Intel GMA 900 graphics.

I've got a new computer on the way (from dell) and it's got the integrated GMA 900 graphics. Now I know that integrated grahpics arent the best, but I'd like to get an idea of what I could reasonably play with these graphics. I'm not trying to accomplish anything spectacular graphicaly. I just want to be able to PLAY games, even if on a low setting.

Some games that I'd like to be able to play,..
Madden 06-07
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
Some of the newer RTS games like ROME, and C&C.

How do you think these games might run? And what settings do you rhink I'll have to use. I'd LIKE to be able to keep it on around medium. Is that realistic?

Also I should mention that it has 1GB or DDR2 ram and a 1.8Ghz Pentium processor..

 

Check Windows Games Advisor. I don't know if Madden REQUIRES T and L support.

If you wanted to play games, you should have ordered dedicated graphics. Outside of children's games, your choices are limited.

I have considering playing games but after looking further into it, it is not worth my personal effort to do so. Solitare and Pinball will suffice.

 

Intel GMA 900 has TnL..

 

no it has not. as it is said on intel's page, they are relaying on processor power (software T/L).

 

for gta san andreas, definately run it in 16-bit colour..

 

It has TnL.... done by the CPU older games like UT2004/sims 2 (since its popular its had a lot of specific coding) anything after that and your asking for trouble.

 

GTA san andreas is definitely playable in 16 bit color and whatever the framerate above but closest to 24 fps (probably 32 fps), it runs fine.

 

cool,.. thats all that i'm looking for. Just for it to be playable. what about some other games.. What would be good playable games for the GMA 900 and what types should I avoid?

 

The GMA is a weak IGP so you will not have much choice on what you want to play. but let me tell you a little seceret. the GMA 900/950 is a really underestimated card. most people think of it as trash, but it is not. i can give first hand experience of the card because my sister has it in her laptop. it can play games (old~some new) at low resolutions and low~medium settings just fine. but if we take the resolution above 800x600 the IGP struggles and the FPS drop to under 20. so if you are planning on playing any games *except the High end ones ie. FEAR/FarCRY/DOOMIII* you (theoretically) CAN run them under 800x600 resolutions and expect good frame rates (22~28 FPS). but just DONT expect the IGP to run games like FarCry and FEAR at any resolution/settings because even if it dose run them, you will be watching a slide show instead of a game.

I hope this helps.

here are some games that you can play on the GMA 900/950 @ 800x600 @ Low~LowMid settings :

UT 2004.
GTA SA
Maden 04 (-)
Command and Conquer
some of the Star Wars games.
FarCry (theoretically on the GMA 950 with 3~12 FPS)
and some other titles.

so the conclusion is that the intel GMA series CAN *run* games at low low settings and resolutions...but playability is a different story (on Some~most games)

i hope this helps!

 

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

 

Thanks for all of your help guys!