Getting a good graphics card

[Alidar Jarok]

After what feels like its planned obsolescence date of three and a half years, my laptop has stopped working and a computer repair guy has tentatively diagnosed the problem as being the graphics card (specifically that the card has a tendency to overheat). Given that it's cheaper to get a new laptop than replace the graphics card, I'm in the market for a new laptop.

The problem is I never really understand graphics cards. I'm not looking for a top of the line system and I certainly can't afford that, but there are some games i like to play. Generally I try to pick a game I would like it to be able to play and figure out a card that's at least that good. I figured Rome 2 Total War would be a good example this time. ( Recommended Specs).

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good graphics card? Particularly one that doesn't have heat problems?

 

[sojourner]

Re: Getting a good grsphics card

Are you buying a laptop? That would sort of limit you to what graphics cards the laptop manufacturer is using.

 

[Alidar Jarok]

Re: Getting a good grsphics card

Yeah, that's true. I guess what I'm asking for is what I should be looking for when I go laptop hunting and what's a good card and what's not.

Btw, can a mod fix the typo in the title? Clearly I'm not used to typing with my phone.

 

[Venardhi]

Re: Getting a good grsphics card

Gaming on a laptop is always going to be comparably limited. Your best bet is to look at this chart: and try to get something as high on it as possible.

What is great though, is the integrated graphics are actually pretty decent these days. You can even play a lot of games from a year or two ago on an x86 tablet with integrated graphics. Still, check out the chart if you can afford to do better than intel 4500 graphics.