I'm picking up a new laptop this week (North Carolina's sales tax-free weekend starts Friday). I use my computer for just basic stuff. But the one game I have is SC4. What specs would you suggest for someone that wants to use a lot of plugins? My current laptop just isn't powerful enough. The region I'm working in now won't allow me into some cities. I think the file is too large. Just in case you need to know what I currently use......
Acer Aspire 5630-6288
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
15.4" WXGA Acer CrystalBrite LCD
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
160GB HDD
2 GB DD2
802.11a a/b/g wireless LAN
I'm looking to spend $700, tops.
Sorry to say this, but I doubt you will find a laptop that is GOOD at playing SC4. You may find one that isn't horrible. As a general guide, I'd suggest:
Memory.. this isn't very critical.. 2GB is fine
HD.. Not really critical, but go for an SSD to add to it if you can afford it
Processor.. Multi-processors will do you no good.. get the FASTEST ONE you can afford, even older processors..
Video card.. not at all critical.. even a basic card is good enough
Display.. also not critical. It is enjoyable to have a larger view and some small resolution displays won't allow you to display the full game view with all its menues.
CD player.. not critical.. but you do need one or you won't be able to get past the copy protection issue
Hope you enjoy your new purchase AND playing SC4 :)
Thanks for the reply.
Any other advice? Anyone?
I use a laptop for playing SC4. It works alright, but mine's a couple years old now. It keeps overheating, so I'm dying to get anew desktop PC.
I'm pretty sure you'll need alot more than just 2GB of RAM, especially with a packed Plugins folder. I recommend 4GB RAM at the very least.
From personal experience, I can tell you this: get a laptop with a CPU that has a high clock speed (my 2,8GHz Pentium 4 in my old desktop for instance handles SC4 a lot better than my current 2GHz core 2 duo in my laptop)