So, as some people may know, I'm trying to build a gaming PC. This will take a few months for me to get the money, but I got an idea, what about using my mom's laptop to play Team Fortress 2 in the mean time? I want to know if this PC could run TF2 as I await getting my own gaming PC.
Just try running it. That's how you'll know. If you buy TF2 you can install it on as many systems as you like, so buy it, install it and see if it runs. I assume you will buy it when you get your gaming PC anyway, so just install steam, buy it now and see if it runs.
You're best off by simply installing it and trying it out. And to look in for detailed spec requirements, go to the Can You Run It link posted above and check out the minimum/recommended specs written down at TF2's official page at the Steam store.
Basically, you download one of those config files, place it in the directory specified, and run the game. They'll dial down the graphical quality for you so that you can play on older and underpowered hardware. I'd bet you could get a playable framerate on that machine using one of them.
@lane: How do it on Windows 7? I can't find Steam to save the config. I can save it to my documents and stuff, but I just can't find Steam/steammaps/etc. place he wants me to install it to/
" @AlwaysAngry: Have you installed the game yet? "
Yes, and I can't run it well, even on the lowest settings. I give up. Oh well, it would be the game I get when I get my gaming PC anyway, so it's not like I wasted money...
Don't give up yet. The game can be scaled down with much greater precision than what's provided in the options menu. Try what GTFShadow suggested and report back.
@lane: I got one config that makes it playable, but it's far from smooth, and of the graphics obviously look like shit. I want to just stop now and wait until I get a my own PC that will actually be built for gaming, because this is just making me hate the game.
There's screenshots on the site if you want to see how the different configs make the game look. You can scale it even further down than that if you want to, but then it starts getting really awful:
Windows 7 ultimate (32 bit.)
2gb RAM.
Duel Core 2.26 GHz processor.
nVidia Quadro NVS 160m.
Now, I really know nothing about this graphics card, but because I think everything else is fine. Tested, what do you guys think?
Gentlemen...
Basically, you download one of those config files, place it in the directory specified, and run the game. They'll dial down the graphical quality for you so that you can play on older and underpowered hardware. I'd bet you could get a playable framerate on that machine using one of them.
I got yes to everything except for the OS, but I know that TF2 runs on Windows 7, so I guess I'm good!
Have you installed the game yet?
E: Added a link to a picture
Yes, and I can't run it well, even on the lowest settings. I give up. Oh well, it would be the game I get when I get my gaming PC anyway, so it's not like I wasted money...
Don't give up yet. The game can be scaled down with much greater precision than what's provided in the options menu. Try what GTFShadow suggested and report back.
Can somebody please give me a step-by-step on how to install configs for idiots?
Sorry, I forgot Steam doesn't put games in the Start Menu. When you look in C:\Program Files, you don't see a folder called "Steam?"
I got it, but the settings still aren't low enough. I saw videos of it even lower on You Tube, I need to get them somehow.
Dang. I've been able to get it to run on some pretty sorry hardware using custom configs. Sorry your luck wasn't as good.
There's screenshots on the site if you want to see how the different configs make the game look. You can scale it even further down than that if you want to, but then it starts getting really awful: