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    Any chance of performance? (1 gb ram, vista, x3100)

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by simonn, Mar 5, 2008.

  1. simonn

    simonn Newbie

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    Hello everyone. I just wanted to thank people for reading this even though I'm new to the forum. Someone has just purchased me a computer with these specs: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...=product&tab=1&id=1198888713073#productdetail
    160gb
    1.6ghz intel processor
    1gb ram
    vista home premium
    x3100 intel card

    Do I have any chance of running CS 1.6 or source? Anything else? I'm also not sure if I can upgrade the RAM at all for future stuff? Thanks!! I'll be posting all around this place soon.. wont be a noobie for long. ;)

    I'm willing to do stuff in like safe mode or whatever too. Just wondering what my options would be. Thanks. :)
     
    simonn, Mar 5, 2008
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  2. simonn

    simonn Newbie

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    Side note: Would upgrading my RAM allow for better gaming performance since it is intergrated? Can this laptop even have RAM added to it?
     
    simonn, Mar 5, 2008
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  3. cloud_nine

    cloud_nine Notebook Evangelist

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    You can probably run CS source on it's lowest settings and decent resolution (upgrade ram to 2GB in vista is necessary for FPS gaming) but you will constantly run into framerate issues when there are multiple players on screen and on certain maps and effects (limitations of an IGP)

    Your best bet is to get a dedicated mobile nvidia card like the 8400GS and higher. They will handle FPS games much better than a IGP.
     
    cloud_nine, Mar 5, 2008
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  4. IntelUser

    IntelUser Notebook Deity

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    The only problem to cloud_nine's suggestions of buying a one with dedicated card: He already has the laptop as a present(or whatever)
     
    IntelUser, Mar 5, 2008
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  5. simonn

    simonn Newbie

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    Yeah. Is it possible to upgrade RAM though on laptops?
     
    simonn, Mar 5, 2008
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  6. cloud_nine

    cloud_nine Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes, you should be able to upgrade the ram to 2GB.

    If you are desperate to run source on your notebook, there are configs and settings users have posted in the X3100 thread. Some claim to have gotten good framerates while others have said it's impossible to play. It's a hit or miss.

    Also, make sure to upgrade your drivers to the latest 15.8.
     
    cloud_nine, Mar 5, 2008
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  7. NULL

    NULL Notebook Consultant

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    do a clean install of windows if you can. upgrade the ram and download the latest drivers. from there play around with the settings until you get comfortable framerate.
     
    NULL, Mar 5, 2008
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  8. StarScream4Ever

    StarScream4Ever Notebook Consultant

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    Yea definitely up that ram to 2GB. And update the graphic drivers to 15.8 from the intel website.
     
    StarScream4Ever, Mar 5, 2008
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  9. Satyrion

    Satyrion Notebook Deity

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    yeah 2 GB would help, i have it with 512 but still works great in the MMO's i play
     
    Satyrion, Mar 5, 2008
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  10. IntelUser

    IntelUser Notebook Deity

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    According to the company's website, your chipset isn't a GM965 but a GL960:
    http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/2008/Avalon/1015231R/1015231Rnv.shtml

    GL960 is a cost effective(value) version of the GM965 chipset. GL960's core clock is at 400MHz, while GM965 features 500MHz core. The chipset only supports up to Dual Channel DDR2-533, compared to the GM965's DDR2-667.

    Add those two up together, and you end up even slower than the X3100 system based on the GM965 chipset.
     
    IntelUser, Mar 5, 2008
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  11. Satyrion

    Satyrion Notebook Deity

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    how can u check if u got the 960 or 965 platform? my graphics says GMA x3100 965 but my ram says its only 533 ddr2 not 667!?!
     
    Satyrion, Mar 5, 2008
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