I want a laptop to plug into a large separate monitor (21 or 23 inch) for processing large multilayer Photoshop and Lightroom files.

The ones on my possible list generally have a choice of 2 graphics cards (listed below). I think the 540 card might have a faster on board processor (?) but it has slower refresh rates and different non interlaced specs. Both cards have the same memory.

Anyone know which would be best choice to handle the large PC screens? I don’t want to limit myself too much as this laptop will have to last for several years as its quite an investment for me. Thanks.

NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M
http://www.nvidia.com/object/product-geforce-gt-525m-us.html
Laptop manufacturer says this gives
Max Resolution: 2,048 x 1,536
Max Refresh Rate: 100 Hz
Non-interlaced resolution with max refresh rate: 1,920 x 1,200

NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M
http://www.nvidia.com/object/product-geforce-gt-540m-us.html
Laptop manufacturer says this gives
Max External Video Modes
Max Resolution: 2,048 x 1,536
Max Refresh Rate: 85 Hz
Non-interlaced resolution with max refresh rate: 1,600 x 1,200

The 540M is slightly faster in terms of processing power. The max resolution/refresh rate is a non issue as you only need 60hz to drive a modern LCD panel and any laptop from the last 5 years should be able to drive a 24″ panel. Rather than the actual graphics chip I’d be looking for one with Dvi or Hdmi outputs rather than vga.

For static images, I’d be surprised if it makes any practical difference either way TBH.

They’re ostensibly the same adapter, far as I can see, just with the 540 having a core clocked about ~10% faster.

I’d be looking for one with Dvi or Hdmi outputs

Good point, well made.

Thanks for the suggestions. I am very behind on hardware info. Any other things I should look out for re the display while we are on the subject?