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Will this computer run Second Life?

Clarissa Lowell

By Clarissa Lowell,
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Clarissa Lowell

Clarissa Lowell

Posted
Posted

I want to know. Then to keep the topic going other people can ask about a computer they might get.

Thanks

 

 

  • Lenovo Ideacentre Desktop / Intel® Pentium® Processor / 8GB Memory / 1TB Hard Drive
  • Power cord
  • PS/2 keyboard, USB optical mouse
  • Owner's manual

PRODUCT FEATURES

  • Intel® Core™ i3-2100 processor
    Features a 3MB cache and 3.1GHz processor speed.
  • Intel® Core™ i3 processor
    Features smart 4-way processing performance for HD quality computing. Intel® HD graphics are built into Intel's smart new processors.
  • 8GB DDR3 memory
    For multitasking power.
  • Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
    Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media.
  • 1TB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
    Offers plenty of storage capacity.
  • Intel® HD graphics 2000
    For lush images. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
  • 16-in-1 media reader
    Supports Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Secure Digital, miniSD, Secure Digital High Capacity, miniSDHC, xD-Picture Card, Microdrive and CompactFlash I/II formats.
  • Also compatible with MultiMediaCard, Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard, MultiMediaCard Plus and MultiMediaCard mobile formats.
  • 6 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
    For simple connectivity.
  • Built-in 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN
    For quick and easy wired Web connection.
  • Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system preinstalled
    Provides a stable computing platform.

 

Linda Brynner

Linda Brynner

Posted
Posted

Hi,

I don't think it will run SL all that well... that graphics card is for low demanding games like Sims3 and WoW at the lowest detail setting.

Although graphics in SL aren't all that super, SL requires a super computer since 2.8. The reason is unclear, but it certainly has to do with the poor coding and software development.

Since the official V1 viewer 1.23.5 isn't available anymore for download, I would at least advice to login in SL with an alternative V1 based viewer like Singularity, Phoenix, Imprudence. 

http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Downloads

 

 

Details why:

The Intel HD Graphics 2000 (or Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD 2000 or GMA HD 2000) is an integrated graphics card in the Sandy Bridge codenamed processors. It will most likely be included in slower mobile processors (Pentium brand e.g.) and is currently integrated in most desktop processors. The HD Graphics 2000 has no dedicated memory but shares the fast Level 3 Cache with the CPU cores and also part of the main memory. Due to Turbo Boost, the GPU can be overclocked depending on the current CPU load and power consumption. The GMA HD 2000 offers only half of the 12 Execution Units (EUs) of the Intel GMA HD 3000.

Because of the halfed amount of shaders, the gaming performance is only compareable to the old Intel GMA HD (in the Arrandale CPUs). Our tests with a desktop i5-2400 showed a performance level of a Geforce G 105M e.g. which is slightly faster. Therefore, only low demanding games like Sims 3 or World of Warcraft can be played in low detail settings fluently.

In addition to the GPU, the chip also houses some dedicated units for decoding and encoding HD videos. On the IDF Intel demonstrated the encoding of a 3 minute long 1080p video to an iPhone compatible format in 640x360 in only 14s. Another novelty of the Sandy Bridge GPU is the embedded DisplayPort eDP to connect internal Displays.

Due to the integration in the 32nm built CPU and the halfed amount of shaders, the power consumption of the GPU should be quite low and also suited for small and light laptops.

VRprofessor

VRprofessor

Posted
Posted

I was using a much lower performance computer to run SL.  As others have commented SL doesn't run very well without the graphics card, but it runs.  At the time it was all I needed.  My goals in SL did not require particularly good graphics or frame rates.  Having no experience with the higher frame rates I wasn't particulary bothered by the frame rates I was experiencing.

I've upgraded both my computer and expectations since then---well, expectations started going up and so I needed a new computer to better meet those expectations.

The real question is what sort of frame rates do you want/need in order to be satisfied? 

The beauty of the desktop is that you can upgrade.  My home desktop is an i5-2500k with no graphics card.  With low settings it runs at, for me, reasonable frame rates in moderately busy sims.  I can run medium settings in sims that don't have too many avis running around.  The i5 can often be found for about the same price as an i3

What I like best it is that in a month or two (okay 4-6 months realistically) I'll be able to buy a gtx560 (maybe better) card and I'll have both the CPU and GPU I need for pretty good graphics. 

The one thing you need to be worried about with desktops is the motherboard configuration.  The sandybridge motherboards come in three flavors and if memory serves the "h" configuration doesn't work well with add-in graphics cards.  The more tech savy folks should be able to tell you if my  memory is correct or not.

Clarissa Lowell

Clarissa Lowell

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks everybody! Sounds like look for Nvidia and avoid Sandybridge. 

I found this website. It is just an example there are probably other ones where you can build or have a computer built to spec. Are these prices fair? 

What would you say are the ideal specs for running SL? Dunno nothin' bout no frame rates but it would be great to start out with the best I can afford (I probably want to get in cheap) instead of starting out behind. If I have to be blah I should just wait.

I don't think I have ever seen SL at its best.

WhiteStar Magic

WhiteStar Magic

Posted
Posted

That site is awfully expensive ....

I would suggest looking @ Tigerdirect or Newegg.  I have ordered from both without a single issue and they support their products.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Category/guidedSearch.asp?CatId=6&cm_sp=Masthead-_-Computers-_-Spot%2006

Stick to NVidia Video card with 1GB, PC with 8GB ram (prefferable expandable) you'll be cooking with Gas.   You can buy a complete system for < $1000.00 that will serve your needs for several years.

Alternately, if your mechanically inclined and want more bang for buck (we all want that eh) you could purchase a "kit" which essentially all you have to do is to put all the parts together.  It's not a big task and while it may seem a bit daunting at first if this is something new to you, take the time, follow the instructions and you'll soon discover it's not that difficult.

See here for kits:  http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=31

Asus, Zotac, MSI & Gigabyte brand motherboards will give you no hassle.  (presented in my order of prefference but Asus is outstanding)

Do have a look here... They even provide online instructions & info for assembling your PC.   But look at the deals there and compare:  http://www.newegg.com/Store/Promotion.aspx?storeid=33&name=DIY-PC-Combos

This one is a beauty !   http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.770956

 

Good Luck & Have fun.

 

 

Madelaine McMasters

Madelaine McMasters

Posted
Posted

Clarissa Lowell wrote:

Thanks everybody! Sounds like look for Nvidia and avoid Sandybridge. 

I found
. It is just an example there are probably other ones where you can build or have a computer built to spec. Are these prices fair? 

What would you say are the ideal specs for running SL? Dunno nothin' bout no frame rates but it would be great to start out with the best I can afford (I probably want to get in cheap) instead of starting out behind. If I have to be blah I should just wait.

I don't think I have ever seen SL at its best.

Hi Clarissa, it's not a matter of avoiding Sandy Bridge processors, those are actually the best you can get. Some processors in the Sandy Bridge family have integrated graphics controllers (either HD2000 or the higher performance HD3000) and some do not. What you DO want to avoid is getting a computer which has only the integrated graphics, as even the HD3000 is low performance compared to a dedicated graphics processor from ATI or nVidia.

Integrated graphics controllers store all the display pixels and textures in your computer's main memory. The processor and graphics controller must then share main memory's precious bandwidth to get things done. By getting a computer with a dedicated graphics controller, having its own memory, you effectively double (or more) your computer's total available memory bandwidth.

Some laptops will use a Sandy Bridge processor with integrated graphics and an additional external graphics controller, switching between them in an effort to maximize battery life when you don't need the graphics power. If you are looking for a desktop machine, that's of no concern to you and you'd be better off getting a computer that uses a graphics free version of Sandy Bridge, so you aren't paying for an integrated controller you'll never use.

I hope this doesn't make things seem more complicated!

Madelaine McMasters

Madelaine McMasters

Posted
Posted

I just looked at Wikipedia's Sandy Bridge page ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Bridge )and see that most of the Sandy Bridge chips do indeed carry the integrated graphics controller. Only the top end i7 4/6 core chips seem to leave it off. Most of the rest of the family have the HD2000 controller on chip and a very few carry the HD3000 (which seems to be a bit faster and allows playback of 3D movies). I was trying to avoid complexity, but the charts on that page make my head hurt.

So, it seems that virtually any Sandy Bridge desktop PC you'll find will have integrated graphics. If that PC advertises an ATI or nVidia controller as well, Windows will probably turn off the integrated stuff and just use the external controller. If your budget does not allow for a PC with an ATI/nVidia graphics chip, you might want to look for HD3000, but that still probably won't give you a whizzy SL experience.

From what I've read, Sandy Bridge chips are about 20% faster than the generation before them. But, since SL is so heavily dependent on the graphics capability of your computer, maybe it's better to hunt down a computer with a previous generation i3/5/7 (which should lower the price) and spend the savings on a good graphics adapter.

As a Mac user, I don't have the ability to make such choices, I just get what I get. I wish I could just point you to the right answer for your budget. Sigh.

Good luck, Clarissa.

Linda Brynner

Linda Brynner

Posted
Posted

A few things you need to keep in mind Clarrisa concerning SL:

1. Nvidia works best for SL

2. DDR3 dedicated memory is needed at least (never integrated videomemory).

3. Memory bandwidth of at least 256 is needed (latest high end nvidia cards, or older 98xx based cards).

4. Video memory of 512 is enough since SL doesn't use much more than 400 or so.

5. Since SL 2.8, SL has become unproportional demanding on hardware; 1.23.5 is fast easy and less demanding, but the above still stands. Your card is too low for even older SL viewers. But if you want 1.23.5 it can be downloaded here now and you can still login with it. My prognoses is that it will let you login at least this remaining year. In the meanwhile you could orientate further.

http://www.sensic.nl/PrivateMedia/Second_Life_1-23-5-136262_Setup.exe

At this very moment for SL it is about luck which computer will run it well, even the latest 580 Nvidia has problems with it for far too many, but integrated cards like your's are far away from minimum requirements for all viewers.

Try 1.23.5, lower down graphics, set your bandwith in preferences at 1000. I agree it still not top but it might just work for now.

Linda Brynner

Linda Brynner

Posted
Posted

Hmm, yes i did read that article too just before i adviced, no offense, but it is too typical and nothing new to be bluntly hounest. 

And in specific, no one covers the Video ram bandwidth issue, but specially that is the most crucial thingy amongst my other points based on 5 years of experience and tests in the last 14 months on a large variety of systems and viewer combinations.

Therefore, i would advocate to follow the path of either i5/i7 + Nvidia 560(M) or higher.. or... Core2, Nvidia 98xx(M) + 1.23.5 or Phoenix, Imprudence, Singularity (V1 based viewers). And i dare to say... success garanteed.

Other than that it seems pure luck what works and what not since SL 2.8.

VRprofessor

VRprofessor

Posted
Posted

Some good news...my memory about the H series motherboards was incorrect, they do allow a discrete graphics card.  You don't have to worry about that.

The bad thing about off the shelf systems is that they often provide a power supply that doesn't support upgrading.  For the longest time I was looking at an i5-2500k based desktop (the "k" series apparently has the better built in graphics).  But no matter what I looked at, an entry level machine that could have stuff (like graphics cards) added later was going to need a power supply upgrade which pretty much wiped out any value associated with upgrading later.  

Going with the custom built was attractive, but the online folks have enough unhappy costumers that I was wary.  The nearest local shop I could find for custom builds was even more expensive than the online folks...full retail on parts plus about 10%.

I ended up buying parts from newegg and building my own.  (Very similar to the kit whitestar linked to--that is a nice kit.  You'll need to add the operating system and you'll want a DVD or Blu-ray drive to finish the build.)   I'm happy with the result I got and if you go that way I have some tips the more experienced folks would likely find to obvious to mention.  (It took me about 4 hours to accomplish what should have taken about 45 minutes--but I learned a lot.  And the experienced builders I talked with thought some things were too obvious to mention, adding at least an hour to my efforts.)

If I hadn't purchased a new laptop with a graphics card I wouldn't miss not having a graphics card in my i5 system.   It is better for SL than my work desktop which has some sort of pentium and an HD 4650 graphics card.   (I think my daughter's i3 laptop was at least as good as my work desktop when I tried it out.  I'll have to see if I wrote down any numbers anywhere.)

I agree with everyone who says "go sandybridge."  I agree that nvidia is the graphics card to get.  I disagree that you have to have to get a graphics card right away--unless you demand top notch performance.  (Definitely get a graphics card as soon as you can afford one, but unless you are already used to really good graphics you won't miss it if you get a sandybridge based computer.)  I like "build it yourself" but can understand why someone would be fearful of that--if you have any geeks you can call on in RL for some help you should try it once just to see how it goes.)

VRprofessor

VRprofessor

Posted
Posted

I have managed to get a few SL minutes on my i5-2500k desktop.  I started at NCI Kuula because there are typically lots of folks hanging around.  I have no graphics card and am running on "med" default settings on the viewer version that was most current as of 1:30pm server time Jan 15, 2012 (I just updated to the latest version). 

Walking around I get 10 - 15fps Standing still I am getting 7fps.

Resetting to "low" I am getting 10 - 14fps standing around and 15-18fps while walking around.

Not great, but workable.

In a fairly quiet sim, no other avis and a not too much stuff to rez I get 22-27fps with "low" settings and 15-17fps with "med" settings. 

My laptop with graphics card does better, I've gotten 50+fps with medium setting on this quiet sim, but I really don't feel particularly deprived running around with these frame rates.

If I were a photographer or Machinima person I would probably be very unhappy with these fps rates.  But for just walking around visiting and people watching, I'm content. 

Baloo Uriza

Baloo Uriza

Posted
Posted

Clarissa Lowell wrote:

PRODUCT FEATURES
  • Intel® Core™ i3-2100 processor

    Features a 3MB cache and 3.1GHz processor speed.
  • Intel® Core™ i3 processor

    Features smart 4-way processing performance for HD quality computing. Intel® HD graphics are built into Intel's smart new processors.
  • 8GB DDR3 memory

    For multitasking power.
  • Intel® HD graphics 2000

    For lush images. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
  • Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system preinstalled

    Provides a stable computing platform. 

It'll work, as will pretty much any computer built in the last decade.  Two things I would switch to instead, if possible:

  • ATI Radeon or nVidia quadro GPU.  OpenGL performance matters to SL, Intel GPUs just don't deliver very well on that.
  • Linux.  OpenGL performance is intentionally crippled on Windows to make DirectX more appealing to game developers.

 Full disclosure: I used to work for Intel, and am biased in Intel's favor.

  • 6 years later...
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