I own a Surface Book 2 13’’ with 8GB DDR3 RAM, an Intel Core i5 7300U CPU at 2.60 GHz, and Intel HD Graphics 620. I mainly use it for browsing, playing games like Minecraft, and some work tasks. In Minecraft, I get about 30 FPS with settings at their lowest, and up to 40 FPS in single-player. I’ve heard that updating GPU drivers can help performance, but my GPU is integrated into the CPU. Can I still upgrade it? Also, is enabling XMP in the BIOS for my RAM possible, and would it be risky? Lastly, would updating to Windows 11 be beneficial or could it decrease performance?
For better performance in Minecraft, consider using performance mods. They could potentially boost your FPS to over 60.
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I had a laptop with a similar iGPU and was able to play games like Overwatch and Skyrim at around 30 fps after undervolting. PS3 era games ran fairly well too.
Updating your iGPU drivers from Intel’s official website can improve performance. As for RAM, upgrading to 16 GB would be beneficial if your laptop supports it. XMP is unlikely to be available on your laptop. Gaming on low-demand titles like Fortnite and Minecraft should be fine, but AAA games are out of reach without cloud gaming solutions.
You can game on your laptop but expect to adjust game settings to lower levels. Check out YouTube for tutorials on using mods like sodium for better performance in games like Minecraft.
Software updates can only do so much if the hardware is limited. Define what ‘fun’ means for you in gaming. For light games, your laptop should cope, but for more intensive games, consider cloud gaming services if you have good internet.
Using mods like sodium for Minecraft can greatly enhance your game performance. Even users with mid-end hardware can benefit from these mods.
Search for game performance with your CPU model on YouTube to set realistic expectations. Consider investing time in more productive activities now, and later you might be able to afford a better gaming setup.
Keep your system updated including BIOS, Windows, and GPU drivers. For specific games like Minecraft, consider performance mods. If you want to optimize further, inquire within specific game subreddits.
Gaming fun is subjective. With your specs, manage your expectations and focus on less demanding games. GPU driver updates are usually included in Windows updates for integrated GPUs. XMP is unlikely, and Windows 11 might not offer significant improvements for your setup.