First Macbook Pro. Which Graphics Card?

I’m looking to buy my first Macbook Pro and have a question about graphics cards. I’m going to get a 15” Retina and was wondering what is the best graphics card to go with? Intel Iris Pro or nVidia I will primarily be using it for filmmaking purposes (editing, After Effects etc.) and also programming in Xcode and gaming. Any help would be awesome! Thanks!

By default the "Automatic Graphics Switching" is used to maximize battery life.
So unless anything 'graphics intensive' comes up then the Intel 3000 is used and the AMD 'sleeps'.
You can change the automatic switching in the Energy Saver Preferences http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4110
When choosing to always use the SMD then the System Profiler should show it.
Stefan

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How to upgrade my Macbook Pro's Graphic Card?

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It lags a lot when I play such an old games such as GTA Vice City (the FPS drops a lot when my mac getting hot) or GTA San Andreas (quite stable). Both of them aren't modded and still original. Is there any way to upgrade my Macbook Pro's graphic card?

You cannot upgrade the Graphics card on a laptop because everything is built into the logic board. Unfortunately your perticular graphics chip is actually built into the CPU, and is a very low performing chip which would definately make gaming hard.
Sorry for the bad news.

Macbook Pro (aluminum) graphic card issue?

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MacBook Pro 13" Graphics Card

I've got a MacBook Pro 13" Late 2012 Non-Retina 2.9GHz intel core i7 model. Is there any way for me to install a graphics card in it? Upto 1 GB at least? If not, what is the maximum memory I can install? And which company's graphics card should I buy? I don't have a budget as my father won't buy me a new Macbook Pro, but he doesn't care what the graphics card costs. I know, it's silly, I could easily get the 15 inch retina display model, but I unfortunately bought this one as the Retina Display model was out of stock and I'd have to wait a week for it to arrive. I didn't have the patience, so I bought this one. Any help?

Intel HD Graphics 4000 (all 13- and 15-inch configurations)
NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 512MB of GDDR5 memory (15-inch 2.3GHz configuration) or NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1GB of GDDR5 memory (15-inch 2.6GHz configuration) and automatic graphics switching
Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors
Thunderbolt digital video output
Native Mini DisplayPort output
DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter (sold separately)
VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (sold separately)
Dual-link DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (sold separately)
HDMI audio and video output using third-party Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter (sold separately)

My MacBook pro's graphics card isn't compatible with FCP X. What are my options here?

So I cant even try the free trial because there is no graphics card compatablility? I have an older macbook pro, 2006, running snow leopard.
What are my best options here for video editing?
I have used FCP before, so would prefer to get a version of that. Would it be dumb to try and get FCP 7?
Should I settle for Imovie?
My experience is advanced intermediate...
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You cannot upgrade the Graphics card on a laptop because everything is built into the logic board. Unfortunately your perticular graphics chip is actually built into the CPU, and is a very low performing chip which would definately make gaming hard.
Sorry for the bad news.

Can the Macbook Pro 13" graphic card be upgraded

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"My son has a Macbook Pro 13" and for school, he needs a 15" or 17" screen for the graphic card..."
Specifically what is the school requirement? What for?

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I have a late 2006 MacBook Pro (MacBook Pro 2,1) and i would like to know whether or not i can upgrade the graphics card? If it is possible what are the restrictions? Thanks.

No. The GPU is soldered onto the logic board and cannot be replaced.
If you need to upgrade the machine, I'm afraid that the only solution is to purchase a new MacBook Pro.
Sorry,
Clinton

Is my 2011 15" Macbook Pro's graphics card standard/working correctly?

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Some insight into either 3 of my queries would be appreciated,
cheers
Jxzn

Apple releases updates to the graphics drivers via software update. Normally updates are released with OS X updates. The computer switches use between the integrated card and the discrete card. When you access About This Mac it will only provide information of the card currently in use. Turn off Automatic Graphics Swithing in System Preferences>Energy Saver and then open About This Mac.

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"... did not detect a hardware capable of running DirectX 9.0 ..."
I checked NVida and the 8600M is capable of running DirectX 10.0.
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Thanks

VMware is software emulation and at this point cannot use your graphics card. You need to install Vista using bootcamp and run it through there to have access to the graphics card. remember to install the boot camp files and all drivers after you install Vista

Two graphics card on macbook pro which one do I use?

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Your MBP more or less chooses which graphics card to use automatically. In System Preferences>Energy Saver, check Automatic graphics switching. When it's checked on, it will use the higher power and higher quality dedicated AMD 6490 when you're plugged into the wall, and uses the Intel 3000HD when on battery.
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Either card will do well with HD movies, though I notice a lot more artifacts with the Intel 3000 when the movie has a lot of action or explosions or sounds. If you want to do hardcore gaming, you need the AMD of course. Photoshop is more dependent on the central processor rather than the graphics card, so I'm not sure you'd have much issue using either one.

I am thinking of getting my first Macbook pro for uni and was just wondering which one would be the best? The macbook pro or macbook pro with retina display? or even wait for the new release in 2013 ?

I am thinking of getting my first Macbook pro for uni and was just wondering which one would be the best? The macbook pro or macbook pro with retina display? or even wait for the new release in 2013 ?

If your budget is unlimited, look at both the retina and non-retina and make a decision based on your preferences. If funds are tight, explore the options in the refurbished section. Unless you are dealing with courses that demand specific performance parameters, any one of these options will suffice.
Ciao.

4s microphone has always malfunctioned (people can't hear me) for first 10 seconds of outgoing phone calls. I've synched w healthy Macbook Pro, replaced SIM cards, replaced iPhone 4s, called Applecare (no mic issue admitted). OS problem?

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I'm concerned Applecare folks did not admit to me that so many other 4s users also has malfunctioning mics.

Tornado Todd wrote:
I'm concerned Applecare folks did not admit to me that so many other 4s users also has malfunctioning mics.
Why would that even matter?
The device obviously has a hardware issue and is under warranty, take it to Apple for replacement and move on with life. No reason to make things difficult.

Which graphics cards are recommended for Final Cut Pro X?

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I have a 2008 Mac Pro with 8GB of memory and am going to order 8GB more.
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Get a PC ATI 5870 or 6870 for little money and install MacBook Pro 2011 graphics update.
Works out of the box from 10.6.7 on.
Visit netkas.org forums for more info.

Buying my first Macbook Pro Non-Retina (13 or 15 inch?)

Hey, I'm currently buying my first MBP for University. I've been using my 17' Sony Vaio for University so far, it's incredibly fast and HD, but it's way too big for University. When you're sitting in the hallway and trying to do work, way too big. It's literally 10 pounds as well, carrying it hasn't really been a problem, gotten used to it, but I think it's time to make the switch to a MBP.
For financial reasons, as well as me not wanting to take a 2500+ (roughly) laptop to school on a daily basis, worrying about it being stolen/dropped or something, I don't want to buy the MBP retina yet, it's new technology and a little overpriced because of that (I personally feel).
Anyway, for my new MBP I'm going to use it to take notes/write essays, make powerpoints. Pretty much just do my work, I got a desktop computer at home as well, so I don't think I'm going to be too into video editing or gaming or anything really that important (who knows though, might fall in love with it, and want to - so kind of hoping to get a little more than the base, not sure though, please give your suggestions.)
Anyway, I was considering buying the upgraded 13' MBP (All Student Pricing by the way)
13-inch: 2.9 GHz
2.9GHz dual-core Intel Core i7
Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz
8GB 1600MHz memory
750GB 5400-rpm hard drive1
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Built-in battery (7 hours)2
$1, 429.00
The base model is $1, 129.00 i5, 2.5GHz, 4GB memory, 500GB hard drive.
But my friend who had a 13 inch almost all his life recently bought a 15 inch MBP and told me that he highly recommends I get a 15 inch MBP, he tells me his 13 inch was way too small, and that I'm going to regret it, he told me the screen size makes a huge difference when trying to do more than one thing, and it's just a nuissance.
Me, having a 17' Sony Vaio all my life initially want to go as small as possible, to save the hassle, but he's pretty sure that I'm going to regret it.. So the 15 inch models are..
2.3GHz vs 2.6GHz, pretty much the same diff. as the 13 inch in terms of specs, 4GB to 8GB memory & 500GB to 750GB Hard drive.
Base model is 1729.00, upgraded one is 2029.00
So, the way I'm looking at it right now is to get the 2.9GHz MBP because it's specs are pretty much all equal to or better than even the upgraded 15' MBP, only difference is screen size/resolution, which is one of my questions, because somewhere I was reading how Apple ruined the 13 inch MBP because of a bad graphics card or something, or the screen is really bad compared to the 15 inch or something like that..So I was wondering if anyone knew anything about that.
Anyway, what would you recommend, especially considering the upgraded 15' starts at the base 15' Retina price, so I highly doubt getting that, cause if I was convinced on that, I'd probably go for retina.
By the way, people also recommended getting base models for whatever I wanted and upgrading them myself, or going to a shop to do it or something, they say it'd be cheaper, but the problem is I'm a student and I'm getting the AppleCare warranty regardless, and I think that would void the warranty, not sure how that works though.
So please, any suggestions. For a first time MBP user, looking to switch, what would you recommend? Sorry for all the writing, just wanted to make it clear what my thoughts were, so I know which would be best for me.
Thanks in advance!
Oh, and should I buy now, or wait for Mountain Lion to come out and by then? Because regardless, It's going to be relatively new and I'm not going to be doing a backup or anything, so don't really thinks it'd make much of a difference, but if it does, please state so and why!
Thanks.

I know exactly how you feel about having a lot screen real estate and then wishing you had something more portable. My previous laptop was a Toshiba Qosmio 18.4'' screen. It was/still is a beast. However like you said it literally weighs 10 pounds and just really doesn't work for "on the go" stuff. I decided to get a 13.3'' MBP. I love it.
Don't worry about Mountain Lion with http://www.apple.com/osx/uptodate/ program you'll be set.
Now to all other questions...
This article 13-inch MacBook Air vs. 13-inch MacBook Pro: Which should you buy? | Apple - CNET News compares the MBP and MBA, I know you said you were considering two different MBPs but this might have relative information.
The MBP retina model uses parts that are all soldered on to the motherboard for the best possible speed and lightest/slimmest design (it is only slightly thicker than a MBA at its thickest part). This is important on two fronts. First you wont be able to change ram/HDD after you buy it. However, with everything integrated that way the effect is a SIGNIFICANT boost in speed.
So if portability is ultimately what you're after a MBA may be your best option. From the uses you described to me it doesn't look like you'll be doing a lot of things at once. Once you learn gestures and how easily it is to switch between spaces and full screen apps multiple windows on a single screen will start to be a thing of the past. Also the MBA uses SSDs which provide it a decent speed boost over traditional HDDs.
If I were in your shoes I would highly consider the MBA or the retina MBP. In my opinion they offer the slimmest lightest options.
Good luck and remember only you can decide what is best based on your needs and preferences.

I'm about to buy my first MacBook Pro and I need a little help

Hi everybody!
I'm about to buy my first MacBook pro and I have no experience on mac so I would be really thankfull if someone guides me to get an appropriate Notebook
Here are some imformations about what I want from a MacBook Pro:
1) I have a limited budget so the price can not go anywhere upper than 2,000 dollars
2) I'm a graphic designer working with photoshop, 3ds max and maya so I need strong CPU and VGA card
3) 15 inches and high resolution
4) Absolutly Lion OS
5) weight doesn't matter!
6) Ram doesn't matter cause I can upgrade it myself later when I got enogh money
7) Hard capacity doesn't matter (I can upgrade it later too)
8) It would be much better if it got HDMI port
That's all
Thanks for reading and answering

Except for #8, you're talking about the new entry-level MacBook Pro for $1,799.00 (see at http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MD103LL/A). It's a little less expensive at Amazon and you won't have to pay tax on it until you file next year instead of up-front.
It will do everything you need and, yes, you can upgrade it yourself when you get more cash. In fact, if you're willing to spend another $160 (still under your $2K limit) you can go ahead and upgrade the RAM to 16 GB. Later, spend $400 and put in a 512GB SSD.
Now to item #8. From monoprice, you can get a Thunderbolt-to-HDMI adapter for under $7 - click here.
You'll have exactly what you need for under $2K. Go for it...
Clinton

First Macbook Pro. Which Graphics Card?

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