Is it enough?

[Patrizzo]

I'd like to start with an apology in case I'm doing this the wrong way, but I'm new and kind of stuck so I hope you'll be forgiving.

I've played Civilizition since the first game, and later advanced to Civ II. The last years though I haven't had much time to play at all, but now I'm interested in getting back to the game I loved. The problem is I'm not sure my computer can handle the new games, so I'd like to make sure before I by any of them. Preferebly I'd like the latest of course, but I'll settle with whatever version works the best. So I thought I should ask at a place where players know, as I can't find any way of contacting the makers (I might be stupid or slow).

I'm running a laptop with a Intel(R) Celeron(R) M Processor 1,4GHz with a 1,0GB RAM. My graphic card (which I'm afraid is the thing that might stop me) is a Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Family card. Will this setup be enough for either Civ III or Civ IV, or will I have to settle for my old Civ II once again?

Regards

Patrizzo

 

[crunch]

You can play Civ3 absolutely fine.
You can play Civ4 at low settings... my computer has even older graphics card and half RAM and I'm playing Civ4.

 

[Patrizzo]

Thanks for the quick response, off to buy the game then

 

[Zanmato]

Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Family card.

If that card supports hardware TnL that you should be fine. If it doesn't the terrain won't show up and there is no fix. Just check that it can support this feature before you take the plunge.

 

[Patrizzo]

If that card supports hardware TnL that you should be fine. If it doesn't the terrain won't show up and there is no fix. Just check that it can support this feature before you take the plunge.

How do I check this feature? I'm almost a computer iliterate, at least concerning hardware.

 

[Zanmato]

The list is here, http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/sb/CS-011910.htm. Sadly, the card you have is on that list so it doesn't look like it can support hardware TnL. Civ4 will run but the terrain is highly likely to display black with your current setup.

 

[Patrizzo]

The list is here, http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/sb/CS-011910.htm. Sadly, the card you have is on that list so it doesn't look like it can support hardware TnL. Civ4 will run but the terrain is highly likely to display black with your current setup.

Hmpf , not much point in the latest game then. Do you know if Civ III also demands hardware TnL?

 

[Zanmato]

Hmpf , not much point in the latest game then. Do you know if Civ III also demands hardware TnL?

TnL isn't needed as Civ3 was a 2D game unlike Civ4 which uses a 3D engine. Might be worth checking the Civ3 Tech forum. TnL is a 3D feature. It's a shame that some of us have lost the chance to play what is a great game by switching to a 3D engine, it is however a sign of the times when the markets demand such features.

 

[Zoinker]

I beg to differ but I also have an Intel mobile 915GM/GMS,910GML card and I can play CivIV mostly fine. Your Cpu is a bit above the minimum (which is 1.2GhZ, 1.8 is recomended) and the RAM is WELL above the recomended (which is 512 MB).

In short, it might work. If you are hesitant I would recommend borrowing it from a friend or renting it to see if it works first.

 

[Patrizzo]

Ok, so it's not beyond hope for CivIV and CivIII shouldn't be a problem at all. I think I'll follow your advice Zoinker and try to rent it someplace before I buy it.

Thanks for the help all!!

 

[Zoinker]

No prob.
Enjoy