Inserting graphics cards for laptops

[David444]

Um I know I will have to (or at least my parents will) pay for it, but is it possible that I find a windows 7 laptop, and request that a certain graphics card be inserted?

 

[rds1220]

For the most part you can't just add a graphics card to a laptop as you can with a desktop. The only time you can do what you want is if you do a custom build with Dell (Alienware.) There you can custom build your laptop but it is going to be very expensive.

 

[k1114]

Different laptop models will have different gpus so you can probably find what you are looking for. You could always see if a w8 laptop is w7 compatible. Dell isn't the only one that let's you choose. This may not be about mxm but just asking if you can select a certain gpu.

 

[David444]

Wait a minute hang on guys. I found this!: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G15X0126. It looks great. I t does have integrated graphics. Ran it on game debate: http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=2198&game=The+Sims+Medieval%3A+Pirates+and+Nobles&p_make=AMD&p_deriv=APU+A8-4500M+Quad+Core&gc_make=ATI&gc_deriv=Radeon+HD+7640G&ram=4&checkSubmit=#systemRequirements. Now all I need to know is how strong is the graphics compared to intel hd 4000?

 

[k1114]

It's hardly any better. It won't play any modern game. What other games are you going to play? What is the reason to get windows 7? I know the sims doesn't like 8 and you did link to it but wouldn't you have an older pc that could play it?

 

[David444]

Well I had a windows vista desktop. two years ago it crashed, it barely played the sims 2 without a lot of lag and loading time to wait. I just can't believe it's so hard to find a good laptop with windows 7. My parents will have to get the one with 8. I have a grown up cousin that's a computer geek, and is great with computers. He recommended the one with 8, and said sims 2 will play, but I also want to play medieval, and that can't even launch on 8. I'm just wondering why he said that downgrading isn't a good idea? It's not impossible. But if it's because of some manufacturing thing, then my parents just spent $525, for nothing and I will never get to play my games.

 

[rds1220]

Or you can wait for windows 8.1 though from the sounds of it, it doesn't sound much better.

 

[David444]

Ok, let me make this clear. I had experience with 8. not so great. The sims 2 always crashed going community lots, or in create a sim. After installing the sims medieval pirates and nobles, I would click play, but it would never start. Many others have had that same problem. I upgraded to 8.1. The sims 2 runs, but not without white flickering, and the audio being distorted. And the sims medieval still won't start. 8 is not good at all!

 

[rds1220]

Have you checked to see if there are any patches to make it run better with Windows 8?

 

[k1114]

There is nothing you can do for now, it's a compatibility issue with the sims and 8/.1. What w8 laptop are you talking about? Most likely it won't have issues going to 7 but it's not hard to check if it has w7 drivers.

 

[David444]

What if it doesn't?

 

[jaguarskx]

I dunno if it is just me, but I am pretty I have seen a lot of threads about people wanting to play the Sims 2 on a laptop lately. Is it still popular? Why not play the Sims 3. I think EA was selling the Sims 3 and expansion for as much as 60% of retail during Black Friday. Perhaps they will do so again for Christmas. I know that means your parents will need to spend more money though...

I really doubt EA will release a Win 8 patch for the Sims 2 considering how old the game is. Wasn't it released 10 years ago? Sims 4 is going to be released in 2014.

The Radeon HD 7640g is a bit more powerful than the Intel HD 4000 as far as integrated graphics is concerned, but considered weak compared to anything on the desktop. Still it would be fine for playing the Sims 2 simply because it is pretty old game. It should also have no problems playing the Sims 3 since people have been playing it with an Intel HD 3000 graphics core which is a lot weaker. But I think with a little bit of performance lag.

Click the following link to a comparison of some laptop integrated graphic cores. I also included the dedicated nVidia GT 710m and GT 720m (pretty weak) as a comparison. The numbers on the left is the ranking order in terms of performance. Graphic cores with no related benchmarks are ranked based on their specs, once they have actual benchmarks their ranks may change.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Computer-Games-on-Laptop-Graphic-Cards.13849.0.html

 

[jaguarskx]

Wait a minute hang on guys. I found this!: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G15X0126. It looks great....

Given the fact that laptops with Win 7 is kind of uncommon / rare these days, that is not bad. However, for less money your parents can buy you the following 17.3" HP laptop for $380 + tax at BestBuy. It comes with a 4th generation dual core i3 CPU and the Intel HD 4600 graphics core.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-pavilion-17-3-laptop-4gb-memory-750gb-hard-drive-anodized-silver/2854029.p?id=1219079079760&skuId=2854029#tab=specifications

Here is the AMD version of the 17.3" HP laptop with a quad core A8-5550m and Radeon HD 8550g for $400.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-pavilion-17-3-34-laptop-4gb-memory-750gb-hard-drive-anodized-silver/2287004.p?skuId=2287004&id=1219071221794

Unfortunately, they have Win 8 installed, but they are more powerful and less expensive than the laptop you chose. So here's the deal....

Ask your parents to buy either one of those for you. Since it costs less ask them if you can also throw in the Sims 3 as well. There seems to be many different bundles for the Sims 3. Below is a link to the Sims 3 game at Amazon which allows you to choose a "bundle" set which means the Sims 3 and one of the expansions. The prices vary. For example, the Sims 3 Starter Pack is $30 you get the Sims 3, Late Night Expansion Pack and High End Loft Stuff. The Deluxe starts at $32.50 which includes the Sims 3 and the Ambitions Expansion Pack; however, they are used games... you should avoid purchasing used games because the CD-Key may still be linked to the owner's account which can be a problem. Soo.... The Starter Pack is likely best since it is sold directly by Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Sims-3-Deluxe-PC-Mac/dp/B0040Y0KSE

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Actually, I just checked EA's site in the middle of typing this post. They are currently having up to a 50% off sale on Sims 3 games. The Sims 3 Starter Pack is selling for $14.99, but it must be downloaded.

https://www.origin.com/en-us/store/deals/sale/holidaysale-sims

 

[David444]

All right thanks. I should stop posting info here, since at looks as if I really have no choice than to go with what mom dad get. I hope to downgrade the system to windows 7 pro. It does look confusing but I guess I just have to get the disc and license, disable some boot thing, and it will install. I will report good or bad as soon as I have finished. wish me luck!

 

[David444]

Also, here's my Seven, (not mother) knows best which tells you why you shouldn't upgrade to 8, or get an 8 computer. Enjoy!:
David: You want to upgrade to windows 8? Uh computer
Look at you as fragile as a flower. Still a little sapling, just a sprout. You know we stay with windows 7 power,
Computer: I know…
David: that’s right to keep you safe and sound dear. Yes I always knew this day was coming. Knew that someday you’d want to leave the nest. soon but not yet,
Computer: But
David: trust me pet, seven knows best.
Sevens knows best. Listen to windows 7, it’s a scary world with 8. Seven knows best, on way or another something will go wrong, I swear. Bugs, viruses, no gaming, no fun, glitches and crashes,
Computer: No
David: yes. Also no start, just a metro screen, and say no more you’ll just upset me. Seven’s right here, seven will protect you, darling here’s what I suggest, Skip windows 8, It’s something you’ll hate, seven knows best. Go ahead don’t play anymore games. Go ahead have integrated graphics. Me I’m just outdated seven what do I know, I’ve only ran the sims games without any crashing. Go ahead leave me, I deserve it. Let me be forgotten, be my guest. When it’s too late, just see and wait. Seven knows best! Ah ha ha ha! Seven knows best. Take it from windows 7, with windows 8 you won’t survive. Sloppy underdressed, immature, clumsy, please it’ll eat you up alive. Gullible, naïve, positively grubby, ditzy and a bit well vague. Plus I do believe, getting kinda chubby, I’m just saying cause I love you. Seven understands, sevens here to help you all I have is one request.
Computer: yes?
David” don’t ever ask to get windows 8, again.
Computer: yes David
David: Oh. I love you dear,
Computer: I love you more,
David: I love you most. Don’t forget it, you’ll regret it, seven knows best.