GTA IV Problems on Laptop
 

Ok

Recently I brought GTA IV but I also own a Dell 6400 Laptop,here is the information regarding my Laptop

Report Date: 01/14/2009
Report Time[hr:mm:ss]: 17:26:14
Driver Version: 7.14.10.1147
Operating System: * , Service Pack 1 (6.0.6001)
Default Language: English
DirectX* Version: 10.0
Physical Memory: 3317 MB
Minimum Graphics Memory: 8 MB
Maximum Graphics Memory: 224 MB
Graphics Memory in Use: 157 MB
Processor: x86 family 6 Model 14 Stepping 8
Processor Speed: 1729 MHZ
Vendor ID: 8086
Device ID: 27A2
Device Revision: 03

* Accelerator Information *
Accelerator in Use: Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset Family
Video BIOS: 1264
Current Graphics Mode: 1024 by 768 True Color (60 Hz)

* Devices Connected to the Graphics Accelerator *

Active Notebook Displays: 1

* Notebook *
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Display Type: Digital
Gamma Value: 2.20
DDC2 Protocol: Supported
Maximum Image Size: Horizontal: Not Available

Should I just buy a gaming laptop instead?

Please forgive me for being so blunt, but your Laptop's graphic card is way too pathetic for the game. Integrated GPUS like the ones on your laptop can hardly run any new games.
And yes, buy a gaming laptop, preferably one with a good GPU.

Visit this site and select GTA IV from the list , it'll show you what you need to get the game running :

http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/referrer/srtest

Otto, Tachyon is right. Your integrated intel vid card is low end and can only support old games.

Always look for ati or nvidia installed video cards. At least you have a chance then.

You might get lucky to update the intel 945GM express chipset from their site,

http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/detect.htm

Agree with the above, seriously from what ive read up about it this game requires a grunty pc to run it.

In a Dell Laptop or any laptop is it possible to upgrade the video card or graphics card?

Are there any New Zealanders in this forum,if I want to buy a gaming laptop,where can I get a good one?

yeah im NZer (kiwi) :)

You can find good gaming laptops on TradeMe.co.nz site just look for the retail suppliers like Dick Smiths etc., as they sell on TM and you wont get a dodgy deal.

I usually go here to look at best prices before i buy any computer hardware etc., http://www.pricespy.co.nz/

If you want a gaming laptop be prepared to pay through the nose, the ears, the arse and sell your soul. In simple terms, gaming laptops cost a lot, are not really all that portable, have short battery lives etc, you are better off building yourself a gaming pc and having a laptop separateyl, its cheaper AND you get a more powerful gaming rig.

Very true. :up:

I agree. There is also the fact that a "Gaming laptop" is very difficult to upgrade, so it's lifespan as a gaming machine is severely limited. The only pro I see in getting a laptop for games is saved desk space and storage.

So if I build a custom-built computer,what type of components should I be looking at?

Well, the important ones are the Processor,Motherboard, PSU (Power Supply Unit) & the GPU.

At the moment , Intel are ahead in the processing power race , so you have little choice in choosing the best. Though AMD are catching up :p . A good dual-core Intel processor would be the E8500.

The Motherboard & PSU are where the choices get difficult. There's a lot to choose from. I can't offer you much advice regarding the motherboard, but the PSU I use has served me well so far. It's the Corsair VX450 (450W) . It's actually more powerful than it's rated wattage, the manufacturers put it like that for some reason I forget.

GPU - Well, this really depends on your budget. My recommendation is the ATI HD 4870. Best bang for buck. Technically, nVidia has the most powerful card now, the GTX295 (it costs a fortune though).

Oh and regarding the RAM, Corsair is one of the best manufacturers. But it's comparatively expensive compared to the competition. I'm not sure if the price justifies the slightly improved performance that it offers.

Dont get a gaming laptop,Very expensive and arent great gaming machines.