Okay, so I have my self this setup:
Gateway NV7802u 17" Notebook
Intel Core2 Duo T6600 2.2Ghz
4Gb DDR3 Memory
Intel Chipset4 GMA4500MHD
Windows 7 Home Premium
Not too shabby for my first laptop, given as a gift.
Now, the part that is not too great is the video card, and I'm trying to explore my options into expanding my gaming potential. I don't think the card is as terrible as some people think, as it runs most games before '07 really well, including World in Conflict, but it isn't a powerhouse. So here are a few options I've compiled.
1. ViDock 2 External Video Card Adapter-http://harmonicinversion.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=162&category_id=4&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=21
A *little* over my budget at the moment But seems to be a very safe way to go. I'm pretty sure it's compatible with my system. The PCI slot it goes into is just over the width of a thumb, correct? Anything about this?
2. I have been told there is a way to solder on a more advanced video card to the mobo-this is very risky, and without the proper heat disipation could fry my laptop even if put on correctly. Any comments or idea towards this path?
3. Going into the BIOS and directing more of the Memory to be used by the Intel card. Would this actually help make the game performance better at all? Specifically Empire: Total War, which runs at about 20 fps on average at Ultra unit size and medium unit detail, everything else is off or low. What about this one?
4. Are there any mods for Empire Total War that will allow me to reduce the actual graphics even lower or remove the trees or something? I've searched the Total War forums, but didn't find much, only a graphic performance upgrade that supposedly made smoke disappear faster and reduce texture...but it actually slowed the game down.
I use the program AlacrityPC to free up as much memory as possible, can get it to about 13% without the game running. Are there any solutions or methods I may have missed? If so I would LOVE to hear about them...and please don't suggest another laptop, that is not an option at the moment.
Gateway NV7802u 17" Notebook
Intel Core2 Duo T6600 2.2Ghz
4Gb DDR3 Memory
Intel Chipset4 GMA4500MHD
Windows 7 Home Premium
Not too shabby for my first laptop, given as a gift.
Now, the part that is not too great is the video card, and I'm trying to explore my options into expanding my gaming potential. I don't think the card is as terrible as some people think, as it runs most games before '07 really well, including World in Conflict, but it isn't a powerhouse. So here are a few options I've compiled.
1. ViDock 2 External Video Card Adapter-http://harmonicinversion.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=162&category_id=4&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=21
A *little* over my budget at the moment But seems to be a very safe way to go. I'm pretty sure it's compatible with my system. The PCI slot it goes into is just over the width of a thumb, correct? Anything about this?
2. I have been told there is a way to solder on a more advanced video card to the mobo-this is very risky, and without the proper heat disipation could fry my laptop even if put on correctly. Any comments or idea towards this path?
3. Going into the BIOS and directing more of the Memory to be used by the Intel card. Would this actually help make the game performance better at all? Specifically Empire: Total War, which runs at about 20 fps on average at Ultra unit size and medium unit detail, everything else is off or low. What about this one?
4. Are there any mods for Empire Total War that will allow me to reduce the actual graphics even lower or remove the trees or something? I've searched the Total War forums, but didn't find much, only a graphic performance upgrade that supposedly made smoke disappear faster and reduce texture...but it actually slowed the game down.
I use the program AlacrityPC to free up as much memory as possible, can get it to about 13% without the game running. Are there any solutions or methods I may have missed? If so I would LOVE to hear about them...and please don't suggest another laptop, that is not an option at the moment.