Graphics card type
—
Integrated(built-in). Video cards that do not have their own memory and use the general system RAM during operation. In modern laptops, such video cards are usually part of the processor. Their main advantages are low cost and power consumption, as well as low heat generation. However, the performance of integrated graphics is noticeably lower than that of discrete graphics, and besides, at high loads it “eats” a significant part of the RAM, which negatively affects the overall system performance. Integrated graphics will be perfect for lighter tasks like document work, web surfing, and light gaming, but for more serious applications, more advanced solutions are worth choosing (see below).
—
Discrete. Graphics card as a separate module with its own processor and specialized memory dedicated exclusively to video processing. Such graphics are more expensive than integrated ones, but they significantly outperform them in terms of performance. In addition, even at high loads, it does not take up the total RAM, and some laptops are even able to allocate part of the video memory in addition to RAM if the graphics card is idle. So if you want to play modern games at least at medium settings, or plan to use a laptop for "heavy" graphic tasks like video editing or 3D design, you should definitely choose a model with discrete graphics (or one of its advanced options — Dual Graphics or SLI/Crossfire, see bel
...ow).
It is worth noting that most models with such video cards also have a built-in graphics core in the processor. So discrete graphics in modern laptops most often work in hybrid mode: an integrated module is used for simple tasks, and when the load increases, the system switches to discrete graphics.
— Dual Graphics. AMD proprietary technology used in systems equipped with Fusion integrated graphics processors and discrete Radeon graphics cards (originally stated to be compatible with the Radeon 6000 series). The difference between this mode and discrete graphics with automatic switching (see above) is that both video adapters are used not in turn, but simultaneously. Thus, their capacities are combined, which provides a significant increase in video performance. At the same time, Dual Graphics provides ample features for choosing a combination of processors and video cards, because. allows you to combine video cores with different operating frequencies without sacrificing a faster one. The main disadvantage of this technology is the inability to work with Direct X below version 10.
— SLI/CrossFire. Initially, SLI and CrossFire are proprietary technologies used by nVidia and AMD, respectively, to combine the power of several discrete graphics cards. This allows for very high graphics performance. On the other hand, installing several video adapters (even compact ones) in a laptop is associated with serious difficulties: such equipment significantly increases the dimensions of the case and significantly increases power consumption, not to mention the cost. As a result, there are very few laptops with SLI / Crossfire nowadays, and they all belong to the top gaming solutions.Graphics card model
GeForce graphics cards from NVIDIA:
RTX represented by
RTX 2060,
RTX 2060 Max-Q,
RTX 2070,
RTX 2070 Max-Q,
RTX 2070 Super, RTX
2070 Super Max-Q,
RTX 2080,
RTX 2080 Max-Q,
RTX 2080 Super,
RTX 2080 Super Max-Q,
RTX 3050,
RTX 3050 Ti,
RTX 3060,
RTX 3060 Max-Q,
RTX 3070,
RTX 3070 Max-Q, RTX 3070 Ti, RTX 3080,
RTX 3080 Ti,
RTX 4050,
RTX 4060,
R TX 4070,
RTX 4080,
RTX 4090 ;
MX1xx represented by MX110, MX130 and MX150,
MX2xx(MX230 and MX250),
MX3xx(MX330 and MX350),
MX450, GTX which represent GTX 1050,
GTX 1060,
GTX 1060 Max-Q,
GTX 1070,
GTX 1070 Max-Q,
GTX 1080,
GTX 1080 Max-Q,
GTX 1650,
GTX 1650 Max-Q,
GTX 1650 Ti,
GTX 1660 Ti,
GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q and. AMD also offers video cards
Radeon 520,
Radeon 530(535),
Radeon 540X,
Radeon 610(625, 630),
Radeon RX 550 (550X, 560),
Radeon RX 640,
Radeon RX 5500M,
Radeon RX 6800M and
Radeon Pro.
Note that all the above models are discrete. Actually, for a configuration with discrete graphics, it is the model of a separate video adapter that is indicated; if it is supplemented by an integrated module, the name of this module can be clarified by the official characteristics of the processor.
It is also worth mentioning that this paragraph does not give the full name of the model, but only its name within the series (the series itself is given separately - see above). However, knowing the series and model, one can easily find detailed information about the graphics card.
Video memory
The amount of native video memory installed in the laptop's graphics card. Only discrete video adapters and their advanced varieties like SLI or Dual Graphics have such memory (see "Video card type").
The more memory, the more powerful the graphics card and the better it can handle complex graphics. Of course, the specific capabilities of the adapter depend on a number of other parameters (primarily the characteristics of the graphics processor); however, the difference in the amount of memory, as a rule, is quite consistent with the difference in the overall level. In terms of specific numbers, solutions with
2 GB are entry-level,
4 GB and
6 GB are intermediate, and
8 GB - to advanced, and
12 GB and
16 GB can be found in top-end gaming laptops and high-end workstations.
Memory type
The type of dedicated graphics memory used by the discrete graphics card (see "Video Card Type").
— GDDR3. The third generation of memory based on double data transfer technology. Compared to the previous standard, GDDR 2 is capable of operating at higher frequencies and less heat. However, it is gradually being replaced by more advanced standards, in particular GDDR5.
— GDDR5. Fifth generation graphics memory with double data transfer; in this generation, for the first time, the DDR3 RAM standard was taken as the basis. It is considered quite advanced, typical mainly for high-performance video cards.
— GDDR5X. A modification of the GDDR5 described above, introduced in early 2016. Compared to the original, it provided a 2-fold increase in maximum throughput, which accordingly affected the overall performance. However such video cards are not cheap, which is why they are used mainly in premium gaming laptops.
— GDDR6. Further, after GDDR5X, the development of GDDR-type graphic memory, introduced in 2017. Provides twice the speed of the original GDDR5, with slightly less power consumption; GDDR6 capabilities are enough, in particular, for use in virtual reality systems and work with resolutions above 4K. The use of such memory is typical for the most advanced video cards installed mainly in powerful gaming laptops.
— HBM2. The second generation of HBM type memory. Unlike the GDDR described above, HBM is not a modificat...ion of the usual "RAM" of the DDR type, but a separate type of memory, developed including for video cards. Due to the design features, such memory provides high bandwidth at a low clock frequency; the latter has a positive effect on power consumption and heat dissipation, and in terms of performance, HBM2 outperforms even the most advanced versions of GDDR. The disadvantage of this option is traditional — high price; because of it, video cards with this type of memory are installed mainly in premium laptops.
3DMark06
The result shown by the laptop's graphics card in 3DMark06.
This test primarily determines how well a graphics card handles intensive workloads, in particular, with detailed 3D graphics. The test result is indicated in points; the more points, the higher the performance of the video adapter. Good 3DMark06 scores are especially important for
gaming laptops and advanced workstations. However, it is difficult to call them reliable, since measurements are made on video cards with different TDPs and an overall average score is given. Thus, your laptop can have either more or less than the specified result - it all depends on the TDP of the installed video card.
3DMark Vantage P
The result shown by the laptop graphics card in the 3DMark Vantage P test.
Vantage P is a variant of the popular 3DMark test — namely, the next version of this test after 3DMark06 (see above). Like all such tests, it is designed to test the performance of graphics under high loads and displays the results in points; the more points, the more powerful and performant the graphics card is. Good results in 3DMark Vantage P are especially important if the laptop is going to be used for demanding games. However, it is difficult to call them reliable, since measurements are made on video cards with different TDPs and an overall average score is given. Thus, your laptop can have either more or less than the specified result - it all depends on the TDP of the installed video card.
Security
This paragraph may specify the availability of special digital and physical security features:
fingerprint or
face scanners,
Smart Card reader and
kensington/noble lock. Here is a detailed description of these features:
— Fingerprint scanner. Fingerprint recognition device. Almost the only way to use this function is to authenticate the user — during the initial boot or unlocking of the laptop, when logging into an account, when confirming payments, etc. This authorization method is convenient because the fingerprint is always at the user's disposal, his it is impossible to forget, lose or accidentally "surrender" to an attacker, like a normal password; and forgery of a print, although possible, is very difficult. Also note that some laptops with this feature allow you to memorize several users and automatically recognize them “by touch”.
— Face scanner (FaceID). A specialized scanner for facial recognition. Note that this is not just about “recognition by photography” (any webcam is capable of this — with the appropriate software), but about full-fledged three-dimensional scanning using a special IR sensor. This allows you to achieve very accurate and reliable recognition — face scanners often surpass fingerprint sensors in these indicators. And thanks to advanced algorithms, accuracy is maintained even when facial hai
...r changes, putting on and taking off glasses, and other such changes. The weak point of this function is the recognition of twins, as well as children under 13 – 14 years old, who have not yet had time to form enough individual traits. As for the application, the main purpose of FaceID is to authorize the user when logging in and various accounts, making payments, etc. Separately, we note that support for this authorization method is built into Windows Hello, a biometric recognition system built into Windows 10. However, the data from the scanner can also be used for other purposes, sometimes quite original — for example, to animate a three-dimensional muzzle on the screen, copying the user's facial expressions.
— Kensington / Noble lock. The presence of a slot on the laptop case for a special security lock. Such a lock is usually used to fasten a strong metal cable, the other end attached to a fixed or heavy object. Thanks to this, theft "on a jerk" and other similar attempts to steal a laptop become almost impossible. This feature is especially useful if the device is in the public domain, such as on a display stand in an electronics store. Note that Kensington and Noble are two different types of security locks and are not mutually compatible. And the socket on the body can be designed for either one of these standards, or both at once; this point should be clarified separately.
— Smart card slot. A device for reading contact smart cards — plastic cards with built-in microchips. It is convenient to use such cards as user identifiers and/or access keys to protect confidential information. Note that an NFC (see above) can become an alternative to this function — it also allows you to read smart cards, only contactless ones. However, contact readers are somewhat cheaper, and they are also considered more reliable and secure. So such equipment does not lose popularity among business and professional laptops; and some models are equipped with both an NFC and a slot for smart cards.
