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    Question for T42/T43 gamers

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by SLICER, Jul 11, 2005.

  1. SLICER

    SLICER Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've got my T42 pretty much configured but am still unsure about the graphics card. I play Counter-strike: Source and other comparable games and want to get a notebook that can handle them. So do your Thinkpads run high-demand games well? What are their specs? Any suggested graphics cards?

    Thanks!
     
    SLICER, Jul 11, 2005
    #1
  2. ap01

    ap01 Newbie

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    To play counter strike source, and other new games at acceptable frame rates you will need the ATI X600 graphics chip.

    The problem with the new generation of T43's is that they currently only offer the ATI X300, which is ok for older games, but is actually a lot SLOWER than the old ATI 9600.

    Since the ATI X600 is not out yet for the IBM's I would stick with the old T42 with a ATI 9600. The X600 is actually not a huge improvement over the 9600.


    Roughly you can say that:

    ATI 9200 = X300

    ATI 9700 = X600
     
    ap01, Jul 12, 2005
    #2
  3. denny

    denny Notebook Enthusiast

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    how about the ATI FireGL T2 compared with ATI x600 ???is there big different???
     
    denny, Jul 12, 2005
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  4. SLICER

    SLICER Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just called up Lenovo and got a quote for this configuration:

    Thinkpad T42 2379 -- 6 lbs, 15" TFT
    Intel Pentium M 1.7 2MB L2 Cache
    512 MB RAM
    60 GB HDD @ 7200 rpm
    CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo-plugin module
    15" TFT SXGA+ (1400 x 1050) 24bit display
    ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 64 MB
    Fax/Modem 56kbps
    IEEE 802.11b/g Intel PRO/Wireless
    Includes Bluetooth & Wireless LAN antennae

    + promo Mini-Dock w/ power cord
    + 512 MB RAM extra (for a total of 1GB)

    $1921.47 with Student Discount.



    Should I do it?
     
    SLICER, Jul 12, 2005
    #4
  5. SLICER

    SLICER Notebook Enthusiast

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    The Mini-Dock was 50$, the RAM $117.

    Could've gotten the RAM cheaper but I figure the extra 30 bucks or whatever is worth having it installed & stuff.
     
    SLICER, Jul 12, 2005
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  6. nekochan

    nekochan Newbie

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    Do you know if it is possible to upgrade the video card in a T42? Right now I have the Mobility 9600, but I want to get a bit more power for CoH and NWN, so I want to grab either a 9800 or an X800, but I don't know if I can even modify it. Any ideas?
     
    nekochan, Jul 12, 2005
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  7. lowlymarine

    lowlymarine Notebook Deity

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    No, you cannot upgrade the video card. The card is not nVidia MXM, nor is the computer an Alienware, Falcon, Dell XPS, or other major gaming rig. Sorry, but that's the major drawback to notebooks these days. :(
     
    lowlymarine, Jul 12, 2005
    #7
  8. SLICER

    SLICER Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm used to playing Counter Strike at like 20 fps so I guess if you don't spoil yourself you'll be satisfied with non-gaming-notebook gaming.
     
    SLICER, Jul 13, 2005
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  9. jasondavis

    jasondavis Notebook Guru NBR Reviewer

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    There's a student discount?
     
    jasondavis, Aug 2, 2005
    #9