Dell Vostro 1500

I've been playing CS:S for most of the morning. 1280x800 with everything maxed. Gets around 150FPS in the Source Test and is smooth as anything when actually playing.

I'm sure adding some AA won't hurt performance that much but I prefer it off anyway.

It'll run any game pre 2007 without any problems. Games like Bioshock play ok but you might need to lower a setting or 2, depending on how you like your FPS.

Upcoming games like Crysis I have absolutely no idea.
 
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GuruJockStrap said:
I've been playing CS:S for most of the morning. 1280x800 with everything maxed. Gets around 150FPS in the Source Test and is smooth as anything when actually playing.

I'm sure adding some AA won't hurt performance that much but I prefer it off anyway.

It'll run any game pre 2007 without any problems. Games like Bioshock play ok but you might need to lower a setting or 2, depending on how you like your FPS.

Upcoming games like Crysis I have absolutely no idea.
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Did you stick with Vista? I never benched with the bioshock drivers for CSS, but im presuming you have them on giving that source test score.
 
I just want it for basic games as long as it runs them. I have my desktop for high end gaming. I say just want to be able to sit in bed one evening and maybe tan abit of Crysis, CS Source etc. Nothing on High graphics. Just acceptable to play without getting to hot.
 
Shep_Cobain said:
I just want it for basic games as long as it runs them. I have my desktop for high end gaming. I say just want to be able to sit in bed one evening and maybe tan abit of Crysis, CS Source etc. Nothing on High graphics. Just acceptable to play without getting to hot.
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You'll have no problem running CS:S.

As I've said already, 1280x800 with everything on high runs silky smooth.
 
Just put my order in with a Visa Electron. Got an "Order Acknowledgement" email. Waiting for Order confirmation now...fingers crossed.
 
I don't suppose anyone has tried connecting this laptop to a TV have they?

I connected it to a plasma screen via s-video, but it switched my screen ratio to 4:3, but both the laptop and plasma are widescreen. Is this a limitation of s-video? Never tried using it before.
Also when connection via s-video, rundll.exe stops responding over and over until i unplug it :confused:
 
Right, one problem with this laptop when your playing CS:S.

Due to the 5400RPM HD, 9 times out of 10 I'll always miss the first round.:o

Think I can live with that as it plays superbly though.
 
GuruJockStrap said:
Right, one problem with this laptop when your playing CS:S.

Due to the 5400RPM HD, 9 times out of 10 I'll always miss the first round.:o

Think I can live with that as it plays superbly though.
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Are you sure that is hdd related? I sometimes miss the first round on my Shuttle on maybe 1 or 2 servers, one in particular the GBUK i think its called.
Have you changed the hard disk speed option in the bios?


I had a thought on the way home to do with this cpu whine. The only time i remember hearing it was when i first got the laptop, and after reinstalling Vista and installing the Intel Turbo Memory driver. So would it not make sense that the Turbo Memory driver is at fault? As you said earlier, battery time is reduced when disabling the C4 option (which i noticed this morning) - Does disabling C4 disable the Turbo Memory or part of it?


Stalker runs at 1280x800 on high / full dynamic lighting at between 25-30fps. Strangely, its also 25-30fps when set to Low, Medium & Maximum :confused:
 
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sWiZzLe said:
Are you sure that is hdd related? I sometimes miss the first round on my Shuttle on maybe 1 or 2 servers, one in particular the GBUK i think its called.
Have you changed the hard disk speed option in the bios?
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Yup, set the HD to performance in the BIOS.

It doesn't bother me anyway. I'm no hardcore gamer so missing the first round means diddly squat to me.:p

sWiZzLe said:
I had a thought on the way home to do with this cpu whine. The only time i remember hearing it was when i first got the laptop, and after reinstalling Vista and installing the Intel Turbo Memory driver. So would it not make sense that the Turbo Memory driver is at fault? As you said earlier, battery time is reduced when disabling the C4 option (which i noticed this morning) - Does disabling C4 disable the Turbo Memory or part of it?
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Intel Turbo Memory driver not installed. Theres no need for it. Dell doesn't include solid state memory or Mini PCI expansion card for Vista to use.

I posted an Anandtech link to it. Basically, a lot of laptop manufacturers saw that there was very little benefit from including this feature so never bothered.

The CPU whine is purely due the the CPU's detecting an indle period and reducing the power. Why it whines when it does this, I have no idea. It either a faulty CPU, motherboard or Dell cutting corners and not shielding things properly.

Actually, I just lifted the laptop and stuck my ear very close to it. The Whine is coming from the left of the laptop (as you're looking at it with the rear facing you). Is this where the CPU is located?

sWiZzLe said:
Stalker runs at 1280x800 on high / full dynamic lighting at between 25-30fps. Strangely, its also 25-30fps when set to Low, Medium & Maximum :confused:
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Good stuff. Think I'll order myself a copy later tonight. Thanks for checking it out.:)
 
Random but i can't find exactly who i need to call/e-mail to find out when Dell will be/if they are releasing upgrades for the Vostro yet...i've heard something about a 8700? And why can't i get a 2.4Ghz in the 1500? :(
 
Not heard anything about a 8700. Where did you hear this?

With regards to the CPU, I can only think of 2 reasons:

1. Dell can't get hold of any 2.4GHz CPU's
2. They run far too warm in the Vostro. The XPS M1710 can be built with a 2.33GHz CPU, but its primarily a gaming laptop and has sufficient cooling.
 
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