[Popster]

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?

 

[vladimirb]

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???

 

[Rebellion88]

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.

 

[Popster]

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.

 

[Rebellion88]

Yes Nvidia N-tune can also optimize your card, just be wary of the extra heat.

 

[Popster]

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 :wink:

 

[vladimirb]

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