[RebelGamer137]

I am looking for a replacement for my laptop due to problems fixing my old one. I am hoping to find something reasonably priced, preferably under 400 dollars.

I would like to have a system that comes with Windows 7, I can tell I would hate the Windows 8 user interface. I have heard enough and seen enough footage. I know myself well enough to know I would hate it.


I would also like to play some games on my system
Darkest Hour requirements
CPU/Processor: Intel Pentium 4 2.4GHz / AMD Athlon XP 2100+
Video Card Required: Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT / ATI Radeon HD 4550 (or equivalent)
Minimum RAM (Memory): 1 GB
Hard Drive Space Required: 2 GB
DirectX Version Needed: 9

C&C 3 requirements
Intel P4 2.2 GHz / AMD Athlon 2200+
1 GB of RAM
NVIDIA GeForce 6100+ / ATI Radeon 9500+ video card
(Note: At the time of release, Windows Vista is not compatible with ATI-based video cards with Radeon 9250 chipsets and below, in addition to NVIDIA-based video cards with GeForce 5000 series chipsets and below. ATI Radeon 9200 and 9250 PCI and NVIDIA GeForce 4 MX cards not supported. By extension, the game is not compatible with these chipsets on Windows Vista machines.)
DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card
(Note: For Creative Sound Blaster Audigy cards running under Windows Vista, Intel P4 2.6 GHz CPU or equivalent, or multi-core CPU, required)
8X or faster DVD-ROM drive
6 GB of free hard drive space


I would also like a decent sized HD, preferably over 160GB.
Another preference, is at least 3 USB ports.
I am considering both new and refurbished systems. What would be the best deal for me? Is it possible to get something like this in my price range?

Edited by RebelGamer137, 16 January 2013 - 06:00 PM.

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Hello RebelGamer137

See what you think http://www.newegg.co...N82E16834230831

As an asides to get the best out of the 64-bit OS I would upgrade the Ram to the max 8GB.

New http://www.tigerdire...0880&CatId=4937

[phillpower2]

Hello RebelGamer137

See what you think http://www.newegg.co...N82E16834230831

As an asides to get the best out of the 64-bit OS I would upgrade the Ram to the max 8GB.

New http://www.tigerdire...0880&CatId=4937

[RebelGamer137]

I just hope it runs Darkest Hour, do you think the graphics system in it can match what I listed?

[phillpower2]

You did not identify the system requirements in your OP as those that Darkest Hour needs, I noticed when I just copy/paste them

CPU/Processor: Intel Pentium 4 2.4GHz / AMD Athlon XP 2100+
Video Card Required: Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT / ATI Radeon HD 4550 (or equivalent)
Minimum RAM (Memory): 1 GB
Hard Drive Space Required: 2 GB
DirectX Version Needed: 9

The ASUS with the faster processor would be the better from the two links ( I note that it is now out of stock though) some info on the Intel HD graphics and the performance that you can expect http://www.intel.com...-developer.html

[RebelGamer137]

Some Darkest Hour gameplay with a mod in place just to give you an idea what Darkest Hour plays like, if it helps for advice.

[phillpower2]

Best option up to now http://www.bestbuy.c...=specifications

It is Windows 8 but once you add the Windows 7 start button to the task bar you will feel at home with it http://lee-soft.com/...start-menu.html

[RebelGamer137]

Best option up to now http://www.bestbuy.c...=specifications

It is Windows 8 but once you add the Windows 7 start button to the task bar you will feel at home with it http://lee-soft.com/...start-menu.html

No offense but I have no interest in a Windows 8 machine. I guess I could buy Windows 7 and install it. Just the fact you have to run a third party software just to get something as basic as the start menu kills Windows 8 for me. I do not want to use it. I want Windows 8 to FAIL so Microsoft will hopefully never try to force something like this on us again.


Also a bit high on the price.


I am leaning on that Gateway, mostly because of the fact it has an independent Graphics Card and Windows 7. I have some doubts about the processor though.

Edited by RebelGamer137, 16 January 2013 - 04:50 PM.

[rshaffer61]

That Gateway looks good other then the CPU as it looks to be less then needed Phill.

[RebelGamer137]

That Gateway looks good other then the CPU as it looks to be less then needed Phill.

Thats my main concern, one thing I like about it is it has its own independent graphics card.

[rshaffer61]

Laptops don't have independent GPU's because they are built onboard.

[RebelGamer137]

That Gateway had an AMD Radeon HD 6520G unless that is an integrated graphics system.

[rshaffer61]

In all laptops the graphics is integrated on the motherboard. The GPU chipset is just that it is a chipset on the motherboard. Some are just better then others.

[RebelGamer137]

Thanks dude, no doubt that will play a part in my decision.


ASUS K53 Series K53ERF-RBR5-B Notebook

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16834230837

I am trying to find out how many USB ports this thing has.

Another slightly more expensive model

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16834230873

Is that second one worth the extra 80 bucks for the processor speed?

EDIT-I am seriously considering buying the second one, for the better processor and graphics chip. Do you guys think its worth it?

Edited by RebelGamer137, 18 January 2013 - 11:19 PM.

[phillpower2]

If you are happy to pay $449.99 for a refurbished product that is ok but personally I would not.

[rshaffer61]

I see 3 usb ports on the system for the second one you linked to.