Question on Notebooks:

I'm getting confused with all these laptop specs. I'm inclined to buy a laptop with dedicated video memory, not just shared (example, Intel GMA).

I've seen these in specs for laptops and I've been wondering: What exactly is HyperMemory (for ATI)? TurboCache memory (for Nvidia)?

Sometimes, the specification is written like this: "ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with up up to 512MB HyperMemory 256MB Full Video Memory."

Does that mean HyperMemory is like shared video memory--video memory borrowed from RAM? In the case above, does it mean it has 256MB dedicated video memory and could borrow another 256MB memory from the RAM?

What if it's just written like this: "ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 with 256MB HyperMemory." Does it mean ALL the 256MB memory is just shared? No real dedicated video memory?

Submitted by Marion

Answer:

HyperMemory and TurboMemory are features of discrete graphics cards to boost video RAM by taking memory from system RAM. However, discrete graphics memory is still much faster. Hence, the more a video card has, the better it will perform (assuming both are the same card). You got it right with the example of the ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 GPU.

In the case of the X1400 card example, it simply means the specification did not state the amount of discrete memory, though in the case of ATI Hypermemory it's normally in the ratio of 1:1.

katics1

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katics1 says...
Hi, I also have a question about HyperMemory. I have ATI Radeon™ Xpress 200 Series card on my motherboard and it has 64mb dedicated momory but it can go up to 128mb. Does anyone now what I need to do in order for the card to use 128mb.

I have bought a game but since the card has only 64mb the game is very slow so i was thinking if it is possible to make the card use 128mb to improve the graphics a little bit...

Thanks for any input.

Sep 16, 2007 09:01

dariusctc

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dariusctc says...
Hi,

The HyperMemory feature turns on automatically during periods of high graphics stress loads provided you have enough system memory. I suggest you make sure that the laptop has at least 1GB of RAM.

Sep 17, 2007 11:20