Decent laptop to run Civ:BE on?

[Noob]

Hi guys and gals. I don't really know jack squat about computers, I'm not going to lie. I don't do much of my gaming on a computer outside of turned based games. I got Civ 5 recommend to me last year and I fell in love.

I'm in the market for a new laptop, and I was wondering if there was any that had a decent graphics card and enough "power" to run Civ:BE smoothly. Not really looking for the best possible gaming laptop, and I don't really want to spend anymore than 400-500$. Just something that can run the game smoothly, and perhaps has a halfway decent graphics card.


Any recommendations would help. Thanks in advance. Love the forum, can't wait for Civ:BE!

 

[Acken]

Well in that price range I don't think you'll find a laptop with a dedicated graphic cards, only integrated ones. So it depend on what you judge as a decent graphic card since integrated ones are rather weak in the world of graphic cards. Entry level for a true gaming laptop with a good card are more in the 700-800$ range afaik.

However, you also mention that besides turn based strategy games you don't play much game. So usually these games don't ask for very powerful graphic cards. In that case, you'll want to look for enough RAM and enough CPU power. After that you'll want for enough storage depending on your needs and a screen size to your liking. According to Civ:BE recomended requirements you'll want a 1.8Ghz CPU and 4GB Ram (but I'd recommend 6GB there minimum just in case). I'm not sure what are the current good integrated graphic units though.

Something like this or equivalent maybe:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314714
The GPU is a Radeon R5 M240 apparently.

Just ask for confirmation by someone more sure about what is available in that price range, it's really not my specialty

 

[WiseGreen]

I'd try shooting for at least an i3 (or the equivalente AMD) with 6+ GB RAM. You probably won't get a dedicated video card in that range, but Intel HD should allow you to play the game at least with minimum video settings.

 

[Browd]

Moderator Action: Moved to Tech Support.

 

[forty2j]

Presented for discussion:

I feel like this guy isn't going to set the world on fire, but should run BE pretty effectively - and be Mantle-compatible, for the stated performance gains, right?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314563

 

[Noob]

Thank you for the responses! This will be very helpful.