This Asus good enough?

[Torodeboro]

Simple question, but maybe harder answer.
Is this laptop good enough for running Civ V pleasantly?

http://www.bol.com/nl/p/asus-a55vd-sx030v-laptop/9000000012546695/#product_specifications

Intel Core i7
8192 MB
750 GB
NVIDIA GeForce 610M
2GB DDR3
Beeldscherm: 15.6 inch (40.0 cm)
Windows 7 Home Premium

 

[tokala]

Probably not really "pleasently".

You should look for something with a better GPU.
Civ5 wont make good use of the i7, a i5 or i3 will do about as well.

Some more balanced models in that pricerange:
http://www.bol.com/nl/p/acer-aspire-e1-571g-33114g75mnks-laptop/9000000012739478/
http://www.bol.com/nl/p/samsung-np370r5e-s01nl-laptop/9200000010549873/

 

[Torodeboro]

You mean CPU?
So, that Acer Aspire will be better you think?

 

[tokala]

Graphics Processing Unit, the "video card"

The Acer will be a bit slower in calculating the AI turns, but its graphics chip is about twice as fast as the Asus in the OP.
The 610m in the ASUS might struggle even on lowest graphics settings, the 630 in the Acer should have no problems even a bit above lowest settings, maybe even good enough for medium.

The AMD chip in the Samsung plays in different league, good enough for (almost) maximum graphics settings, with the CPU only minimally slower than the i7.

 

[Torodeboro]

I see. I am not that into the pc-world, so that's why I didn't know it.

Thanks a lot!

If I understand you correctly you prefer the Samsung slightly above the acer?

Playing at medium would be really nice.

 

[tokala]

Of the 3 models, the Samsung is clearly the most suited for Civ5.

The Acer would be a reasonable choice on a tight budget.

 

[Torodeboro]

Found a new candidate: what do you guys think of this model?

http://tweakers.net/reviews/2851/4/...nstreamnotebook-specificaties-en-prijzen.html

 

[timtofly]

It should run it. How well? I cannot answer that.

 

[tokala]

Found a new candidate: what do you guys think of this model?

http://tweakers.net/reviews/2851/4/...nstreamnotebook-specificaties-en-prijzen.html

For notebook, it will run Civ5 very well.

 

[Torodeboro]

Thanks! Is there a way I can test how this laptop wil perform driving certain games? Like: www.canyourunit.com ? But then testing games for other laptops instead of your own?

I would really like to know how this laptop performs at certain games before I buy it.

 

[tokala]

I would really like to know how this laptop performs at certain games before I buy it.

The video solution is almost identical to a desktop gt640. So you can look up reviews of that card, like here:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5969/zotac-geforce-gt-640-review-/9

CPU is good enough for any game, the same with memory.

 

[Torodeboro]

Thanks a lot! Hmm. The review of the videocard is not that good. Makes me doubting again.

 

[timtofly]

Thanks a lot! Hmm. The review of the videocard is not that good. Makes me doubting again.

When it comes to a laptop, one cannot be too choosy. Read the comments of people who have purchased the laptop to make sure there is an overall satisfaction with the laptop itself. You are never going to get as great of performance out of mobile GPU as you can on a desktop. If they have solved the heating issues and compatibility of the components, that should be enough to make a decision.

Having a dedicated GPU as opposed to an integrated one is a step in the right direction.

 

[Torodeboro]

Don't know if this videocard is integrated or not. I think it is.
I know I should not expect too much, but I also want to run games in a good shape for a few years instead of one, so that's why I am so picky.

 

[tokala]

If you want to play the latest games at max settings for years to come, you need a desktop, and upgrade the video card every two - three years.

That 650m is as good as it gets for an affordable notebook.
It will likely work with every game for year to come, just not at max settings.

 

[timtofly]

Don't know if this videocard is integrated or not. I think it is.
I know I should not expect too much, but I also want to run games in a good shape for a few years instead of one, so that's why I am so picky.

The GPU type:

Nvidia GeForce GT 650M

Integrated / discrete graphics = Seperate chip

It is not integrated. On an intel based system, an integrated chip would be an intel HD graphics **** chip.

Notebook check.com list all the laptop GPUs.

 

[Torodeboro]

Is it an idea to buy this laptop f(from: http://tweakers.net/reviews/2851/4/...nstreamnotebook-specificaties-en-prijzen.html) and renew the GPU after a few years for playing the newer games?

 

[tokala]

On most laptops you cannot change the video card.

Even on those where it is possible, it's unlikely that a (by then) new card will work in a laptop several years old.

Or that you will be able to buy a mxm module in the first place, those are not sold to the end user.