Thinkpad X201 family gaming

[DaKKS]

I've been testing the limits of my X201 recently. Decided to check what kind of games run reasonably well. I haven't found a similar thread here so I figured I'd share my findings.

Test system: Thinkpad X201, i5-520m, Intel HD 1000, 8GB, Intel 330 180GB, 6 cell, Windows 7 Ult. x64

First of all, as a SWTOR druggie I had to test it.

Star Wars: The Old Republic
Resolution: 1024x768 (anything lower breaks UI)
Settings: Tweaked ultra low. custom client_settings.ini
FPS: 15-30
Verdict: Somewhat playable in PvE combat. Avoid large groups and stay FAR away from Republic fleet and you'll be fine. Its no epic gaming experience by any stretch of the imagination, but if you're bored and have a wifi hotspot nearby, its not horribly unplayable either. A larger optimization patch is planned in the future (v2.0?) Performance will be much better if EAWare keeps it promises. Which I doubt, but they deserve a chance....

WIP, might break auto dismount client_settings.ini must be set to read only in properties.

Code: Select all

[Renderer]
AllowDepthOfField = false
AmbientNPCCount = 35
D3DFullScreen = true
doBlobShadows = false
doShadows = false
EnableBloom = false
GraphicsDeviceId = 70
GraphicsQuality = 0
Height = 768
Width = 1024
NativeHeight = 800
NativeWidth = 1280
PerfTestFlags = 5161488
PlantDensity = 0
FarClipScale = 0.3371195
RefreshRate = 60
ShaderSet = 1
SpeedTreeDistanceScale = 0.75
TextureQuality = 5
VerticalSyncState = false
enableadvenvirolighting = false
enablebloom = false
WindowX = 0
WindowY = 0


[Game]
MoviesFolder = ..\..\Movies
SwtorRegKey = SOFTWARE\BioWare\Star Wars - The Old Republic

FarClipScale = 0.3371195 (draw distance) can be turned even lower. FarClipScale = 0.1371195 is the lowest known setting. C&P below PlantDensity.


Star Trek Online
Resolution: 1280x800
Settings: Low
FPS: 25-35
Verdict: Completely playable. Larger groups and PVP is much slower however.

Battlefield 2 / 2142
Resolution: 1280x800
Settings: Medium, max draw distance
FPS: Estimated 30-45

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Resolution: 1280x800
Settings: low, draw distance high. (Medium works splendidly, but creates microstutterings when flying in clouds.)
FPS: 35-65

Grand Theft Auto 4
Resolution: 800x600
Settings: Low
FPS: 20-30
Verdict: Major texture issues on Steam version, completely unplayable, but the game runs with a decent enough frame rate. If texture issues can be solved the game is playable.

Star Wars: Battlefront 2
Resolution: 1280x800
Settings: Near maximum
FPS: Estimated 40+

Star Wars Galaxies (SWGEmu)
Resolution: 1280x800
Settings: Medium (High works decently but draw distance must be lowered. Priorities...)
FPS: 35-50+
Verdict: Game is far from finished, still contains bugs, but is otherwise completely playable.

Trackmania Nations (WARNING. GAME HIGHLY ADDICTIVE. )
Resolution: 1280x800
Settings: Medium (Normal)
FPS: 30-50+
Verdict: Completely playable.


List will be updated as new games are tested. Posters are welcome to add games.