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CheesyInsanity:
Hello, I am having trouble being able to play the 5 games in The Orange Box for the PC. I have read support on the Steam website and I have found out that I need a better video card then the one I am using right now. This is because I am using a Gateway laptop. Here are my specs:
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional
BIOS: Rev 1.0
Processor: Genuine Intel CPU T2050 @ 1.60GHz
Memory: 1014 MB RAM
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c
Device:
Name: Mobile Intel 945GM Express Chipset Family
Chip type: Inte GMA 950
P.S. If you need any other details, just ask.
I realize that there are issues with the 945GM chipset while playing with several Steam games (The Orange Box), and have used all the advice Steam has gave me on fixing the problem, but no luck. I also know the minimum speed must be 1.7 GHz for games like HL2 Episode 2, Portal, and Team Fortress 2. I realize Intel is working on updating this, but is there any possible way to get it fixed ASAP? Should I purchase a new video card-if so, which one? Are there any updates I should download-if so, which updates? I am not really experienced with this, and would appreciate any help.
EDIT: I've also realized I won't be able to play World Of WarCraft without a hardware transform and lighting-capable video card.
Oh right, you "realized" that you couldn't run World of Warcraft without hardware T&L/VS. The question is: Have you actually tried to run it?? For over a year I have been playing World of Warcraft on a Celeron D 2.53GHz system and 945G, which umm... features, GMA950?? And it runs faster in software than hardware so it runs it on software even on the ones that have hardware T&L like the G965.
Ok, I haven't actually tried World of WarCraft, I've just looked at some of the specs I missed and saw I didn't have that. If it works for you, I guess it'll work for me?
Anyways, WoW isn't the main problem-The Orange Box is. Any idea?
Sigh. Sorry if the post sounded harsh.
Anyway, WoW should run ok at 800x600 Low-Medium. I ran it at High on the Celeron D system with single channel DDR2-533, but that's just me because I feel the frames are stable enough and I can deal with it.
Orange Box?? That's the Half Life 2 pack with TF and such?? Well, the focus for Intel drivers right now is their GMA X3100/X3000 graphics. The GMA950 is kinda old, and the driver is mature enough. There really isn't much for Intel to do except fix minor bugs it may be present on the driver. Does it run at all or do you just lag?? If you lag, I can't help you because its the hardware's fault, the GPU is too weak for it.
I don't know about your laptop, but the graphics probably can't be upgraded, as is usual with most laptops. Some laptops have the option to replace your graphics card, but that's with discrete graphics and usually high end. I haven't heard of integrated GPUs with upgradeable option. If it can be upgraded and you can find a replacement, Geforce 7300 should be able to run it fine without spending lots of money.
I run my computer at 1280x800 pixels on High. Should I change it to a different setting before I start the games(s)?
I'm also not sure how I should check if my graphics card can be replaced?
I checked out the graphics card you mentioned anyways, and it seems like a good deal. I also checked out the GeForce 7950 GT Video Card and the GeForce 8800 GT Video Card, but I'm not sure those will work because I don't have the processor the 7950 requires, but it doesn't require a certain one for the 8800.
1280x600 desktop resolution?? Well that doesn't matter. Only the resolution changes in game affects your gaming performance.
I assumed you have a laptop because you have a 945GM, thats a laptop chip for the GMA950. But you have a PC?? Well if its a PC, check that it has a PCI Express 16x slot. If its a laptop, you'll have to consult your manufacturer.
Mikelx215,
I have been having the same problems trying to run the orange box on my laptop that has the Intel 945 chipset... I did what you reccommended and tested Portal at DX level 9, and it loaded and didn't crash as soon as I jumped through the first portal... however, the graphics are extremely washed out... everything is almost white, hence the game is virtually unplayable even though it's running. did you have this problem when using the -dxlevel 90 command on Portal?
I have been having the same problems trying to run the orange box on my laptop that has the Intel 945 chipset... I did what you reccommended and tested Portal at DX level 9, and it loaded and didn't crash as soon as I jumped through the first portal... however, the graphics are extremely washed out... everything is almost white, hence the game is virtually unplayable even though it's running. did you have this problem when using the -dxlevel 90 command on Portal?
I have the Intel 945GM Express chip in my PC, and the Orange Box runs fine... with some tweaking. I can run most of the Orange Box games with medium to high settings, with the framerate dropping in some of the larger environments. I was able to beat Portal. My laptop has a 2.0 Ghz Core Duo processor and 2 Gigs of RAM, so I'm not sure if you'll have the same results. Never hurts to try though. :P
Anyways, what you want to do is - in Steam - go into 'My Games.' Right click the game you want and select 'Set Launch Options' then insert the following:
-dxlevel [insert # here]
For Half Life 2 "-dxlevel 81" runs fine. Portal works when I force "-dxlevel 90". Same with Team Fortress 2. I haven't tried anything on Episode 1 or 2, because I haven't completed Half Life 2, yet. I suspect they'll run at "-dxlevel 90".
Took me an entire day to figure out how to get everything to run. Best of luck to you.
