[robg2307]

i am going to buy a new laptop its a HP dv9700t series with Vista, Yes the dreaded Vista but ne ways i was just wondering if it would complete my gaming needs, i dont play huge graphic games liek halo, final fantasy, etc. but i do play stronghold crusader games, diablo series, and the command and conquer series i am worried that it wont play command and conquer 3 tiberium wars or kane's revenge also that it wont play the new red alert three when it comes out so any help would be really great here are the specs:

Operating systemGenuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)ProcessorIntel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.40GHz)Display17.0" diagonal WXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)Memory3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)Graphics Card512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GSPersonalizationHP Imprint (Radiance) + Microphone + Fingerprint Reader + WebcamNetworkingIntel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network ConnectionHard Drive250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard DrivePrimary CD/DVD DriveLightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer SupportTV & Entertainment ExperienceNo TV Tuner w/remote controlPrimary Battery8 Cell Lithium Ion BatteryProductivity SoftwareMicrosoft(R) Works 9.0

[good grief]

Actually, the specs look pretty good. Go here:

http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/referrer/srtest

...and find which of these games are on the list and click on 'can you run it '. Allow it to install what it wants. It's a safe site. Just use the machine you are on. What will come up, are the specs you need to run these particular games (regardless of whether the comp you are on can play them), and you can compare them to the specs of your intended purchase.

Prior to going there, go to the NVIDIA site and key in the graphics card. Take note of what it has going for it so you can check the specs against the requirements for the games.

After purchasing your new computer, make sure all your graphics card drivers are up to date before installing and trying to run your games. Vista comes with Direct X10.


Edit: If some of the games you want to run are older, check whether they are compatible with Vista. You may have to run them in compatibility mode. If you have any problems with individual games, do a search in the games forum here, and post there if you can't find answers.

Hope this helps

[robg2307]

thank you very much this helps a lot that website is really helpful!! thanks i was just going to call ea games but then i would have to talk to some indian person who i cant understand at all lol so ya it says recommended that it has 2.6 GHz and the one im looking at has 2.4GHz and then its 300.00 more to add the 2.6 GHz is it really worth the 300 dollars?

[good grief]

As long as it passes the minimum requirements, it will play, although you may have to use lower settings. If you're planning on playing on-line (I don't at present), you may be better to spring for the extra 300.00 if you don't want lags (you'll get killed), but if you're just planning on playing off-line you should be fine. I play The Witcher on mine. My specs are just over the minimum requirements for the game, and I have no trouble except a slight jerkiness in the movie scenes which is no biggie to me as the gameplay is just fine.

You also have to take into account though, that future games are being made with greater requirements for CPU speed, and greater graphics requirements, and although you may be able to upgrade your graphics card should the need arise, you can't do much about the CPU speed. So, it depends on whether you're going to want to play future new releases or not. I have an x box 360, plus a ps3, so unless it's a PC only game, I don't care as I prefer the consoles for gaming anyway.