i need help on upgrading my laptop for gaming!

[cjrowe]

Hi, im certainly no computer expert, lately i sold my gaming console, intending to start using my laptop as one instead! I bought 'Assassins Creed' for PC, and it will not work on my laptop. I know its nothing to do with the game because when i installed it, the installation software said my computer does not meet alot of the minimum requirements.

So ive decided to spend some money upgrading certain parts, i need help on doing this, cheaply, but to still have a good gaming experience on my laptop.

Here are the specs on my laptop:


Processor type: Intel pentium dual core T2370
Processor speed: 533 MHZ
Memory size (ram): 2GB
Memory type: DDR2 SD RAM
Hard drive : 120GB
Graphics card type: UMA



And heres the requirements for the game:



In order to play this game properly, your PC MUST meet or exceed these minimum requirements:
Supported OS: Windows XP / Vista (only)

Processor: Dual core processor 2.6 GHz Intel Pentium D or AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2 GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ or better recommended)

RAM: 2 GB (3 GB recommended)

Video Card: 256 MB DirectX 10.0–compliant video card or DirectX 9.0–compliant card with Shader Model 3.0 or higher (512 MB video card recommended) (see supported list)*

Sound Card: DirectX 9.0 or 10.0 compliant sound card (5.1 sound card recommended)

DirectX Version: DirectX 10.0 libraries (included on disc)

DVD-ROM: DVD-ROM dual-layer drive

Hard Drive Space: 12 GB

Peripherals Supported: Keyboard, mouse, optional controller (Xbox 360 Controller for Windows recommended)


could you please tell me what parts i need to buy and/or replace, and the best/cheapest way to do this? thanks!

[Nude_Lewd_Man]

Hi, without going through the list too much - or ask for further info - I'd say that the cheapest way of getting it working would be to just buy a new computer....

I don't know where you are, but (in the Land Of Eng) I've seen suitable laptops for around £200, and I'm sure that a desktop would be around the same price.....

If you were using a PC then maybe it could be a different story, but LTs aren't as easy to mess with....

[osprey4]

Graphics card type: UMA

Integrated graphics? No upgrade option is going to make this work. Laptops are not like desktops. Most of the subsystems that prevent a laptop from playing games well are not upgradeable.

[cjrowe]

ok thanks for your replies, i guess my best bet is to go to where i bought it from, ask if there is any upgrade to get it working if not i will have to look at a different computer.
if anyone else has any other comments that they think might help please reply.
thanks again!

[KarmaKiller]

Originally Posted by cjrowe

i guess my best bet is to go to where i bought it from, ask if there is any upgrade to get it working i

Originally Posted by osprey4

Integrated graphics? No upgrade option is going to make this work. Laptops are not like desktops. Most of the subsystems that prevent a laptop from playing games well are not upgradeable.

We are telling you there is nothing you can do. Like osprey said, you can't upgrade parts and pieces like you can a desktop.
Not trying to be harsh or anything, just letting you know. If your wanting to get into PC gaming, then a desktop is the only way to go.
And especially with Assassins Creed. That game is pretty demanding.

[cjrowe]

Ok thanks anyway you have saved me alot of time! I have found one laptop, which looks like its got good specs for £600. Its a HP DV6855.
Heres the full specs:
Processor Type: Intel Core 2 Duo T8100
Processor speed: 2.10
Memory Size: 3 GB
Memory Type: DDR2 RAM
Hard Drive Capacity: 250 GB
Optical Drives: LightScribe Super Multi DVD
Screen Size: Type 15.4" Widescreen BrightView
Graphics Card Type: NVIDIA. GeForce? 8400M GS Graphics Memory 1535 MB
Wireless Enabled: YES
No. of USB Connections: 3
Infrared Port Included: YES

Weight 3.1 kg
Height 396 mm
Width 257 mm
Depth 357 mm
Colour Black / Silver

Would this meet my needs?

[osprey4]

A desktop will give you, not only better gaming performance, but much more upgradeability than any laptop for far less money.

[cjrowe]

yea that is true, but i just use my laptop so much on the move, id if possible rather stick to LPs. But considering there is such a price difference i think im going to consider it and have a look around. thanks again

[Nude_Lewd_Man]

What you can do, is to keep the LT for using when you're out "on the move" and use the PC for when you want to do some proper gaming........

[Nude_Lewd_Man]

As an idea of what sort of performance you're likely to be able to get see this thread:
PassMark Score Charts (updated)

Yes, my LT is at the top of the "notebook" list, and would be at a decent position on the main (non-server) list, but that was largely to do with me having removed all but the essentials and fiddling with the settings to get it...... Oh, and that it was retailing for around £1000 at the time.........