suggest that you wait until then because the performance gain over the HD3000 is huge.