Buying Laptop to run CIV

[Zakar]

Hey Guys,

I have been a civ fan since its inception but unfortunatly my PC doesn't have the juice to run CIV4. I have decided that it is probably time to upgrade anyhow, and need a laptop for class anyway, so I was thinking of buing this:

MODEL TravelMate 4152LMi
* Intel® Centrino® mobile technology
* Long life Lithium Ion battery up to 5 hours life
* Intel® integrated graphics with up to 128MB VRAM
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
CPU Intel® Pentium® M Processor 740 (1.73GHz, 2MB cache, 533MHz FSB)
SCREEN 15" Active colour screen with XGA Resolution (1024 x 768)
MEMORY 1024 MB PC4200 DDR2-SDRAM
HARD DRIVE 80 GB EIDE hard drive

Im not too worryed about getting great graffics, I just want to be able to get it to run smoothly. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Noseybonk]

You should probably steer clear of a machine with Intel integrated graphics, you'll have problems running this game. Get one with a dedicated graphics card, like a Dell Inspiron 6000 with a 128mb radeon x300, cost you somewhere between $1500-$2000.

 

[Omegamerc]

I would steer clear of Intel graphics, AND dell. My ati 9000 64mb on my Dell m600 fails after 10-15minutes of playing because the cooling in the system fails, and thats just on a 9000!. Anyways, I purchased (for about 2100$) a Tecra M4 with a 6000 TE 128mb from toshiba. Althought Tablet PC's arent for everyone it gives you an idea what to look for.

 

[mrpresidentbob]

The one thing that I have learned, if I may echo the above posters, is never, ever buy a computer that has Intel Integrated Graphics - at least if I'm interested in playing games. Mine, which I thought was fine, has black terrain and no leaderheads, and it's slow. Also, on Halo I can't see team colors (my roommate says this has something to do with shaders). I'm going to have to upgrade. Good luck with the computer shopping!

 

[Jason The King]

I have intel integrated graphics, and it runs fine, but a little choppy (I only have 64mb tho). But I wouldn't buy integrated anyways, just so you can have the option of upgrading later on.

 

[1c0n]

no integrated!!!! nothing but possibly sounds. only because i have never had troubles with AC97
if you are seriously looking to game, your either gonna need to get a desktop, or, tho this may seems excessive, an alienware laptop. and those be pricy me matey. i've never used one, but its likely your best bet if you HAVE to go laptop

 

[Zakar]

The thing is this would be like $500-$600 max which is good because I don't have heaps of cash right now. I can't afford to go crazy and get a real expensive comp. I don't HAVE to go laptop, but it would be very handy. I do have a monitor etc so I could just buy a desktop, but only if I'm going to get a good one.

 

[Comraddict]

The thing is this would be like $500-$600 max which is good because I don't have heaps of cash right now. I can't afford to go crazy and get a real expensive comp. I don't HAVE to go laptop, but it would be very handy. I do have a monitor etc so I could just buy a desktop, but only if I'm going to get a good one.

riiiigt..laptop with decent graphics for $600... perhaps stolen

 

[Noseybonk]

I managed to configure an Inspiron 600m on the Dell site with a 1.4GHz Celeron, 512MB ram, 64mb radeon 9000 video for about $900. I don't see it getting much cheaper than that if you want to avoid Intel graphics.

If you stick to your stated budget at least make sure you get the Intel 900 series graphics, some people at least have had success running the game, but no guarantees.

 

[Landmonitor]

I think you should get a desktop. I saw this game run on a Dell 9300 laptop and it ran Beautifully, BUT that laptop (with its 1 GB ram, and Nvidia 6800)would be about $2400 BEFORE TAXES (in Canada)... (Mind you, it would also max out BF2 or WOW no problem, so that's likely overkill... but MAN, CivIV ran sooo smooth, very noticeable when you zoom in/out).