Re: confused: how does a videocard relate to my director work environment

["scarroll" <webforumsuser@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Yes it does. The shared RAM isn't so much an issue. More RAM will equate to 
better handling of texture maps on those 3D objects. 

 However, the Intel GMA graphics processor (aka GPU) are not up to par compared 
to a ATI or NVidia GPU. When it comes to rendering 3D objects you need fast 
floating point calculations and polygon rendering/fills. That is what an ATI 
card or NVidia card in a desktop or laptop will buy you. Both excel and will 
render DirectX (the 3D driver) faster and better then the Intel GPU. 

 The downside is that they consume more power. You will seldom find a ATI or 
NVidia card built into say a Tablet laptop computer. Most Tablets tend to lean 
towards consuming less power for more portability in the hand of the user and 
thus ship to the less power consuming (and weak) Intel GPU.

 Also, if you do alot of transparency in Director (and especially Flash within 
Director), the Intel GPU will come to a crawl.