framerate drops dramatically, choppy audio

[DMB14]

I downloaded the HL2 demo and I had no problems playing the first section. When I play the second section where you have to shoot stuff it gets very very choppy and the audio is also choppy. After lowering the resolution and quality settings there wasn't really an improvement.

Is my computer just not up tp the job, or is something else going wrong?

 

[joule]

What are your system specs?

 

[DMB14]

-Intel Celeron M 1.3Ghz
-512mb RAM
-Intel Media Accelerator 900 graphics (up to 128mb shared)

I know it sounds shitty, but it's perfectly capable of playing UT2004 at full resolution and Rome Total War.

My brother's computer scored only 250 higher than me in 3DMark03 and he has no problems playing.

 

[joule]

Well that's your problem right there. You need to upgrade, mate, to enjoy the beauty of Half-Life 2 without any slowdown or choppiness.

 

[DMB14]

Ok, I actually have a new video card coming to me in the mail. Can't wait to install the sucker! Next is a Pentium M CPU.

Isn't it odd that a system that scores only 250 higher than me in 3DMark03 can play the game without the slowdown I'm getting?

 

[joule]

What video card did you order?

Are you on a laptop?

 

[DMB14]

Yes, I'm on a laptop. I ordered a 128mb ATI Mobility Radeon X300 (not the best card out there, but it is the best that I can upgrade to) from Dell spare parts for my Inspiron 6000. If the people I asked on Dell's forums are right and if Intel's website is right, the upgrade should work. I'll be hoping for the best...