PC too slow for gaming?

D

devildog93

Banned
I was wondering if I am wasting my time trying to play games on my PC(laptop)

One game I tried recently was Callof Juarez. A friend brought it over to try and see if it would work after I told him I have trouble getting games to work. I can only find generic Aspire manuals online, nothing specific to my model.

I have an Acer Aspire 6930, 3gb ram, Intel Core 2 Duo CPU T6400 @2.00GHz
32 bit OS

I have tried to see what kind of video card is installed but in my device manager, under sound, audio controllers it only describes the audio cards, no mention of video card. I therefore assume it is a generic card that probably is not capable of gaming, BUT Acer did give me a nice screen saver that shows a clip on gaming, (b-astard-o's)

Every game I have installed ends up locking up, and I have to re-boot. No error messages, nothing indicating an identifiable problem. Every game installs no problem, no warnings.

I have come to the conclusion after trying many games that this pc is just not equipped for gaming graphics, even though it handles HD video and audio very well using any one of my media players.

If more specifications on my deck are needed, I may need help locating what you need, so maybe leave a quick description on how to get it. I
Thank you ahead of time for any responses.
 

My Computer

System One

Hello devildog93,
If you type this in run, "msinfo32" (without quotes), hit enter, this will give you all the information on your system.
Go to Components > Display, this should tell you what is running your graphics.
Laptops are notoriously bad for gaming, so don't get your hopes up.
If you can get the game running, lower all the graphics setting to their base settings, as low as they will go, also change the resolution to it's lowest, it may not look pretty, but you may be able to play.
Hope this helps, good luck and post your results.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self Build
    CPU
    QX9650 (black box) [email protected]
    Motherboard
    Asus P5Q Premium
    Memory
    8GB-4x2GB Corsair Dominator DDR 2-1066
    Graphics Card(s)
    2 x ASUS EAH 4870 X 2 (Quad)
    Sound Card
    Supreme FX 2
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Fujitsu Siemens 22inch flat screen
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    150 Gig WD Raptor
    300 Gig Maxtor
    300 Gig Maxtor, (External)
    PSU
    CoolerMaster 1000
    Case
    CoolerMaster N-Vidia stacker 830
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-U12P x 1x120mm fan, 6x120mm case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech G15
    Mouse
    Logitech G5
    Internet Speed
    20Mbps
    Other Info
    Audio FX Pro 5+1 gaming head set
stoneys-nutz said:
Hello devildog93,
If you type this in run, "msinfo32" (without quotes), hit enter, this will give you all the information on your system.
Go to Components > Display, this should tell you what is running your graphics.
Laptops are notoriously bad for gaming, so don't get your hopes up.
If you can get the game running, lower all the graphics setting to their base settings, as low as they will go, also change the resolution to it's lowest, it may not look pretty, but you may be able to play.
Hope this helps, good luck and post your results.
Click to expand...


As far as I can tell it is an Intel 4 series Express chipset

I found that under the display category

After going into the empowering technology feature that comes with every acer, I found a rating of 64mb for that chipset, and to me that would seem way too low for driving graphics at decent quality.

I am glad, however, that you gave me that msinfo32 idea though. That is the
folder that I have been looking for for months now, never could find it again....lol!


I kind of expected this answer but thank you anyways. This is a great forum, (vistax64), I have had more questions answered in 2 days, than all other forums I am a member of in a month. awesome work.
 

My Computer

System One

devildog93 said:
As far as I can tell it is an Intel 4 series Express chipset

I found that under the display category

After going into the empowering technology feature that comes with every acer, I found a rating of 64mb for that chipset, and to me that would seem way too low for driving graphics at decent quality.
Click to expand...

Another two apps to check out your h/ware would be:

CPU-Z
CPUID

GPU-Z
techPowerUp! :: Downloads

But by the sounds of it, your lappy is unfortunately just not up to the job for gaming.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    i7 3770K HT ON 4.7GHz
    Motherboard
    P8Z68 Deluxe Gen 3
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill Ripjaws X 2133mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    2x Gigabyte GTX 670 OC WindForce SLI
    Sound Card
    X-FI Forte + ATH-AD900
    Monitor(s) Displays
    x2 Dell U2410 / 58" Samsung / "40 Sony
    Screen Resolution
    1920*1200 / 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2x Intel 520 240GB * Crucial M4 128GB * 2x Samsung F3 1TB (RAID 0) * 2x WD Caviar Blacks 2TB (RAID 0)
    PSU
    Corsair AX1200W
    Case
    Lian Li PC-V1020A
    Cooling
    NH-D14: 3x140mm Gelid Wing 14: Sunbeam Rheobus Extreme
    Keyboard
    Topre Realforce // Ducky Shine Cherry MX Black
    Mouse
    Razer Imperator + Thermaltake Theron
    Other Info
    Laptop Specs:
    Clevo Sager P170HM //
    17.3 Matte 1920x1200 //
    i7 2720QM // 8GB 1333mhz //
    Dedicated GTX 485M //
    240GB Intel 520 + 750GB + Blu-Ray //

    Samsung Story 2TB USB 3.0
smarteyeball said:
devildog93 said:
As far as I can tell it is an Intel 4 series Express chipset

I found that under the display category

After going into the empowering technology feature that comes with every acer, I found a rating of 64mb for that chipset, and to me that would seem way too low for driving graphics at decent quality.
Click to expand...

Another two apps to check out your h/ware would be:

CPU-Z
CPUID

GPU-Z
techPowerUp! :: Downloads

But by the sounds of it, your lappy is unfortunately just not up to the job for gaming.
Click to expand...


Cool, thanks for tips.
This deck is great for surfing, runs my media sharing/streaming, and just general notebook stuff, she has some struggles with some transcoding but overall good.

She just don't have the horse power. Right on cheers and c'ya round:)
 

My Computer

System One

Keeping your video and sound drivers up to date might also help a little but. Heat is the devils best friend and unfortunately, the devil hates laptops! :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel Q9650 w/CM V8 Cooler...
    Motherboard
    EVGA 780i SLI FTW... Latest Bios & Drivers
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator 8GB (4 x 2GB) PC2-8500C5D
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX260
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Def Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 22" LCD Widescreen
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050
    Hard Drives
    WD Velociraptor 160GB
    Samsung Sata 750GB
    Maxtor External 160GB
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750w Silencer
    Case
    Thermaltake Speedo Advance
    Cooling
    Air Cooled... See CPU
    Keyboard
    Logitech G15
    Mouse
    Logitech G7
    Internet Speed
    Comcast 6MB Broadband
    Other Info
    Linksys WRT54G router
AstaLaVista said:
Keeping your video and sound drivers up to date might also help a little but. Heat is the devils best friend and unfortunately, the devil hates laptops! :)
Click to expand...

I hear ya...lol. Like I said great laptop/notebook whatever you wanna call it, but she might as well be a boat anchor in a gaming graphics sense.
 

My Computer

System One

devildog93 said:
I hear ya...lol. Like I said great laptop/notebook whatever you wanna call it, but she might as well be a boat anchor in a gaming graphics sense.
Click to expand...

Yep ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    i7 3770K HT ON 4.7GHz
    Motherboard
    P8Z68 Deluxe Gen 3
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill Ripjaws X 2133mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    2x Gigabyte GTX 670 OC WindForce SLI
    Sound Card
    X-FI Forte + ATH-AD900
    Monitor(s) Displays
    x2 Dell U2410 / 58" Samsung / "40 Sony
    Screen Resolution
    1920*1200 / 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2x Intel 520 240GB * Crucial M4 128GB * 2x Samsung F3 1TB (RAID 0) * 2x WD Caviar Blacks 2TB (RAID 0)
    PSU
    Corsair AX1200W
    Case
    Lian Li PC-V1020A
    Cooling
    NH-D14: 3x140mm Gelid Wing 14: Sunbeam Rheobus Extreme
    Keyboard
    Topre Realforce // Ducky Shine Cherry MX Black
    Mouse
    Razer Imperator + Thermaltake Theron
    Other Info
    Laptop Specs:
    Clevo Sager P170HM //
    17.3 Matte 1920x1200 //
    i7 2720QM // 8GB 1333mhz //
    Dedicated GTX 485M //
    240GB Intel 520 + 750GB + Blu-Ray //

    Samsung Story 2TB USB 3.0
devildog93 said:
AstaLaVista said:
Keeping your video and sound drivers up to date might also help a little but. Heat is the devils best friend and unfortunately, the devil hates laptops! :)
Click to expand...

I hear ya...lol. Like I said great laptop/notebook whatever you wanna call it, but she might as well be a boat anchor in a gaming graphics sense.
Click to expand...
haha i was like you - i had been having terrible graphics since i reinstalled vista (fixed now;)) and i thought i could go about and put a whopping great graphics card in! then i learned the truth...:sa: lol...
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer 5735z Laptop
    CPU
    2.0 ghz intel pentium dual-core processor t4200 800mhz fsb
    Motherboard
    Acer CathedralPeak Rev
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" HD CineCrystal LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    160gb stock drive. ATA
    Case
    Stock Notebook
    Cooling
    Stock
    Keyboard
    PS/2
    Mouse
    Synaptics TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    No idea
lil domii said:
devildog93 said:
AstaLaVista said:
Keeping your video and sound drivers up to date might also help a little but. Heat is the devils best friend and unfortunately, the devil hates laptops! :)
Click to expand...

I hear ya...lol. Like I said great laptop/notebook whatever you wanna call it, but she might as well be a boat anchor in a gaming graphics sense.
Click to expand...
haha i was like you - i had been having terrible graphics since i reinstalled vista (fixed now;)) and i thought i could go about and put a whopping great graphics card in! then i learned the truth...:sa: lol...
Click to expand...


I am also a member of the Tversity media server forum ( can I say that?:zip:)

Anyways, I am having issues trying to stream to an X-box360 with hi-def. MKV files and having transcoding issues.........having to pause and load every minute or so.....yada yada

I think NOW that those problems are related to my kindergarten graphics card, and not codecs like all these other people keep insisting. (i've managed to get almost every other type of file to stream without having to transcode to WMV, even AVI files with 6ch AC3, just by manipulating ffdshow and AC3 filter settings)


I.M.O. Having a great graphics setup is a must have.
Time to upgrade to monster desktop me thinks.:p
 

My Computer

System One

devildog93 said:
lil domii said:
devildog93 said:
I hear ya...lol. Like I said great laptop/notebook whatever you wanna call it, but she might as well be a boat anchor in a gaming graphics sense.
Click to expand...
haha i was like you - i had been having terrible graphics since i reinstalled vista (fixed now;)) and i thought i could go about and put a whopping great graphics card in! then i learned the truth...:sa: lol...
Click to expand...


I am also a member of the Tversity media server forum ( can I say that?:zip:)

Anyways, I am having issues trying to stream to an X-box360 with hi-def. MKV files and having transcoding issues.........having to pause and load every minute or so.....yada yada

I think NOW that those problems are related to my kindergarten graphics card, and not codecs like all these other people keep insisting. (i've managed to get almost every other type of file to stream without having to transcode to WMV, even AVI files with 6ch AC3, just by manipulating ffdshow and AC3 filter settings)


I.M.O. Having a great graphics setup is a must have.
Time to upgrade to monster desktop me thinks.:p
Click to expand...
yes, build your own, you can build one for 1/3 of the price of the same spec ready built computer, and you will be able to keep upgrading the custom built one.

You can ask us for help if you want to build your own :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer 5735z Laptop
    CPU
    2.0 ghz intel pentium dual-core processor t4200 800mhz fsb
    Motherboard
    Acer CathedralPeak Rev
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" HD CineCrystal LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    160gb stock drive. ATA
    Case
    Stock Notebook
    Cooling
    Stock
    Keyboard
    PS/2
    Mouse
    Synaptics TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    No idea
lil domii said:
devildog93 said:
lil domii said:
haha i was like you - i had been having terrible graphics since i reinstalled vista (fixed now;)) and i thought i could go about and put a whopping great graphics card in! then i learned the truth...:sa: lol...
Click to expand...


I am also a member of the Tversity media server forum ( can I say that?:zip:)

Anyways, I am having issues trying to stream to an X-box360 with hi-def. MKV files and having transcoding issues.........having to pause and load every minute or so.....yada yada

I think NOW that those problems are related to my kindergarten graphics card, and not codecs like all these other people keep insisting. (i've managed to get almost every other type of file to stream without having to transcode to WMV, even AVI files with 6ch AC3, just by manipulating ffdshow and AC3 filter settings)


I.M.O. Having a great graphics setup is a must have.
Time to upgrade to monster desktop me thinks.:p
Click to expand...
yes, build your own, you can build one for 1/3 of the price of the same spec ready built computer, and you will be able to keep upgrading the custom built one.

You can ask us for help if you want to build your own :)
Click to expand...



That is a very :cool: offer. I appreciate that, and I will definitely take you up on that when the time arises.:D
 

My Computer

System One

devildog93 said:
lil domii said:
devildog93 said:
I am also a member of the Tversity media server forum ( can I say that?:zip:)

Anyways, I am having issues trying to stream to an X-box360 with hi-def. MKV files and having transcoding issues.........having to pause and load every minute or so.....yada yada

I think NOW that those problems are related to my kindergarten graphics card, and not codecs like all these other people keep insisting. (i've managed to get almost every other type of file to stream without having to transcode to WMV, even AVI files with 6ch AC3, just by manipulating ffdshow and AC3 filter settings)


I.M.O. Having a great graphics setup is a must have.
Time to upgrade to monster desktop me thinks.:p
Click to expand...
yes, build your own, you can build one for 1/3 of the price of the same spec ready built computer, and you will be able to keep upgrading the custom built one.

You can ask us for help if you want to build your own :)
Click to expand...



That is a very :cool: offer. I appreciate that, and I will definitely take you up on that when the time arises.:D
Click to expand...
take a look around at overclockers and decide on your brands/companies etc. when you get the money, as you said, we will be here to help you. ;)

Dom
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer 5735z Laptop
    CPU
    2.0 ghz intel pentium dual-core processor t4200 800mhz fsb
    Motherboard
    Acer CathedralPeak Rev
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" HD CineCrystal LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    160gb stock drive. ATA
    Case
    Stock Notebook
    Cooling
    Stock
    Keyboard
    PS/2
    Mouse
    Synaptics TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    No idea
lil domii said:
devildog93 said:
lil domii said:
yes, build your own, you can build one for 1/3 of the price of the same spec ready built computer, and you will be able to keep upgrading the custom built one.

You can ask us for help if you want to build your own :)
Click to expand...



That is a very :cool: offer. I appreciate that, and I will definitely take you up on that when the time arises.:D
Click to expand...
take a look around at overclockers and decide on your brands/companies etc. when you get the money, as you said, we will be here to help you. ;)

Dom
Click to expand...


I checked out OVERCLOCKERS.....very cool stuff. I, unfortunately, live in Canada. I looked up some of the gear they have, ie. water cooling, and am having hard time locating here. Not that I necessarily am looking at water cooling scpecifically, but I think OVERCLOCKERS has some stuff we don't have the privelage of choosing from over here.

I checked out NCIX, which is pretty big over here, and can't find it. I didn't see any Canadian divisions of OVERCLOCKERS while on their site. But yeah, anyways, that site opened up my eyes to what is out there, and WOW, neat stuff.
 

My Computer

System One

devildog93 said:
lil domii said:
devildog93 said:
That is a very :cool: offer. I appreciate that, and I will definitely take you up on that when the time arises.:D
Click to expand...
take a look around at overclockers and decide on your brands/companies etc. when you get the money, as you said, we will be here to help you. ;)

Dom
Click to expand...


I checked out OVERCLOCKERS.....very cool stuff. I, unfortunately, live in Canada. I looked up some of the gear they have, ie. water cooling, and am having hard time locating here. Not that I necessarily am looking at water cooling scpecifically, but I think OVERCLOCKERS has some stuff we don't have the privelage of choosing from over here.

I checked out NCIX, which is pretty big over here, and can't find it. I didn't see any Canadian divisions of OVERCLOCKERS while on their site. But yeah, anyways, that site opened up my eyes to what is out there, and WOW, neat stuff.
Click to expand...
i was 13 when i found out what was out there - i was in :shock:
there are american shipping websites out there such as newegg and tigerdirect. but does american shipping go to canada i wonder?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer 5735z Laptop
    CPU
    2.0 ghz intel pentium dual-core processor t4200 800mhz fsb
    Motherboard
    Acer CathedralPeak Rev
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" HD CineCrystal LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    160gb stock drive. ATA
    Case
    Stock Notebook
    Cooling
    Stock
    Keyboard
    PS/2
    Mouse
    Synaptics TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    No idea
You can just get a new lappy that doesnt have the Intel Chipset. Not dissing the people who love it or cause arguments but from doing 3D CAD...the Intel chipset lacked while the ATI/nVidia chipsets kicked it up a notch. My DV7 with the ATI Chipset runs games nicely even thought people dont believe me...cant get enough of BattleField 2142 on max settings. Having 64 MB of video memory is almost useless unless you step back 4 years or so on games and expect lots of run (Sims 2,Command and Conquer Games, Mechwarrior Games). Research laptops and get them with either a nVidia chipset or ATI chipset and you wont be disappointed. Most have 256MB of dedicated memory IE: ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics card, or go back 3 years and you have the legacy Radeon Xpress 200m (128MB).(never used nVidia so im not familiar with their names). Some new laptops even have cards that reach 1GB of video but your price goes up there.

The better choice is to go up to a desktop but I prefer the mobility over a fixed position. I as willing to sacrifice high end gameplay for an all around notebook that I can carry with me and play whenever I want.

Hope this helps you understand and decide.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion DV7-1129wm Entertainment PC
    CPU
    AMD Turion X2 RM-72 Dual Core @ 2.1GHz
    Memory
    2 x 2 GB Hyundai DDR2 400 MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3200 @ 256 MB
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition Audio/SRS Premium Sound/Altec Lansing
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Laptop Screen
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900 laptop, external 17 in LCD 1024 x 768
    Hard Drives
    WD Scorpio Blue 320 GB SATA 5400 RPM
    Toshiba 68 GB SATA 5400 RPM Second Drive (backup)
    PSU
    8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
    Case
    Laptop with "light up" HP Logo on outside
    Cooling
    Insane air coming out of Targus dual fan cooler
    Keyboard
    Full Keyboard with numpad
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 / Touchpad
    Internet Speed
    Comcast Cable 20 MBps
    Other Info
    Used Primarily for CAD design using SolidWorks 2010.
    Also I love to watch HD movies using the HDMI output(Netflix).
    Linked to my Xbox 360 for Windows Media Center
    3 USB ports + USB/eSata
    HP Remote for Windows Media Center and Quickplay
    Internal Dual Layer DVD+/-RW
    External HP Lightscribe Dual Layer DVD+/-RW
    HP Webcam and Microphone
I have always used [H]ard|Forum - Powered by vBulletin because they post HOT DEALS on a Daily Basis, as well as BUY/SELL used or pre-own stuff... very cool indeed.

Their forum is very techie, which could be intimidating at times but they will also help if you have questions. My thing there is that they have already posted on Reviews of hardware that I want to use and you can take your time reading from the horses mouth and not from sellers trying to bamboozle you into buying their stuff.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel Q9650 w/CM V8 Cooler...
    Motherboard
    EVGA 780i SLI FTW... Latest Bios & Drivers
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator 8GB (4 x 2GB) PC2-8500C5D
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX260
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Def Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 22" LCD Widescreen
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050
    Hard Drives
    WD Velociraptor 160GB
    Samsung Sata 750GB
    Maxtor External 160GB
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750w Silencer
    Case
    Thermaltake Speedo Advance
    Cooling
    Air Cooled... See CPU
    Keyboard
    Logitech G15
    Mouse
    Logitech G7
    Internet Speed
    Comcast 6MB Broadband
    Other Info
    Linksys WRT54G router
Most companies have somewhere on their web site, or you can contact them via their 'contact us' page, to find out where they ship to.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire X1700
    Motherboard
    ASUS
    Memory
    3 gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1 gig GeForce 210
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Vizio 21" tv
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 resolution
    Hard Drives
    1 terabyte sata in 1 partition
    Cooling
    fans that came with it
    Keyboard
    basic USB
    Mouse
    basic USB
    Internet Speed
    3 megabits on a cable modem, wired
Lil Domii said:

i was 13 when i found out what was out there - i was in :shock:
there are american shipping websites out there such as newegg and tigerdirect. but does american shipping go to canada i wonder?




I found tigerdirect's Canadian division. Thanks for tip. Checking it out now.
 

My Computer

System One

devildog93 said:
Lil Domii said:

i was 13 when i found out what was out there - i was in :shock:
there are american shipping websites out there such as newegg and tigerdirect. but does american shipping go to canada i wonder?




I found tigerdirect's Canadian division. Thanks for tip. Checking it out now.
Click to expand...
glad you found it :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Acer 5735z Laptop
    CPU
    2.0 ghz intel pentium dual-core processor t4200 800mhz fsb
    Motherboard
    Acer CathedralPeak Rev
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6" HD CineCrystal LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    160gb stock drive. ATA
    Case
    Stock Notebook
    Cooling
    Stock
    Keyboard
    PS/2
    Mouse
    Synaptics TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    No idea
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