Microsoft Advices to Avoid Integrated Graphics Cores for Windows Vista!

[Dashken]

The ongoing trend towards integrated graphics cores in office and home personal computers may soon slowdown, as Microsoft recommends those, who would like to install Windows Vista, to get standalone graphics cards due to their higher performance when rendering graphics user interface (GUI) of the upcoming operating system (OS).

“The new graphics capabilities in Windows Vista will require a powerful graphics engine if you want to take full advantage of all the new and cool stuff, such as the new Aero Glass look. You probably want to avoid the low-end of the current GPU range and make sure you get a GPU that supports DirectX 9 and has at least 64MB of graphics memory,” a special article by Microsoft dedicated to hardware requirements of Windows Vista explains.

Windows Vista Aero Glass, Aero Express and Diamond themes (interfaces) use DirectX 9.0 pixel shaders to render the GUI and everything on the screen. This puts pretty high requirements for graphics processor used for rendering, as rapid appearance of dialog boxes and windows is crucial for comfortable and fast work of a user. Given that graphics cores integrated into chipsets generally provide relatively slow performance under substantial workloads, Microsoft seems to be correct in advising customers not to expect those to be sufficient choice for Windows Vista.

It should be noted that DirectX 9.0-supporting graphics card with 64MB of memory is an entry-level of Microsoft’s recommendations, which means that higher-end graphics cards are preferable for the Vista’s advanced interfaces, such as Aero Glass, Aero Express and Diamond.

“If you chose a system that has built-in graphics, again make sure that the system has a PCI Express or AGP slot that will let you add a graphics card later in case the onboard graphics chipset doesn't fully support Windows Vista,” Microsoft advices.

Still, Microsoft’s Vista will have a cut-down version of its interface in order to support notebook computers that do not tend to have high-end graphics, as more advanced GPU means shorter battery life. At this point Microsoft has not yet made its mind about the range of supported mobile graphics solutions as well as minimal graphics chips required, so, customers looking towards Windows Vista should look at machines with more or less advanced visual processing units by companies like ATI Technologies or NVIDIA Corp.

Other recommendations Microsoft gives about the hardware that provides adequate user experience with Vista include a 64-bit capable chip from upper end of the processor spectrum of AMD or Intel, 1GB of memory; a Serial ATA HDD with 7200rpm motor, 8MB cache and Native Command Queuing; a DVD±RW optical drive; in addition, Microsoft recommends rapid networking technologies – 54Mbps or 100Mbps to be supported by a PC that runs Windows Vista.

Source: http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/video/d...805045323.html

[peaz]

I think it's all still speculations as there's nothing on the final version of Vista yet. My believe is that a DX9 capable card will suffice. And it don't have to be HL2 fast kinda fast. I think if you can play Warcraft 3 on that card smoothly, you pretty much have the specs required to run Vista nicely. Otherwise, it's a total OS suicide.

[1031982]

And most likely to enjoy it fully, you will need a GeForce FX or Radeon 9800 or higher.

[Andrew]

Hmmm ... the next thing Microsoft will be producing will be graphics cards -- for use with Microsoft Vista.

[SAMSAMHA]

hehehe, good one andrew

well, rumor has it that in order to have these cool effects, it does need some powerful card, I think it needs good decent memory. I think current crop of integrated gfx card might not run it smoothly, but given to the fact that it's still year away, I am sure both intel and nvidia will have integrated gfx card that will support vista.

it's a bit weird, I thought that some of the integrated card are actually a bit better than the old geforce 5200(which is probably the worst dx9 card out there).

[Olle P]

"nVidia, the way Microsoft Windows Vista(TM) is supposed to be seen"
followed by some ad for GeForce 7800 GTX...

/Olle

[Adrian Wong]

Hehe.. But seriously, integrated graphics like the stuff Intel produces...

[Chai]

Originally Posted by Olle P

"nVidia, the way Microsoft Windows Vista(TM) is supposed to be seen"
followed by some ad for GeForce 7800 GTX...

/Olle

Actually Nvidia has already advertised heavily on the Vista's acceleration, also known as Longhorn Display Driver Model (LDDM).

[SAMSAMHA]

Originally Posted by Adrian Wong

Hehe.. But seriously, integrated graphics like the stuff Intel produces...

well, it's a cheap solution for many business. it's a good idea for business as that will prevent their employee from playing games on the job.

[Max_87]

but in their advertising documents they make their integrated graphics sound like something really good