What to expect out of your Vostro 1500

I got a Vostro 1500 on Wednesday, and have played several games. I thought I would share my experiences so that people who are ordering/have ordered the same model would know what to expect.

Here are my specs:

1.6ghz Core2Duo
1gb RAM (haven't ordered an upgrade yet)
120gb HD
DVD+-RW DL
Geforce 8600m GT 256MB

I'm using the 162.18 forceware drivers.

Windows XP Pro w/ DirectX 9.0c.

HALF-LIFE 2
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I ran HL2 at 1280x800 with all "High" settings, full AA and full Anisotrophic filtering, Water set to Reflect World--basically all settings maxed out.

Using FRAPS, I averaged around 100fps and never dipped below 50. This was outside, during the fight scene with the hunter-chopper at the dam and also inside Black Mesa East.

Graphics looks AMAZING and the gameplay is stutter-free.


OBLIVION
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I played Oblivion at 1280x800 with High texture settings and a few options on like High water detail, reflect all, grass shadows, grass detail, and decent draw distances.

Outside, FRAPS reported framerates between high 30s and low 60s. At no point in walking around outside the Imperial City, did the FPS drop below 30.

Once in the arena bloodworks, framerates would rarely drop below 30, but stuck around mid-fifties.

The game was VERY playable and looked great.


BIOSHOCK DEMO
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Unfortunately, I played Bioshock before I downloaded FRAPS, but I'll report what I can.

I ran the game at 1280x800 with High settings. I turned off "High Shader Detail" and that was it.

The game was EXTREMELY playable and although I do not know what framerates I was getting, I would be surprised if they went below 30.

The water effects are UNBELIEVABLE! I found myself replaying the demo just for the scene when the tube collapses.

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So there you have it, some non-expert, initial impressions. I can't wait until my RAM upgrade comes, as I was extremely impressed with the performance of the 1GB.

 

thanks alot for this

 

Yeah im pretty impressed too.... Thought 1GB was yesterdays gaming sweet spot and 2GB was the requirement today.

 

Could I ask you to please state what were your exact settings in Oblivion, did you have vsync on or off??

Thanks

 

Sure, I'll have to fire the game up again when I get home and I'll record all my settings.

 

Thanks appreciate it

 

make a video and upload to youtube would be even better

 

post screens!

 

Sweet! I'm hoping to run a few games this weekend on mine, even though it's getting exchanged. I'll try to make a few videos and post them for all to view.

 

I can confirm HL2--although I didn't turn up AA or AF (AA is off since it's not really necessary at such high res, and AF is default Trilinear). I have it locked at 60FPS and it hasn't dropped yet (I much prefer a locked FPS--like on the consoles--than highs and lows).

 

Hey, how do you get results from the HL2 Lost Cost video stress test? I ran it then it asked if it can upload to steam, but didn't display results. WTF?