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Can I live with this graphics card?

Discussion in 'Techno-Magic' started by Ishmael, Jan 3, 2008.

  1. Ishmael Gems: 4/31
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    Remove all ads!
    Hey all,

    I just purchased a laptop from Dell during boxing week. I felt that I had done enough research, and was choosing a laptop that would meet my needs.

    Other than boring office stuff, I am hoping for a laptop on which I can watch DVDs, and play games - I am mostly into Bioware, and want to play NWN2, but I don't know if it's possible, because the laptop includes an integrated graphics card, which doesn't look too hot...

    The system specs:

    Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5450 (2MB cache/1.66GHz/667Mhz FSB)
    Memory: 3GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (1GB x 2GB)
    LCD Panel: Glossy, high contrast, widescreen 17.0 inch display (1440 x 900)
    Video Card: Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
    Hard Drive: 160G 5400RPM SATA HDD


    I've looked all over the internet for some fact on this, but there were way too many opinions, most threads seemed to fall into flame wars.

    So I have just a few simple questions:

    Can I run NWN2 on this machine? what about NWN1?
    Can you name other cool RPGs I can run on this machine, besides BG2?

    Or I am better of sending it back for a laptop with a proper graphics card?

    Thanks a lot for any advice
     
    Ishmael, Jan 3, 2008
    #1
  2. Kitrax

    Kitrax Pantaloons are supposed to go where!?!?

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    <insert game over audio clip from Pac Man here> :p

    Seriously though, integrated graphics is never a good idea. I *highly* doubt you'll be able to play NWN2 on that computer...you might be able to play NWN on it, but I’m not 100% sure of that.

    As for other RPG's that you can play on that computer, Icewind Dale and IWD2 are ok. The story lines are lackluster and there's no inter-party interaction, but they are based on the same engine as the BG games. Temple of Elemental Evil can run on it...I only played the game for about 1 hour before I got fed up with it and uninstalled it, but you might like it. Then there’s PS:T…I haven’t played it, but everyone I’ve talked to say they love it.

    Yes. I don't know how much you spent, but the Dell Inspiron 1520 and the 1720 are both good choices. You can get the 256MB NVIDIA 8600M GT video card in both. :rolling:
     
    Kitrax, Jan 3, 2008
    #2
  3. Merlanni

    Merlanni Veteran New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!)

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    Or a laptop whit an ATI hd2600 A bit weaker compared to the Nvidia 8600gt, but good enough for nwn2.
     
    Merlanni, Jan 3, 2008
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  4. Ishmael Gems: 4/31
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    It is a Dell Inspiron 1720... but as I said, with a crappy inline graphics card... I haven't opened the box yet, maybe I can send it back, with the 256MB NVIDIA 8600M GT.

    And what you're telling me is that The Inspiron 1720 with the 256MB NVIDIA 8600M GT will definitely run NWN2?
     
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2008
    Ishmael, Jan 3, 2008
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  5. Kitrax

    Kitrax Pantaloons are supposed to go where!?!?

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    Short answer: Yes.

    I've been thinking about buying the Inspiron 1720 myself...if it wasn't so ugly and had a few extras on it, it would be my #1 choice. :rolling:
     
    Kitrax, Jan 4, 2008
    #5
  6. Merlanni

    Merlanni Veteran New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!)

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    It even plays shooters like Bioshock on modest settings.
     
    Merlanni, Jan 5, 2008
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  7. Strife Gems: 6/31
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    I'm using a MacBook with an Intel GMA 950, and it can run NWN, although I have to turn off most of the eye candy (whatever passes for it anyway), but I am running it with 64MB textures.

    It definitely won't run NWN2 though. If you can afford it, get the Nvidia 8600M GT, with 256MB VRAM. Don't settle for 128MB if you can.
     
    Strife, Jan 10, 2008
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