How does Archicad use Video Card?

[archislave]

I am trying to choose between a Macbook (integrated graphics) and a Macbook Pro (dedicated graphics).

How much does the video processor matter when regenerating views and rendering? Will the integrated video on the Macbook Core Duo be good enough for performance?

I would like to hear from Budapest on this - please! It would help us all.

[Anonymous]

Archicad is using OpenGL hardware acceleration, so the better 3D performance of your graphic card the better.

[TomWaltz]

archislave wrote:
I am trying to choose between a Macbook (integrated graphics) and a Macbook Pro (dedicated graphics).

How much does the video processor matter when regenerating views and rendering? Will the integrated video on the Macbook Core Duo be good enough for performance?

I would like to hear from Budapest on this - please! It would help us all.

The Processor is used for rebuilding sections and elevations and for rendering. The Video card is used for the 3D window.

Personally, I do not think I would want to use Archicad on that small of a screen. I love my current 12" PowerBook for presentations and GDL coding on the road but would never try to use it for serious production work.

[archislave]

Thanks for the info! I would be using it for presentations and 'lite' on site work. The great thing about the affordable Macbook is that it has a dvi output for up to a 23" widescreen Apple (or whatever) monitor.

[TomWaltz]

archislave wrote:
Thanks for the info! I would be using it for presentations and 'lite' on site work. The great thing about the affordable Macbook is that it has a dvi output for up to a 23" widescreen Apple (or whatever) monitor.

My thoughts exactly. As soon as the budget allows, I think I'll be upgrading from my old 1 GHz PowerBook.

I'm still annoyed that it's $200 extra to get it in black 😞