8400GS drivers, PS3 SIXAXIS, and COD4 questions!

Here are My Specs:
* Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit)
* Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor T7500 (2.20 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
* 14.1" WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
* 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* 64MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS (using 169.12 drivers)

This is the game I want to run:
Call of Duty 4

Preference:
As high as possible with smoothest framerates

Would my notebook be able to run it? I'm considering buying COD4

I already own the laptop, I was wondering if there was any easy to use program I can use to overclock my graphics card so that maybe I can run everything on a medium setting.

I'm not computer savvy enough to know how to overclock my graphics card.

can someone also tell me what are the latest drivers for my video card as well?

i was at laptopvideo2go, and was wondering, which one is newer/better for my card:

171.16 for Windows Vista 64bit Driver Date: 2008-01-03 (YYYY-MM-DD)
169.61 for Windows Vista 64bit Driver Date: 2008-01-15 (YYYY-MM-DD)

171.16 has a higher number, but was released before 169.91, so i'm very confused.

Also, on my laptop I have a Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG w/ Bluetooth built in. Would I be able to use a PS3 SixAxis controller wirelessly? Or at least with the USB connected to? I want to use it to play COD4 if possible, since I really don't have a mouse to play with.

 

You can use RivaTuner to overclock your GPU. I recommend the 169.09 drivers, I have an 8400M GS myself and based on benchmarking I've gotten the best results out of this driver.

The max resolution it will handle is 1280x800, anything over that is too much for the GPU in this game (again, my experiences). I got 30+ FPS for the most part at this resolution, extra quality textures but almost all effects off.

 

thanks, is RivaTuner a free app and vista 64bit capable?

Does anyone have any idea about the PS3 sixaxis controller?

 

Yes it's free, although RivaTuner doesn't officially support 64-bit vista right now. However, you can go here (head to the bottom of the first page) to get it to work with unsigned drivers.

 

ok, I downloaded RivaTuner, and I was able to enable

"Enable driver-level hardware overclocking"

Now, can move the sliders around...

before I do, are there any recommended overclocking settings I can do?

Specifically I have (or what RivaTuner tells me) I have:

8400M GS 64bit G86 (A2, 16sp) with 64MB DDR3

 

Depends. Do you have a ddr2 or gddr3 8400M GS? You can check by using the program GPU-Z (or right in the Main tab of rivatuner, although it can be inaccurate). If ddr2, you're looking at a max overclock of ~600/525, if gddr3 I've gone up to 600/750 without issue, although I would not recommend using these clocks for extended periods of time.

 

Ok, so before I launch my game, I overclock to 600/750, then afterwards, I go back to my regular performance?

Do I need to setup fan profiles and temp. profiles as well? I'm pretty much a noob.

 

I recommend you go up by smaller increments just incase the card can't handle it or other reasons. If it's past what the card can handle, it will artifact and can permanently damage your card. I personally leave the fan alone (it will get faster as it gets hotter automatically), and it's up to you whether you reset your clocks after gaming, since it will be downclocking while doing normal activities anyway.

You can also use RivaTuner as a FPS and GPU Temp recorder, which you can get in-game results from. As long as your temps do not exceed ~95C, you should be alright.

 

You can use the PS3 controller via USB. Just use google to find the drivers. They aren't increasingly difficult. It CAN'T however be connected via BT, at least not yet.

Also whether or not you can play COD4 with the controller is a completely different story. You will have to browse around the settings of the game and see if it supports the use of a gamepad.

 

my overclocking isn't sticking when I hit apply.

What driver should I be using? Have 169.12 right now.

And I need to downgrade, how would I go about doing that?

 

I use the 169.09 drivers, although if that doesn't work either alot have had success with the 169.04 drivers. You can just install the driver overtop, but some people prefer uninstalling it in safe mode first.