Is it Worth it?

K

Kibo

Thread Junky
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Okay. So my dad got me a new computer for college. As a punishment for a free computer, he refused to let me get dedicated graphics, even though I offered to pay. He was afraid video games would distract me (like video games would be a distraction at COLLEGE). So my question is, is it even worth installing games like TF2 on this? Would the specs make up for intel graphics?

i5-2410M CPU @ 2.3 GHz
4 gig of ram
Intel HD Graphics family
 
Just buy a separate video card without him knowing and put it in, shouldn't be that hard. Tf2 should work since it doesn't require much, you could always use config files for certain games to dumb down graphic details for smoother game play, something I do since my vid card is pretty bad.
 
SniperWolf said:
Just buy a separate video card without him knowing and put it in, shouldn't be that hard. Tf2 should work since it doesn't require much, you could always use config files for certain games to dumb down graphic details for smoother game play, something I do since my vid card is pretty bad.
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Good luck plugging a discrete desktop graphics card into a laptop.

Still, if you stick to low stress games like Source and run configs you might be able to get playable frames. Maybe.
 
how does a desktop graphics card plug in? I'd be willing to do that. But I don't want to take my entire laptop apart...
 
SniperWolf said:
Just buy a separate video card without him knowing and put it in, shouldn't be that hard. Tf2 should work since it doesn't require much, you could always use config files for certain games to dumb down graphic details for smoother game play, something I do since my vid card is pretty bad.
Click to expand...

Sorry this is a double post, but what does "Use config files" mean?
 
Giantcat said:
Sorry this is a double post, but what does "Use config files" mean?
Click to expand...

So you know, you can edit your posts by hitting the edit at the bottom right of your post.

Config files are configuration files that control different aspects of your game. You can edit them using notepad/wordpad. Most people edit their config files to control aspects of their graphics, like was suggest above. You gain more control by doing this. There are other things like network settings, you can change to increase reg, tighten up your hitboxes, lower your pings (As long as your internet can handle such settings).
 
I have integrated graphics on my gaming machine too. However, it doesn't have an i5. I can play CS:S, TF2, MW2, GMOD, Portal 2, and any Source mod with ~17 FPS. You should be fine.
 
For TF2 you should be quite fine. Integrated graphics cards on some laptops are actually pretty decent (For what its worth).

Considering your laptop has an i5, I am assuming the integrated graphics card is a pretty decent card. Since TF2 doesn't require that much, you should be able to play it fine.

You should be able to search the laptop model # your dad bought you and it generally will show the equivalent to what the graphic card actually is.
 
Okay...I like the sound of an external graphics card. I'm really computer illiterate, but I understand the basics. Do stores like Best Buy sell external graphics cards (like in the post by Demoralized), or would I have to go online to find one? My main concern is if I purchase it online, returning it would be horrendous if it didn't fit my rig or something.
 
Giantcat said:
how does a desktop graphics card plug in? I'd be willing to do that. But I don't want to take my entire laptop apart...
Click to expand...

you need the PCcard (sometimes refered to as PCIe), which goes in the corresponding slot on the notebook.

If you gave us what model laptop you have, we could see if you even have said slot.
 
reflex99 Attorney at law.

like a true attorney, I am far to lazy to retype

", we could see if you have a PCIe 1.1x slot."

and no, not an attorney.
 
Most big box stores (Best Buy, Walmart) wouldn't carry them. I'd check computer stores or tech stores first. But hey, it won't hurt to call Best Buy and ask.
 
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