Notebooks have different requirements from Desktops concerning video cards so the performance range is slightly different despite similar model numbers with Desktop video cards. This is a list of video cards for Notebooks we suggest that offers a range in performance and pricing. Just like Desktops there are several other brands of video cards that can be purchased in Notebooks. Any card not listed is not suggested for Pool Studio and may not work correctly.

Integrated video cards are strongly not suggested for various reasons such as most do not offer the 3D features Pool Studio requires and they often “share” system memory which degrades performance in 3D applications such as Pool Studio. Avoid integrated video cards at all costs.

One suggestion when ordering the Notebook is state that you wish to purchase a laptop that will play the latest 3D games with good performance. Pool Studio uses video card features similar to 3D games and such a Notebook setup will run Pool Studio fine. You do not need a “workstation” class laptop despite what a salesman will tell you. A modern, standard laptop with the appropriate video card will perform just fine.

Please keep in mind that it might be possible to purchase a laptop that has a video card not on this list that may work but you will be on your own in that case. The cards below are the ones that we are confident will work with no issues, anything else we cannot suggest in any way.

These are model numbers and there may be variations of cards based off of these model numbers such as the Radeon X1800, X1800 SE, X1800 XL and X1800 XT which are all variations of the same card.

You can also find a full list of recommended desktop cards by CLICKING HERE.


High-end Video Cards and Computers
For additional information about high-end video cards, and specific computers available for purchase that offer these cards, CLICK HERE!

Each card below has a rating out of 5 stars, with 3 being good/average and 5 being the best

ATI Brands
(Cards in BLUE are no longer manufactured but still supported)
Radeon X1600 * * *
Radeon X1800 * * *
Radeon X1900 * * *
Radeon X1950 * * *
Radeon 2900XT * * * *
Radeon HD 3850 * * * * *
Radeon HD 3870 * * * * *
Radeon HD 4770 * * * *
Radeon HD 4830 * * * *
Radeon HD 4850 * * * * *
Radeon HD 4870 * * * * *
Radeon HD 4890 * * * * *
Radeon M HD 5870 * * * *
Radeon HD 5670 * * * *
Radeon HD 5830 * * * * *
Radeon HD 5850 * * * * *
Radeon HD 5970 * * * * *
Radeon HD 5870 * * * * *





Nvidia Brands
(Cards in BLUE are no longer manufactured but still supported)
GeForce 7600 * * *
GeForce 7800 * * *
GeForce 7900 * * *
GeForce 7950 * * *
GeForce 8600 * * *
GeForce 8700 * * *
GeForce 8800 * * * *
GeForce GT 130M * * *
GeForce 9600 * * * *
GeForce 9800 * * * *
GeForce GTX 260 * * * *
GeForce GTS 150M * * *
GeForce GTX 275 * * * * *
GeForce GTX 280 * * * * *
GeForce GTX 285 * * * * *
GeForce GTS 260M * * * * *
GeForce GTS 280M * * * * *
GeForce GTX 290 * * * * *
GeForce GTX 330 * * * *
GeForce GTX 335 * * * *
GeForce GTX 350 * * * * *
GeForce GTS 360 * * * * *
GeForce GTX 460 * * * * *
GeForce GTS 465 * * * * *
GeForce GTX 470 * * * * *
GeForce GTS 480 * * * * *



Recommend Laptop computers

Alienware M15x and M17x: http://www.alienware.com

Dell Vostro 3700: www.dell.com See attached files for special pricing!

HP Envy 15: http://www.hp.com

Gateway P Series: http://www.gateway.com

Acer Aspire 5740, 5542, and 8730: http://us.acer.com

Toshiba Satellite P500- ST6844 with GeForce GT 330M: www.toshibadirect.com

Toshiba Qosmio X505 series: www.toshibadirect.com


Drivers and Support
Here are links to sites that can help you update your video card drivers:

Official Desktop/Laptop Video Card Drivers
DELL Computers
HP Computers
GATEWAY Computers
TOSHIBA Computers
FUJITSU Computers

Other Desktop/Other Laptop Video Card Drivers
Drivers for ATI cards
Drivers for NVidia cards
Drivers for Intel cards