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Old 06-03-2008, 02:08 AM   #1 (permalink)
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Maximising Graphics Performance

Over the weekend I decided that I may just about be able to find the time to play a new game on my laptop, and opted for the recently released Age of Conan. While the game has been enjoyable so far and runs on my laptop, I am concerned that the machine is struggling to keep up at times, and dissapointed that in an online game I must use some of the lowest graphical settings. I don't pretend to have a particularly powerful machine, but would hope that a few tweaks here and there may help with performance.

The laptop specs are:
  • Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
  • RAM 2048 MB (2x1024 MB)
  • Cache Memory 512 KB + 512 KB
  • Processor AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-58 @ 1.9 GHz
  • Hard drive 160 Go SATA
  • Video Card NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS 128 MB dedicated, up to 895 MB total graphics memory
  • Monitor 17" WXGA+ BrightView 1440x900
  • WLAN 802.11 pre-n
  • PCMCIA One ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)

Can anyone give me advice as to how I might improve my machine's performance, and also, can laptops be overclocked?
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Old 06-03-2008, 02:16 AM   #2 (permalink)
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Re: Maximising Graphics Performance

I can only advice you to remove those 2x1GB RAM and put in 2x2GB RAM memory...
with this you can improve performance... That Vista is 32-bit or 64-bit version???
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Old 06-03-2008, 03:14 AM   #3 (permalink)
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Re: Maximising Graphics Performance

As expressed before Ram is really your only upgrade option, at a longer shot it is possible to upgrade your processor, but be warned a more powerful processor will increase the heat your notebook produces and will void any warranty it has.
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Old 06-03-2008, 04:11 AM   #4 (permalink)
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Re: Maximising Graphics Performance

Thankyou both for your advice. I have done a little more digging and discovered (contrary to my earlier belief) that I can install 3rd part video card drivers for my graphics card. This should help somewhat and hopefully in conjunction with tweaking some of Nvidia's settings I should see some performance improvement.

If anyone has further software-related suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated.
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Old 06-03-2008, 04:44 AM   #5 (permalink)
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Re: Maximising Graphics Performance

Yes Nvidia N-tune can also optimize your card, just be wary of the extra heat.
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Old 06-03-2008, 07:11 AM   #6 (permalink)
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Re: Maximising Graphics Performance

I'll take a look at n-tune later, thanks. Funny you mention it, just an hour ago I ordered a twin-fan cooling platform for the laptop
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Old 06-03-2008, 07:29 AM   #7 (permalink)
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Re: Maximising Graphics Performance

Nice mate, I have one too. I can tell you that pretty much doing its job...
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