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Author Topic: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop  (Read 4250 times)

Old Bones

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The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« on: February 06, 2012, 03:39:56 pm »

I mean a computer on which you can play Dwarf Fortress.

I consider myself moderately computer-inclined. Enough to be able to maneuver around a computer properly and keep it functioning relatively well. However, I'm not all that great at understanding anything involved with hardware. My computer that I'm on right now is on its way out, and I need to get a replacement.

And I play a lot of Dwarf Fortress. It would be really awesome if someone could give me some tips on what to be looking for. What I want is a laptop that can play Dwarf Fortress at the best possible level for its price.

I need something below or very near to $1000. I'm probably going to end up sticking some sort of Linux on it because from what I understand, DF runs better on Linux-based OSes. As well, it has to be a laptop because in the near future I'm probably going to be doing a lot of travelling.

I know there's another thread on the best possible DF computer but I have specific needs and would really appreciate some advice on this subject. Also I'm a new guy but I've been playing DF for years now. Hi!

Bottom Line: I need advice on how to create the best possible Dwarf Fort laptop under 1000 dollars.
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Zrk2

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Re: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« Reply #1 on: February 06, 2012, 03:42:13 pm »

AFAIK you need a single superprocessor and a decent amount of RAM to run DF well. I'd look into that if I were you.
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kaijyuu

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Re: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« Reply #2 on: February 06, 2012, 04:11:48 pm »

Two cores will slightly speed up the game, at least for some of the graphics stuff and whatever the OS is doing in the background. That way DF has a core all to itself.

Also a PC will be vastly superior to any laptop in the same price range.
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Old Bones

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Re: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« Reply #3 on: February 06, 2012, 04:56:16 pm »

I need the mobility, though. :<
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IronyOwl

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Re: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« Reply #4 on: February 06, 2012, 05:03:55 pm »

Zrk2 and kaijyuu pretty much have it covered. I'd strongly recommend looking into some sort of also-mobile cooling device as well, however, as heat is usually a laptop's greatest foe, even when they can run something well.
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Truean

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Re: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« Reply #5 on: February 06, 2012, 05:05:54 pm »

Welp, the thing about DF only running on one core is a valid concern. If you simply must have dual or quad core (I am not a fan due to motherboard meltings; That's right DF ate one of my lappies :P), might I suggest setting one of the processors to do nothing but play DF, especially if you've got them to spare?

In other news, I should really replace that motherboard (already bought new lappy).

Zrk2 and kaijyuu pretty much have it covered. I'd strongly recommend looking into some sort of also-mobile cooling device as well, however, as heat is usually a laptop's greatest foe, even when they can run something well.

Confirmed! :D And don't get a cheap one either. I did that. Mistake!
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Old Bones

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Re: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« Reply #6 on: February 06, 2012, 05:07:43 pm »

I don't need to have a dual or quad core. I just need a laptop that plays DF really well that is about a thousand bucks. Single core is A-OK.
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Truean

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Re: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« Reply #7 on: February 06, 2012, 05:21:50 pm »

I don't need to have a dual or quad core. I just need a laptop that plays DF really well that is about a thousand bucks. Single core is A-OK.

Good, because single core is better for this given that DF runs on only one core.
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Old Bones

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Re: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« Reply #8 on: February 06, 2012, 05:36:07 pm »

Any suggestions for model?
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Zrk2

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Re: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« Reply #9 on: February 06, 2012, 05:38:52 pm »

I bought a Dell, but that really has nothign to do with specs. You should look at processor stats and go from there.
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ggamer

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Re: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« Reply #10 on: February 06, 2012, 06:38:25 pm »




This would work best.

[/sarcasm]

Old Bones

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Re: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« Reply #11 on: February 06, 2012, 06:45:30 pm »

Yeah, wouldn't that only work with the effectiveness of one computer due to the lack of multithreading
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Tellemurius

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Re: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« Reply #12 on: February 06, 2012, 08:36:23 pm »

I don't need to have a dual or quad core. I just need a laptop that plays DF really well that is about a thousand bucks. Single core is A-OK.
if i can still find a single-core for a thousand bucks ill eat my shoe, for now, look for any intel in the i5s, i7s section, shit the i3s can run the game fine. And i doubt you spend more than 600 bucks depending what you want.

Hubris Incalculable

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Re: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« Reply #13 on: February 06, 2012, 11:33:48 pm »

I have a Compaq 6715b laptop with an AMD TurionX2. Bought it for $200-some bucks used. Runs DF quite nicely.

Now if only i could get it to play Minecraft...
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Old Bones

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Re: The Search for the Optimum Dwarf Fortress Laptop
« Reply #14 on: February 06, 2012, 11:46:14 pm »

I don't need to have a dual or quad core. I just need a laptop that plays DF really well that is about a thousand bucks. Single core is A-OK.
if i can still find a single-core for a thousand bucks ill eat my shoe, for now, look for any intel in the i5s, i7s section, shit the i3s can run the game fine. And i doubt you spend more than 600 bucks depending what you want.

I was expecting something more complex for some reason.
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