Its true what the 64MB video card of Macbook change to 256MB on Windows???

[Wulliwolf]

In last thread one guy tell me: people reports 64MB video card of Macbook change to 256MB on Windows; is this true???
(Macbook, no Macbook Pro). :o

[projectle]

Short answer: yes it is true.

Long answer: It is taking your physical memory and devoting it to the graphics card in Static Allocation. By that, if you have 512MB of system memory and devote 256MB to your graphics card, then you will in turn have 512MB of usable system memory.

Additionally, virtual shared memory is generally slower than dedicated graphics memory as all data going in needs to pass from the graphics card into your FSB and then into your system memory controller and then into the memory whenever it needs to be accessed.

Under OS X, memory is allocated dynamically to the graphics card with 64MB set as the minimum value. So, if you go into a graphics intensive process to a maximum of 25% the system's total memory.

[projectle]

Ah, one final piece, if you set it in Windows, then it will only stick in Windows as memory allocation is controlled by the OS, driver and GUI configuration.

[Wulliwolf]

Short answer: yes it is true.


Under OS X, memory is allocated dynamically to the graphics card with 64MB set as the minimum value. So, if you go into a graphics intensive process to a maximum of 25% the system's total memory.


Thx for the answer, but let me see if i understand.
If i have 1 GB of ram then i have a video card of 250 MB???:eek:
(for example......for play 1 game)

[combatcolin]

I think that Mac OS X will START at 64MB and ramp up to 256MB if and when needed.

Or i may be totally wrong.

:p

Anyway, simply having 256MB of video Ram means bugger all, there are a lot of cheap and nasty graphics cards out threr with 256MB that are a dog in performance.

[bluetorch18]

Wouldn't that make gaming on a MacBook(if you have over 1GB of RAM) closer to gaming on a MacBook Pro?

[EricNau]

Wouldn't that make gaming on a MacBook(if you have over 1GB of RAM) closer to gaming on a MacBook Pro?
Sharing system RAM for graphics will always be slower than dedicated graphics RAM. Also, there is more to a graphics card than just memory.

[iCeQuBe]

Wouldn't that make gaming on a MacBook(if you have over 1GB of RAM) closer to gaming on a MacBook Pro?

No because the GFX CPU is still alot slower and doesn't have the same capability.

[Finiksa]

I think that Mac OS X will START at 64MB and ramp up to 256MB if and when needed.

Or i may be totally wrong.

You are totally wrong. OS X will only use 64MB.

[combatcolin]

There you go then.

:D

Actually, dosn't the GPU go up to 80MB of shared RAM?

[Finiksa]

Actually, dosn't the GPU go up to 80MB of shared RAM?
16MB is used “general setup of the system” only 64MB is available for the graphics buffer unlike 224MB with Windows.

[whooleytoo]

16MB is used “general setup of the system” only 64MB is available for the graphics buffer unlike 224MB with Windows.

From the Apple MacBook page:

"Memory available to Mac OS X may vary depending on graphics needs. Minimum graphics memory usage is 80MB, resulting in 432MB of system memory available."

So 80MB (64+16) is just the minimum.

[dextertangocci]

Sharing system RAM for graphics will always be slower than dedicated graphics RAM. Also, there is more to a graphics card than just memory.

I once saw a sony with a hybrid graphics system: 128 MB shared graphics with 128MB Nvidea card. How does that work?:confused:

[Killyp]

I once saw a sony with a hybrid graphics system: 128 MB shared graphics with 128MB Nvidea card. How does that work?:confused:


It doesn't, it's a PC :p :p :p

[thejadedmonkey]

I once saw a sony with a hybrid graphics system: 128 MB shared graphics with 128MB Nvidea card. How does that work?:confused:
I think the PCI-x cards have the ability to use system ram as video ram, if the need arises. Obviously, it's if the card/mobo support it, etc etc.

[SwitchedBack2XP]

I once saw a sony with a hybrid graphics system: 128 MB shared graphics with 128MB Nvidea card. How does that work?:confused:

You know how boot camp lets you choose weather you want to run XP or OS X?

Well there are a few notebooks that let you choose what video card you want to use. Obviously the more powerful one when you need it, and the onboard for when you want to have the most power savings.

Very innovative, but I don't see it catching on.

[iCeQuBe]

I think the PCI-x cards have the ability to use system ram as video ram, if the need arises. Obviously, it's if the card/mobo support it, etc etc.

I believe that all windows systems have the ability to use System RAM to fill in when strains on the graphics memory dictates. I remember being able to set something in the BIOS of the mobo for it. I think the rule was 4XGPU RAM if you have enough system RAM to handle it or was it 1/4 the amount of system RAM.....Hmm can't remember what that setting was called.

[dextertangocci]

It doesn't, it's a PC :p :p :p

LOL:D :D :D

[breakfastcrew]

I once saw a sony with a hybrid graphics system: 128 MB shared graphics with 128MB Nvidea card. How does that work?:confused:

The sony vaio sz has it. It works pretty well you save about 1 hr worth of battery life. The downside is everytime you switch you have to reboot.

[drummerbooker14]

will this allow my macbook to play games in windoze

[Leopon]

So if i install windows xp with boot camp the 64MB video card of my macbook will go up to 256?

[CBJammin103]

So if i install windows xp with boot camp the 64MB video card of my macbook will go up to 256?


Perhaps, but it won't be any more functional than in OS X. A worse job, perhaps, because I'm fairly certain OS X does a better job of handling system memory than Windows does.

However, this all depends on the game too. You're not going to be playing Crysis on your Macbook, have no doubt.

But basically, if there's a game that has both an OS X and a Windows version, I would just stick to the OS X one. Performance will be comparable in both and will be affected more by drivers and the OS than any superficial GPU-shared memory.

[Leopon]

i was thinking about battle for the middle earth ii
single player
will it run on bootcamp with the 64MB video ram