Monitor vs RAM

Ok guys. When I ordered my laptop I didn't know that High Res wouldn't be that good for gaming. So, right now I see as I have a couple options.

Should I:
-Buy a cheap monitor for gaming
-Upgrade RAM from 2 to 4GB (not sure if that'd even help)
-Overclock vid card 8600M GT (I heard the 8600M GT overclocked is basically 8700M GT, if so not sure how much this would help)
-Hook up to HDTV for gaming using VGA connection
-I have a couple of old 15.4in CRT monitors I could use for gaming

Which of these sounds like the best option?

Thank You,
-Taylor

 

Depends what game you're playing... try lowering the quality settings.
Then, I suppose a lower res Monitor would be best... but you can still overclock the GPU, if you know what you're doing)

However, according to your signature, u havent received the laptop yet. Maybe it wont be that bad.

 

You could try to amend your order, or cancel it and replace it? I think that might be better. Having said that the 8600M GT performs incredibly well on WSXGA, so it shouldn't take much of a hit on WSXGA+. Depending on what games you want to play you might well be ok with the monitor as it is.

For example, BF2 should play on max with 50fps or more on your monitor.

 

If I get an external monitor will it take the strain off the GPU? Or will it still be the same?

The resolution of the WSXGA+ is like 1680x (something) lol

Thanks
-Taylor

 

WSXGA+ is 1680*1050 if memory serves.

If the external monitor is of a lower resolution it willput less strain on the gpu assuming you use it instead of the laptop's own monitor not as well as.

I would test all your games on the monitor you have ordered first though.

 

Thanks guys. I have an X200M right now in my current laptop so I just want to make sure my new laptop will be better lol.

-Taylor

 

Try to play at a non-native resolution. If it doesn't but you, use that. If it does, get an external monitor that has a good refresh rate.

 

Where you planning on using 1680x1050 just for regular use or for gaming as well? Im thinking you would need a pretty amazing machine to run most recent games on that resolution without turning down the settings substantially.