Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

It looks like I have to buy a laptop this weekend (for work mainly) and they only come with windows 7. So the question is what games will and won't play on that system?

Another question is what size video card must I buy to run stuff like NWN2 (if i can) and such?

Is there any other problems with windows 7 that you guys have noticed ?

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

Running WIN7 x64 here on a desktop w/8GB RAM. No problems with games so far. Even DosBox works and allows me to play my 2 old DOS games. Dragon Age: Origins runs without a hiccup, so I'm sure NWN2 would run...on a desktop.

Laptops need to be bought with as hefty a graphics processor you can afford, because you can't "upgrade" the video card,,, because there isn't one. A laptop with lots of RAM and a hi-end GP is quite expensive in the states...usually over $1000 US, and maybe even over $2000 US.

That being said, it is "possible" to buy laptops that have replaceable GPU's so that the GPU can be upgraded in the future. But why wait for that? Just get what you need when you first buy it.

But since it's for work, I'm guessing your employer will foot the bill :)

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

Nope ... but I will be able to claim some tax back. :)

I can get 512mb game card ones for about $1000 but for 1gb ones the cost is about $1800.
It's a huge increase in price.

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

That's why I think you should go the "built-in" route. Get as much 'bang' as you can up front,,,then get the accessory slot video card in the future, if needed.

P.S.--- I don't know much about using the accessory slot for graphics boosting. The shop I worked in didn't carry them (because of the expense). And I never came across a customer that used them. They always said "Hell,,, $1800 for a video card!? Are you crazy? I can buy a whole new laptop for that!"

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

I am a bit confused over this 64 / 32 bit option. I'm guessing that 32 bit is the way to go if i want compatibility?

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

My understanding is that if you want more than 3 - 3.5 GB of RAM that you can use, you need to go 64-bit, otherwise 32-bit will cap out at that no matter how much you put in your system.

As for graphics cards in laptops, be careful. I had a laptop that I shelled out big bucks for and the freaking thing overheated and killed a graphics card and possibly the CPU. Basically the inside of the case was blackened with scorch marks in a number of places. Literally happened a week after my warranty expired, naturally. The price to fix the overpriced thing was indeed enough to buy a new computer, which is just what I did. 512 MB graphics card might not be the best, but my wife has had one that's been good to her for several years and going strong.

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

What kind of gaming are you looking to do with your laptop? If you want to play the newest games, you really are going to be hard-pressed for finding a laptop that can do the job well.

Also, it'd be helpful if you gave price range as to what you are willing to spend Wellard.

As a rule of thumb, you are never going to be able to buy a laptop as powerful as a desktop for the price equivalent. From my own personal opinion, I detest laptops. Too many models are plagued by incredibly crappy cooling designs, weak/flimsy chassis, etc. They are much more prone to failure. That's just my view on laptops, and why I shy away from them.

Unless you are running some serious legacy software, go with 64 bit. I've had no problems with an application not running because of a 64 bit OS. It is more secure, allows more RAM, and really 32 bit is getting long in the tooth/obsolete.

If you have some models you'd want to list, that'd work as well.

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

Thanks for the feedback :)

Yes you are right I should give a price range. Max would be $1300 US ($1500 Aus) and the max size is 15 or 16 inch screen

Work programmes and office 2003 (excel/word /power point stuff) and some older games / internet is all I really need. I could spend more but I work as an engineer and very far away from an office environment. The likelihood of it getting dropped/bashed/wet is high :heee:

My home PC will always be THE gaming centre of my world

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

Alright. If you could link to a store you would be purchasing your laptop from, that'd also be great. I don't know what electronic sellers you really have in Australia, and I'm almost positive major laptop vendors sell different models in different countries (although I could be wrong).

In either case, the best advice I can offer up to this point is this. Any laptop where it doesn't have Intel graphics is probably an ideal laptop. Intel's IGP (integrated graphics processor), known as their GMA series, has been notorious for setting the bar extremely low with integrated graphics. Both Nvidia and AMD have done tremendous jobs with their IGP solutions. Their discrete solutions are of course, even more ideal. But if you are playing older games, depending on how "old" they are, you might be able to get away with an integrated solution from Nvidia and AMD.

Here is a review of a ~$880.00 USD laptop.
http://techreport.com/articles.x/18778/1

Something like this seems like it'd cater to your needs well. Of course, since you have a higher budget if you want to spring for something a little better, that is certainly doable.

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

A few of the major vendors offer XP downgrades from Win 7 licenses, but I manage to play all my games fine on Win7 and love it.

I won't get into an argument over which brand is best as its a fruitless argument, but if you can't decide what you want, let us know and I'll post a page full of my thoughts :P

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

thanks guys for the links ... will do some study tomorrow morning :)

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

Guy at work got the Alienware Mx11.

Its a small portable & powerful Laptop/Netbook that should do mos tof the stuff you need.

Only downside is the size as well with an 11 inch screen.

Retails here in Oz starting from $1,399
http://www1.ap.dell.com/au/en/home/n...=dhs&cs=audhs1

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

Never go with laptops for serious gaming. A desktop can do anything a laptop can and can do it far better. They're also alot harder to upgrade and upgrades are far more expensive, in some cases being strenously difficult to acquire (especially if warranties have expired). Indeed, some parts are not worth the trouble to upgrade at all because of time spent tracking them down and money spent on them. It's not uncommon to find people who just bought a brand new lappy rather than spend the same amount of money upgrading their older one. Sometimes routine desktop upgrades are non-existant for a laptop so you remain stuck with whatever's in there.

The only reason anyone should ever buy a lappy IMO is if they absolutely need the technology's one, saving-grace. Portability. Anything else is just bells and whistles that a desktop can do better and then some. Desktop = Removable everything, easy access, large ventialtion and ultimately, more power on every front with the potential for massive upgrades if you so wish.

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

Good call, Portability is the only reason I have a laptop... to check mail on the road and light gaming.

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

Not true, I bought an XPS 1730M with all the best parts, sure it costs more but I like having something that takes up no room, has one power cable and was able to match my desktop easily, sure technology moves fast, but it's not like it used to be where your top of the line gear is outdated in a month, sure they are always brining out new things, but my 3 year old dual 8800GTX's in my desktop (and inn my laptop) are still able to play the latest games.

Everyone loves to make fun of people that spend lots more on gaming laptops, but some of them are just nice to own.

TDC has made a great suggestion with the M11x, it's a beast of a laptop and despite its small size, in 5 seconds you can plug in your larger monitor and its as good as a desktop.

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

I spent a lot of time and money trying to keep a "gaming laptop" around. Not worth the hassle. Laptops are not for gaming, get over it.

For the 32 bit vs. 64 bit question, I do not think you'd want to go with 32 bit. 32 bit can't see more memory than ~3.5 gigs. For instance I have 4 gigs in my XP system and it can't see all of it. My understanding is that your biggest issue with Win7 is that it's a RAM hog, so you REALLY REALLY want minimum of 4gigs and preferably 6 or 8 or even more. Now, considering how much RAM you're shooting for, you certainly want a system that can see it.

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

Well, it is true...in that case you just spent more to achieve the same power. And when I upgrade I can do so in a snap, when you upgrade you have a slippery slope to navigate.

X2 8800gt's would begin to show their age around now - if they haven't already. You spent the money for an SLI setup which got you this far, but now you will start to notice a drop off playing the latest and greatest games. The 8800 is 3 gens behind (maybe more?).

Like TL said, I think people just need to get over it. If you bought it for both gaming AND portability then great, but lets not pretend you have it easy. You don't. And lets not pretend a desktop for the same price could knock it out of the water - it won't. While people may be thrilled with their purchase of a portable gaming laptop, this thrill quickly turns to frustration or bank withdrawals as it becomes obsolete.

My advice, again, use laptops for portability and work. I use mine mainly for these purposes. Sure, I can play WoW on mine (polygon count is so low, almost any rig can) and some older games but anything else I move rooms to my rig.

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

My apologies, I didn't realise you were the only person on the planet to ever have owned one and therefore your opinion was the only one that was correct.

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

Well, now you know. ;)

But seriously, yes if you want to spend upwards of $3k you can go out and get yourself a 9lb. "laptop" with a 2lb. power supply. And when one of the parts breaks, like it did on my POS Dell, then you have to buy a whole new system rather than replace a part. Getting a decent gaming laptop is not impossible, it's just impractical.

Re: Windows 7 - video cards and games
 

For a gamer like myself that travels for work and has a LAN party every month or so a gaming Laptop is a necessity for me.

Different situations call for different setups.