Will this be ok for gaming?

So I'm considering ordering a HP dv6500t. I have handled this laptop in person and think it seems great. My only concern was that since the best graphics card you can put in this model is a nVidia 9400 128 mb that this wouldn't be sufficient for gaming. I am a student and enjoy playing computer games. I generally play online multiplayer games such as Counter Strike Source, Warcraft 3: Frozen Throne, World of Warcraft, etc. but occasionaly I do like to play a single player game with more demanding graphics and I want my laptop to be able to play new games on medium-low settings. For reference this is the setup I have selected.

-Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2Ghz, 4mb L2 Cache
-2GB Ram
-nVidia 8400 128mb
-160GB 5200rpm hard drive
-Vista

So my question is this; will this laptop be suitable for my gaming needs? If not can anyone suggest a 15" laptop under $2,000 that would be? Is 128mb Graphics card enough?

Thanks in advance

 

It will play the games you listed at decent settings, but if I were you I would look for an 8600gt graphics card. Look at the dell 1520, the asus g1s, and the sager np2090 for better options under 2k

 

sager np2090, acer 5920, dell inspiron 1520, samsung R70 are all good 15.4" gaming lappies < 2000.

 

i too like the other above me echo in looking at a budget gaming machine like the dell 1520 or the asus G1s the latter being a bit more expensive and gaming oriented the former being discreet
though the card u listed would be able to play the most recent games in the medium medium-low settings it would be insufficient if the sole purpose of the purchase of the notebook is gaming

 

I would look at the HP 8510p before you buy the dv6500t. It's pretty much better in every way for around $1400 USD.

 

First off thanks for the quick responses guys. Secondly I did look at the Dell 1520 but since the ship date wouldn't be until October 1st I wouldn't have it for the start of school (Sept. 22) which sadly disqualifies it. Those other two are options though. Where would you recommend that I get them? I don't mind buying online so long as it will get to me (California) in time for school. Also is there a general consensus preference for one or the other? Is one strictly better? Or just preference and your options?

 

I like the ASUS G1S, can get for under 2k. Solid build quality, nice hardware for gaming.

 

For you it probably comes down to the Asus G1s, the HP 8510p, and (I'll add this into the mix) the T61p.

All can be found for under $2000 USD, with the G1s being the most expensive. The T61p can be configured identically to the G1s and is around 300-400$ cheaper. Their video cards are also identical.

The 8510p is the cheapest of all three, and is identical to the other two in terms of basically everything but video card. It's a bit weaker but not by a ton.

I got my 8510p @ http://www.shopblt.com for $1395.

Of the three notebooks I'd recommend the T61p if you want the best video card at a lower cost. If you want the most bang for your buck, the 8510p is probably your best bet.

As you start school soon, the T61p is probably cutting it a little close for time, so I'd go with the 8510p myself. Not that I'm bias or anything

 

Which 8400 is it? The G is brutal for gaming, the GS is still very poor, and the GT is really the only acceptable one for anyone looking to play new games at all