Need Notebook Computer

Want an inexpensive one that can run GC2

from GalCiv2 Forums
Need some advice from you guys that play GC2 on a notebook computer. I need to buy a notebook, but I want one that can run GC2. There are so many options out there it's got my head spinning. The price range on notebook computers is vast. Naturally, I want to spend as little as possible. I've found the less expensive ones run graphics processors like Intel GMA 900, ATI Radeon Xpress200M, Intel Extreme Graphics 2, SIS-Mirage2. I'm sure I wouldn't have a problem with something like a GeForce Go 7600 GT, but laptops get very expensive when they have higher end graphics chips.

Is anyone running the game successfully with one of these lower end graphics systems? If not, what graphics processor are you curently running with the game. I'd hate to buy a laptop and find the game won't run on it.

Thanks,

- Craig
5,307 views 11 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
this games runs fine on intel extreme 2 - which is ancient intel now and only just supported to my knowledge.
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
If you want to play any games, any at all, aside from GCII stay away from Intel graphics! What kind of games are you planning on playing? Just GCII? Or are you planning on trying more demanding games like UT2007?
ObjectDock - Access shortcuts and frequently used applications from an animated dock.
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I'd point you in the direction of the dv8000t

[link="http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_series.do?series_name=dv8000t_series&catLevel=3&category=notebooks/hp_pavilion/dv8000_series&storeName=computer_store"]http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_series.do?series_name=dv8000t_series&catLevel=3&category=notebooks/hp_pavilion/dv8000_series&storeName=computer_store">Link
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
f you want to play any games, any at all, aside from GCII stay away from Intel graphics!


this is true, especially for 3D - though the smarter companies are trying, if poss, to support the latest intel chipsets because of their currency in the marketplace eg BFME2 (which has support for GMA900 and 950). depends what you want. good battery life, or a zippy games provider. i'm waiting for the optional switch where you can toggle between embedded grafix or grafix card, dependent on your mood and proximity to a power point
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Runs like a dream on my Macbook Pro.. The ATI X1800 chipset in that performs better than my desktop's Geforce 6600. Plus you get to run OS X when you're not playing GalCiv.
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I'm using a GeForce FX Go 5200 on a Inspiron 8600. Running okay so far, although to get the movies to work correctly when I installed I had to modify a file in a ForceWare update. I still haven't run extended games on some of the larger maps though. I'd either look for a notebook with a daughterboard setup (so your video is upgradable - some Dells have this) or bite the bullet and bite a model with a top of the line card; because you'll be stuck with it for the life of the notebook.
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I'd either look for a notebook with a daughterboard setup (so your video is upgradable - some Dells have this) or bite the bullet and bite a model with a top of the line card; because you'll be stuck with it for the life of the notebook.


I agree. When it comes to Laptops choose quality over a lower price.

I run GC2 on a Think Pad Z60m with a Ati Radeon Mobility x600 (128 mb). I have absolutly no problems (i run GC2 on highest settings). Even Oblivion runs smooth on higher settings, exept near Oblivion gates.

Hope that helped.
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I plan to run only GC2 on it as far as games go. It's the only game I've encountered I feel is worthy of consideration. So the Intel Extreme Graphics 2 works ok for GC2? How about the ATI Mobility Xpress200M?


Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
So the Intel Extreme Graphics 2 works ok for GC2


it does - the only glitch comes in with rendering large/huge ships in the battle veiwer (slight lag), and to be frank, i haven't played a galaxy bigger than large, but as I said Intel Extreme 2 is old now, so if you go intel you should get the 900 or 950, unless, of course, someone is throwing a laptop at you
Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Still waffling. Looks like the price jump happens when you go from integrated/shared to dedicated graphics. I did find an Acer with an ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 which is a decent graphics system. It's only $300 more with respect to a low end notebook so I probably should just knuckle under and spend the extra. Hell, I spent more than that on the video card for my desktop system. Integrated video with shared memory sounds pretty sucky anyway.
Reply #11 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Got the notebook, thought I'd post my success in case anyone else is looking for an inexpensive one that can do a good job running the game.

I picked up an Acer Aspire 5672. I ordered it from Newegg.com. Link

It's really nice and runs the game perfectly. It comes with an ATI Radeon X1600 which is a decent GPU. It also has a dual core processor which makes for some good CPU horsepower. Pretty happy with it and I didn't have to spend a lot (relatively speaking).