Will either of these play CoH

I'm in the market for a very low price, backup computer, laptop or desktop. I've found a couple of $300 units that will take care of my needs. I am just wondering if either of them will play CoH with out long load times and without lag. Ultra mode is not a concern.

I'm just curious how either one of these 3 following units would perform. I am particularly interested in the Sony Laptop from bestbuy (last link) because I think that is what I am going to buy:

http://www.pcrichard.com/catalog/pro...egoryId=110010

http://www.pcrichard.com/catalog/pro...egoryId=110020

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+V...=1218429233176

If I were making a recommendation to someone I personally know, I wouldn't recommend any of these.

That being said ...

The graphics chipsets on all 3 aren't really built for gaming, they are a lower end chipset for the ATI 6xxx series.

Both Compaq's have only 2 Gb of RAM, which is going to cause more issues. I didn't look at drive speeds or much else.

The Sony has 4 Gb of RAM so that would work much better. The hard drive is a 5400 RPM drive which will affect your load times as well as the general startup time for Windows and the game, as well as any other applications you may run. A 7200 RPM or 10000 RPM drive would be much better. These were the only things I really looked at.

You may need to lower some of the graphics settings, but it should run the game somewhat.

I would not recommend running the laptop over wireless for gaming, especially if you want to reduce lag and load times. An ethernet connection is much more stable as well as offering better bandwidth.

Thanks Texas.

Would you say this one:

http://laptops-specs.blogspot.com/20...750z-4623.html

Is better or worst than those above?

Intel Graphics chipset. Ugh!

Worse.

I appreicate your advice Texas. Can I bother you for one more? I'll be using whatever I get for other stuff, mostly, but still curious how this one would do with lower graphic settings in game:

What's Included
•Compaq Desktop / AMD E-Series Processor / 4GB Memory / 750GB Hard Drive
•USB keyboard, optical mouse
•Owner's manual
Product Features
•Built-in 10/100Base-T Ethernet networking interface
For quick and easy wired Web connection.
•Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
•Software package included
With Microsoft Office Starter 2010 (product key card required for activation; sold separately).
•ENERGY STAR qualified
Designed to use less energy and meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.
•AMD, AMD Arrow logo, AMD Athlon, Cool'n'Quiet, HyperTransport and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
•VISION Technology by AMD
Makes your digital photos and Web sites look amazing and gives a boost to digital music playback.
•AMD Dual-Core E-450 Processor with AMD Radeon HD 6320 graphics
For fast, efficient computing.
•4GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM
For multitasking power, expandable to 32GB.
•Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media; also supports DVD-RAM.
•1MB L2 cache memory
For efficient system processing.
•750GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
•AMD Radeon HD 6320 graphics
Feature up to 1468MB total available video memory for lush images with vivid detail.
•Multidisplay capable
Allows you to connect a second monitor for additional work space (monitors not included).
•6 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital data transfer and easy peripheral connectivity.

Honestly, as long as you're not expecting blazing performance, super-high resolutions or stupid-high graphical settings you should be okay.

Load times are a byproduct of how fast your network connection is, how fast your storage medium (disk drive) is, and how fast your CPU can churn stuff.

On a laptop, expect longer load times unless you're running an SSD.

Clicking on the linked image above will take you off the City of Heroes site. However, the guides will be linked back here.

Once more from the top.

As long as you go into this knowing that the Sony has a netbook class CPU/GPU combo in a laptop case, then you are fine. It's like buying a car that looks normal but only has a 1 litter 3-cylinder engine under the hood.

I would imagine that you will need to run the game at lower than default display resolution, full screen or in a window to get 20-30FPS performance outside in zones.

IIRC Sony doesn't use AMD's generic drivers and their drivers tend not to be updated frequently. However the Google Machine lists some YouTube vids about working around that.

Ugh, none of these would run the game at an acceptable* level.

*for me

As said by Hyperstrike, its going to be about expectations.

Short answer: Yes it will run the game.
Long answer: These processors would have a hard time vs computers from 6 years ago. The E series (Brazos) is a low power CPU for netbooks not gaming machines. On certain tasks is almost as good as a Pentium 4 Other tasks a Pentium 4 is 2-3 times faster. As long as you know what IGP + "Pentium 4 class" CPU speeds mean then that should answer the question.

If this machine is just being used so you can PL a character who is going to doorsit or marketeer, then its perfect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hyperstrike Honestly, as long as you're not expecting blazing performance, super-high resolutions or stupid-high graphical settings you should be okay. Load times are a byproduct of how fast your network connection is, how fast your storage medium (disk drive) is, and how fast your CPU can churn stuff. On a laptop, expect longer load times unless you're running an SSD.

Pretty amazing if that is true. I'll have to track down someone with something similiar and verify. With a 1600x900 screen too...

(Somehow though I don't belive it, but a good tech always investigates. It sounds like a 3am ad for a Clanket)

Edit did some research: The model has been replaced with versions with faster processors. Walmart has the AS7750G with an i5-2430M for $510. Not bad of a price but I am suspicious about how well the intel HD3000 performs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beach_Lifeguard I appreciate all the feedback. I think I'll just get the one best suited for my other needs and not worry about coh on it. I posted this laptop because I have it for work and downloaded coh on it and it runs phenomenally at minimum graphics up to the medium setting. I was quite surprised. I have never received lag even on 24 man bafs. Also I am usually one of the first to zone into missions or trials. I never thought it would even run the game, but it does and works great.