Any preliminary info about system requirements? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Any preliminary info about system requirements?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
darkangel1979
Apr 04, 2008 12:03:33 I'm on the lookout for a portable computer to aid with my PnP gaming, as well as provide a way for me to surf online when the girlfriend is hogging the computer for graphics-intensive applications (Second Life, MMOs, etc). Basically, Wi-Fi, ability to access the Internet, read PDFs, etc... The big sticking point is whether or not it might be able to run the Game Table software. I'd like to know just how low I can go. I've been looking at used Pentium 3s in order to keep this really low budget, don't really mind if the graphics are subpar as long as I can access the software. Obviously ideally I'd be getting the latest and greatest, but I'm not made of cash (or rather, the cash I'm made of is being sunk into a lot of other things ). Since *apart* from the Game Table my use for it will be highly mundane, I was wondering if there has been any info on just how much of a beast I will need to run it, as it will affect my purchasing decision.
#2
Kentinal
Apr 04, 2008 13:26:16
I'm on the lookout for a portable computer to aid with my PnP gaming, as well as provide a way for me to surf online when the girlfriend is hogging the computer for graphics-intensive applications (Second Life, MMOs, etc). Basically, Wi-Fi, ability to access the Internet, read PDFs, etc... The big sticking point is whether or not it might be able to run the Game Table software. I'd like to know just how low I can go. I've been looking at used Pentium 3s in order to keep this really low budget, don't really mind if the graphics are subpar as long as I can access the software. Obviously ideally I'd be getting the latest and greatest, but I'm not made of cash (or rather, the cash I'm made of is being sunk into a lot of other things ). Since *apart* from the Game Table my use for it will be highly mundane, I was wondering if there has been any info on just how much of a beast I will need to run it, as it will affect my purchasing decision.

There is not much on resources I know of, Windows required and DirectX9 used for Game Table and one other application (I just forget which one), the others are Window based. There might be something out there are how low will work, however best I know coding is not completed yet so actual resource needs would likely be a guess.
#3
WolfStar76
Apr 04, 2008 14:04:06
I'm on the lookout for a portable computer to aid with my PnP gaming, as well as provide a way for me to surf online when the girlfriend is hogging the computer for graphics-intensive applications (Second Life, MMOs, etc). Basically, Wi-Fi, ability to access the Internet, read PDFs, etc... The big sticking point is whether or not it might be able to run the Game Table software. I'd like to know just how low I can go. I've been looking at used Pentium 3s in order to keep this really low budget, don't really mind if the graphics are subpar as long as I can access the software. Obviously ideally I'd be getting the latest and greatest, but I'm not made of cash (or rather, the cash I'm made of is being sunk into a lot of other things ). Since *apart* from the Game Table my use for it will be highly mundane, I was wondering if there has been any info on just how much of a beast I will need to run it, as it will affect my purchasing decision.

As Kentinal said, there haven't been any hints as to what the specs are going to be yet.

However, having seen the product, I think (my opinion) you'd have a hard time finding a new Windows-based PC that *won't* run it.

The 3D is limited to the Game Table and the Character Visualizer (that's the one you forgot, Kentinal) and because these aren't high-refresh applications that have to redraw tons of polygons at 30+ frames per second, there won't be high demand there.

Memory might be an issue as they keep adding items to the Character Creator, but right out of the gate that should be a (fairly) compact file.

I'd think any machine with a Gig of RAM (two if you have Vista) and a decent 3D accelerator (I think 128MB Video RAM is required for Vista Aero and should be plenty for these applications) you'd be fine.

I could be way wrong, but that's where I'd guesstimate things to be at today.
#4
darkangel1979
Apr 10, 2008 11:21:26 Some minimal requirements in the new DDI FAQ

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dndifaq

The D&D Insider applications have been developed for the PC platform. Two of the applications (the D&D Game Table and the Character Creator) use a 3D engine based on DirectX. Our recommended specs include Windows XP SP2, 512MB RAM, AMD XP 2400 + or Intel P4 2.6Ghz, and a graphics card with 128 MB RAM and support of Shader 2.0. These recommended specs allow you to experience the full range of lighting and shade effects our 3D engine offers.

2.6 Ghz is way too high for a budget laptop (i.e. <= 500$).

I bought a somewhat high end machine less than 5 years ago and I'm hitting their recommended specs (barely). Guess I'll have to stick to the desktop for playing on the Game Table.

Maybe it's just me but the graphics don't seem to justify that kind of specs.
#5
WolfStar76
Apr 10, 2008 13:30:10
Some minimal requirements in the new DDI FAQ

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dndifaq

2.6 Ghz is way too high for a budget laptop (i.e. <= 500$).

I bought a somewhat high end machine less than 5 years ago and I'm hitting their recommended specs (barely). Guess I'll have to stick to the desktop for playing on the Game Table.

Maybe it's just me but the graphics don't seem to justify that kind of specs.

Those graphics specs seem to simply be the Vista Home Plus (Aero interface) specs. Maybe they just lifted those?
#6
Kentinal
Apr 10, 2008 14:48:00
Those graphics specs seem to simply be the Vista Home Plus (Aero interface) specs. Maybe they just lifted those?

Perhaps going with better high specs, then getting complaints it does not work?

I do know they said Vista would not be required. *shrugs*

I know I am not buying a new box for this.
#7
alanshutko
Apr 11, 2008 21:44:05 Pentium M-based CPUs (like the Core Duos now popular) are roughly as powerful as a Pentium 4 of twice the clock speed. So a Pentium 4 2.6GHz is about equivalent to 1.3GHz in a Core cpu. Basically any laptop sold today should be able to handle it.
#8
morbus_iff
Apr 29, 2008 18:54:25 What is most telling about these requirements is the Shader 2 requirement. This means that Mac users will /not/ be able to use the software under any of the available emulators (Parallels, VMWare, etc.). Whilst they both support DirectX 9 applications, neither supports Shader components. This means the only recourse for Mac users would be a Boot Camp installation.
#9
Ugavine
May 10, 2008 6:56:35 Well I was interested.

Then I heard about the added costs for extra virtual minis... started to put me off.

Now I've seen the system requirements. Are they having a laugh?! Not everyone can afford a top spec machine, which is pretty much what you need.

At least Wizards have made the decison for me, I won't be subscribing to the D&D Gaming Table through the pure reason I can't run it.
#10
steerpike7
May 10, 2008 8:59:09
Now I've seen the system requirements. Are they having a laugh?! Not everyone can afford a top spec machine, which is pretty much what you need.

Top spec? My 3-4 year old machine that I keep in the other room because I still play some of the games on it exceeds the specs that are listed by WotC.

DDI doesn't require anywhere even close to a top spec machine to run it.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 darkangel1979 Apr 04, 2008 12:03:33	I'm on the lookout for a portable computer to aid with my PnP gaming, as well as provide a way for me to surf online when the girlfriend is hogging the computer for graphics-intensive applications (Second Life, MMOs, etc). Basically, Wi-Fi, ability to access the Internet, read PDFs, etc... The big sticking point is whether or not it might be able to run the Game Table software. I'd like to know just how low I can go. I've been looking at used Pentium 3s in order to keep this really low budget, don't really mind if the graphics are subpar as long as I can access the software. Obviously ideally I'd be getting the latest and greatest, but I'm not made of cash (or rather, the cash I'm made of is being sunk into a lot of other things ). Since apart from the Game Table my use for it will be highly mundane, I was wondering if there has been any info on just how much of a beast I will need to run it, as it will affect my purchasing decision.
#2 Kentinal Apr 04, 2008 13:26:16	I'm on the lookout for a portable computer to aid with my PnP gaming, as well as provide a way for me to surf online when the girlfriend is hogging the computer for graphics-intensive applications (Second Life, MMOs, etc). Basically, Wi-Fi, ability to access the Internet, read PDFs, etc... The big sticking point is whether or not it might be able to run the Game Table software. I'd like to know just how low I can go. I've been looking at used Pentium 3s in order to keep this really low budget, don't really mind if the graphics are subpar as long as I can access the software. Obviously ideally I'd be getting the latest and greatest, but I'm not made of cash (or rather, the cash I'm made of is being sunk into a lot of other things ). Since apart from the Game Table my use for it will be highly mundane, I was wondering if there has been any info on just how much of a beast I will need to run it, as it will affect my purchasing decision. There is not much on resources I know of, Windows required and DirectX9 used for Game Table and one other application (I just forget which one), the others are Window based. There might be something out there are how low will work, however best I know coding is not completed yet so actual resource needs would likely be a guess.
#3 WolfStar76 Apr 04, 2008 14:04:06	I'm on the lookout for a portable computer to aid with my PnP gaming, as well as provide a way for me to surf online when the girlfriend is hogging the computer for graphics-intensive applications (Second Life, MMOs, etc). Basically, Wi-Fi, ability to access the Internet, read PDFs, etc... The big sticking point is whether or not it might be able to run the Game Table software. I'd like to know just how low I can go. I've been looking at used Pentium 3s in order to keep this really low budget, don't really mind if the graphics are subpar as long as I can access the software. Obviously ideally I'd be getting the latest and greatest, but I'm not made of cash (or rather, the cash I'm made of is being sunk into a lot of other things ). Since apart from the Game Table my use for it will be highly mundane, I was wondering if there has been any info on just how much of a beast I will need to run it, as it will affect my purchasing decision. As Kentinal said, there haven't been any hints as to what the specs are going to be yet. However, having seen the product, I think (my opinion) you'd have a hard time finding a new Windows-based PC that won't run it. The 3D is limited to the Game Table and the Character Visualizer (that's the one you forgot, Kentinal) and because these aren't high-refresh applications that have to redraw tons of polygons at 30+ frames per second, there won't be high demand there. Memory might be an issue as they keep adding items to the Character Creator, but right out of the gate that should be a (fairly) compact file. I'd think any machine with a Gig of RAM (two if you have Vista) and a decent 3D accelerator (I think 128MB Video RAM is required for Vista Aero and should be plenty for these applications) you'd be fine. I could be way wrong, but that's where I'd guesstimate things to be at today.
#4 darkangel1979 Apr 10, 2008 11:21:26	Some minimal requirements in the new DDI FAQ http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dndifaq The D&D Insider applications have been developed for the PC platform. Two of the applications (the D&D Game Table and the Character Creator) use a 3D engine based on DirectX. Our recommended specs include Windows XP SP2, 512MB RAM, AMD XP 2400 + or Intel P4 2.6Ghz, and a graphics card with 128 MB RAM and support of Shader 2.0. These recommended specs allow you to experience the full range of lighting and shade effects our 3D engine offers. 2.6 Ghz is way too high for a budget laptop (i.e. <= 500$). I bought a somewhat high end machine less than 5 years ago and I'm hitting their recommended specs (barely). Guess I'll have to stick to the desktop for playing on the Game Table. Maybe it's just me but the graphics don't seem to justify that kind of specs.
#5 WolfStar76 Apr 10, 2008 13:30:10	Some minimal requirements in the new DDI FAQ http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dndifaq 2.6 Ghz is way too high for a budget laptop (i.e. <= 500$). I bought a somewhat high end machine less than 5 years ago and I'm hitting their recommended specs (barely). Guess I'll have to stick to the desktop for playing on the Game Table. Maybe it's just me but the graphics don't seem to justify that kind of specs. Those graphics specs seem to simply be the Vista Home Plus (Aero interface) specs. Maybe they just lifted those?
#6 Kentinal Apr 10, 2008 14:48:00	Those graphics specs seem to simply be the Vista Home Plus (Aero interface) specs. Maybe they just lifted those? Perhaps going with better high specs, then getting complaints it does not work? I do know they said Vista would not be required. shrugs I know I am not buying a new box for this.
#7 alanshutko Apr 11, 2008 21:44:05	Pentium M-based CPUs (like the Core Duos now popular) are roughly as powerful as a Pentium 4 of twice the clock speed. So a Pentium 4 2.6GHz is about equivalent to 1.3GHz in a Core cpu. Basically any laptop sold today should be able to handle it.
#8 morbus_iff Apr 29, 2008 18:54:25	What is most telling about these requirements is the Shader 2 requirement. This means that Mac users will /not/ be able to use the software under any of the available emulators (Parallels, VMWare, etc.). Whilst they both support DirectX 9 applications, neither supports Shader components. This means the only recourse for Mac users would be a Boot Camp installation.
#9 Ugavine May 10, 2008 6:56:35	Well I was interested. Then I heard about the added costs for extra virtual minis... started to put me off. Now I've seen the system requirements. Are they having a laugh?! Not everyone can afford a top spec machine, which is pretty much what you need. At least Wizards have made the decison for me, I won't be subscribing to the D&D Gaming Table through the pure reason I can't run it.
#10 steerpike7 May 10, 2008 8:59:09	Now I've seen the system requirements. Are they having a laugh?! Not everyone can afford a top spec machine, which is pretty much what you need. Top spec? My 3-4 year old machine that I keep in the other room because I still play some of the games on it exceeds the specs that are listed by WotC. DDI doesn't require anywhere even close to a top spec machine to run it.