I've recently decided to grow up and move from Xbox 360 to PC for the majority of my gaming. I plan on using Steam for the most part, as it seems to be the best option economically and socially.

The games I intend on buying/playing are:
TES series
Fallout series
Half Life series
Civilization V
Counter-strike
Minecraft (obviously not through Steam)

I also intend on entering the world of mods for the first time (using mods and maybe developing some of my own).

With all that said, I really need some advice in terms of my laptops specs and what I need upgraded.
You should also know that I am a bit of a novice when it comes to computer knowledge, which is why I'm seeking guidance from you guys.

When I bought my laptop I didn't plan on using it for a lot of gaming. The only games I play on it now are Minecraft and Runescape.

Here are my specs:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VAIO-VPCEB26FX-15-5-Notebook/dp/B003RQLTT0/ref=sr_1_8?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1313349308&sr=1-8

Processor: Intel Core i5
Hard Drive: 454 GB
Memory: 4096MB (~4GB) RAM
Graphics Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD
Display: 15.5" Screen with 1366 x 768 resolution
System Type: Windows 7 64-bit


So, after looking at the specs, do you guys think my current setup is suitable for gaming?
I really think I need a new graphics card. What else do you guys think I should upgrade?
Is my laptop even worth upgrading at all?

I wouldn't really be capable of doing any upgrades myself, so I'll most likely send it in someplace if it comes to that.

Let me also add that the main reason I want to move to PC gaming is because of the Bethesda forums. You guys have really persuaded me to further my gaming horizons :twirl:

dont go laptop
i honestly suggest desktops
look at newegg for pre built pcs if you have no idea how to make one

Laptops are nearly impossible to upgrade in terms of GPU/CPU.


This is really not meant for gaming, while it may run some Source games at low levels, it wont play Oblivion (at any playable level)

In order to get a good system, you will have to build or buy a desktop. (Or buy a laptop with a better GPU, not advisable)

What sort of budget are you working with? You're going to want a desktop.

As far as I know laptops aren't really up-gradable :confused:

Your setup looks ok except for the graphics card which I dont think is very powerful.

Your best bet is to build your own desktop, which can be done fore relatively cheap. You can get one that handles Skyrim easily for about ~$620-$650, or if you have the money to spare you could go all out and build a system that will destroy anything on the market for the next few years for around $900-$2000 depending on how much overkill you want

If I'm just upgrading the laptop, around $400-500.

I was afraid of that :sadvaultboy:.

So you don't think it would be worth upgrading? I really don't want to buy a whole new desktop... I just bought this laptop about 6 months ago, lol.

Well the problem with the laptop is that its impossible to upgrade the GPU due to heat and space issues. The most you could upgrade would be your amount of RAM and hard drive. There really isnt much you can do with your system.

Some can be, but most are welded in place. Even if it can be upgraded, it's usually a major pain in the http://www.junglewalk.com/animal-pictures/201/Donkey-2123.jpg to do so.

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@Lulla: I second what the others have said. Desktops are better for gaming. Cheaper and building really isn't that hard. Just time consuming (especially if it's your first time).

Your laptop would be decent for gaming if not for the video card. The Intel HD series is... lacking, at best.