First Post on an annoying problem I have...

[SpellAndShield]

try defragging the drive that your override folder is on. Usually, it's C:

defraggler (google it) is a really good, free app for that.

3 gigs is a pretty good sized chunk of space to have fragmentation on.

 

the majority of it, is because of how much memory is (crappily) used to open up a savegame. The further you get into the game, the bigger your savegame gets. the bigger the savegame file gets, the more memory it pigs down opening it.

 

I will look into this.

 

So, in a fantasy world where I could afford a nice new computer and I am primarily interested in a gaming laptop, what would you recommend to be able to run DA on max settings very smoothly with no problems? Alienware gaming laptop?

 

Also, will Dragon Age 2 bump up the requirements even more?

 

Thanks

[Balagor]

try defragging the drive that your override folder is on. Usually, it's C:

defraggler (google it) is a really good, free app for that.

3 gigs is a pretty good sized chunk of space to have fragmentation on.

 

the majority of it, is because of how much memory is (crappily) used to open up a savegame. The further you get into the game, the bigger your savegame gets. the bigger the savegame file gets, the more memory it pigs down opening it.

 

I will look into this.

 

So, in a fantasy world where I could afford a nice new computer and I am primarily interested in a gaming laptop, what would you recommend to be able to run DA on max settings very smoothly with no problems? Alienware gaming laptop?

 

Also, will Dragon Age 2 bump up the requirements even more?

 

Thanks

 

 

To start with your last question, yes. DAO 2 will probably require even more power, but let´s hope they at least got the RAM leak fixed.

As for the Gaming lap, I am not a master. I work with desktops. I know it can be done however, but they tend to be warm, I still wonder how to put all the same CPU and Grafic power into such a small place,

Let´s hear what @DarkeWolf has to say about it. You can also find threads about the subject here: http://thenexusforums.com/index.php?showforum=123

[DarkeWolf]

they are talking about doing some improvements on the graphics, and some tinkering with the engine. So yeah, more than likely the system reqs will jump.

 

well, I am FAR from an expert when it comes to lappys. Its been more than a few years since I kept up with the spec aspect of laptops.

Three brands come to my mind right off the bat. apple, alienware, Asus.

Apple has always had a lead, spec-wise over PC-based comps. The problem there, is software/hardware incompatibilities. While many/most of them are covered, there's alway a few that can pop up that can ruin your day. There's also an additional cost factor involved. You could end up paying 300-1000 more for a comparable apple than pc.

Asus is really making its way into the performance pc scene, tho I havent followed them very much. I do know that they like linux tho.

Alienware. They've been the biggest name in the market for a few years now. And after having seen some of their lappys, they are definitely impressive. However, I beleive that some of the cost associated with them could be cut with fewer "goodies". I mean... a tempered glass screen? An led that changes colors when I get an email?

 

Ok, this is where I get into an area that you might not like, Stardusk. But I've gotta be honest here, cause Bang for your Buck... a lappy is a lot less cost effective than a desktop would be. 1) their performance is hardly ever comparable to a desktop, spec for spec.

2) the $4500 pricetag of a premium alienware lappy, I could have TWO gaming systems on desktops. (assuming that the two PCs werent alienware, of course). On this, I could upgrade the graphics card whenever I wanted, without having to replace the entire chassis, and at a much less expensive alternative to trying to find a compatible lappy vCard.

 

the only advantage that a laptop has going for it is portability in an all in one system. Performance, upgradability, cost, it would be a desktop system. Preferably in at least a mid-tower atx based case.

[SpellAndShield]

they are talking about doing some improvements on the graphics, and some tinkering with the engine. So yeah, more than likely the system reqs will jump.

 

well, I am FAR from an expert when it comes to lappys. Its been more than a few years since I kept up with the spec aspect of laptops.

Three brands come to my mind right off the bat. apple, alienware, Asus.

Apple has always had a lead, spec-wise over PC-based comps. The problem there, is software/hardware incompatibilities. While many/most of them are covered, there's alway a few that can pop up that can ruin your day. There's also an additional cost factor involved. You could end up paying 300-1000 more for a comparable apple than pc.

Asus is really making its way into the performance pc scene, tho I havent followed them very much. I do know that they like linux tho.

Alienware. They've been the biggest name in the market for a few years now. And after having seen some of their lappys, they are definitely impressive. However, I beleive that some of the cost associated with them could be cut with fewer "goodies". I mean... a tempered glass screen? An led that changes colors when I get an email?

 

Ok, this is where I get into an area that you might not like, Stardusk. But I've gotta be honest here, cause Bang for your Buck... a lappy is a lot less cost effective than a desktop would be. 1) their performance is hardly ever comparable to a desktop, spec for spec.

2) the $4500 pricetag of a premium alienware lappy, I could have TWO gaming systems on desktops. (assuming that the two PCs werent alienware, of course). On this, I could upgrade the graphics card whenever I wanted, without having to replace the entire chassis, and at a much less expensive alternative to trying to find a compatible lappy vCard.

 

the only advantage that a laptop has going for it is portability in an all in one system. Performance, upgradability, cost, it would be a desktop system. Preferably in at least a mid-tower atx based case.

 

That's my problem. I am always moving round so a laptop is most practical. But I guess these days one can get PCs that aren't too clunky. Yeah, I have seen some of the alienware prices; insane. Well, I am stuck with my shitty laptop for now and in the forseeable future as I have no money for anything new. I guess I will have to start all over with mods and everything else once I have a new computer, etc...especially with DA 2 coming out. And especially if there is carry over content though that seems unlikely. oh well.

[DarkeWolf]

Yeah, I know how that goes. I'd really like to do some upgrades to my current system too. Have been wanting to for a few months. Tho right now I'm going to school full time, so I really dont have much... if anything... in the way of spare cash.

I'm almost to the point where I wouldnt mind taking on a tech job at microcenter, or best buy. Very nice employee purchase plans at both stores. I think microcenter is something like 15% over cost, and best buy... last time I checked with them a few years back, their's was about the same. Tho now that their work is done by GeekSquad, I dunno if the techs would still get that or not.

Yeah, I could DEFINITELY see how having a lappy would make moving a LOT simpler. throw everything into a laptop bag, and sit it in the back seat. VS having miles of cords, trying to sit a tower so that it doesnt rattle around or fall over in transit, the extra weight of carrying it, etc.

 

I've been wantin another lappy for a while now. I ALMOST got one on blackfriday before xmas. Tho, for as little actual USE that I'd have for one, I just couldnt justify the expense. That, and I knew that to upgrade one you pretty much had to get an all new unit for the core elements.

 

Tho something that you might check out is a barebones system. If you can find one that will run a really good motherboard that has a high end Vcard. Basically, its the chasis, monitor, battery, cords, and such. Some have a HDD, others dont. Some include an OS, others dont. But from there, you can build it up to whatever specs you want, or can afford.

newegg.com is a decent source of parts like this. Sometimes there's a good buy on ebay, tho with this kind of stuff, I'd really recommend researching the seller first. Tho with this route, when taking it apart to put componants in... READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. Sometimes theres a hidden screw, or a latch that if you dont release/unscrew it, you can break something.