9. An Integrated X300 Graphics Core Is Perfectly Adequate For Office Applications

As already mentioned above, the nx6125 does not have a dedicated graphics chip.

Video data processing is handled by the X300 graphics core integrated into the Northbridge of the RADEON XPRESS 200M (Graphics by) chipset. The frame buffer claims up to 64 MB of RAM to satisfy its appetite for memory.

Naturally, such a shared memory implementation of the graphics subsystem - also referred to as Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) - is not nearly as efficient as a dedicated graphics solution. For one thing, integrated graphics cores as a rule have considerably fewer pixel pipelines and vertex shaders than their dedicated cousins. For another, the graphics core has to share memory bandwidth with the CPU. What's more, dedicated graphics memory usually runs faster and, if only because of markedly shorter circuit paths to the graphics chip, has lower latency times.

The graphics core is integrated into the Northbridge (codenamed RS480) of the RADEON XPRESS 200M (Graphics by) chipset.

This already answers the frequently asked question whether integrated graphic solutions are suitable for games. The answer is yes, but with relatively strict limits to the frame rates that can be attained. We will have more to say on this in the benchmark results below.

VGA And TV Output

The Compaq is equipped with an S-video Hosiden connector on the back panel that enables reproduction of the display image on a TV set. As is typical of ATI, the graphics driver offers all the options and settings needed to produce a very good image on a television set. The signal quality of the VGA output is equally convincing. With a resolution of 1600x1200 pixels and at a refresh rate of 85 Hz, the picture is clear and sharp.