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Microsoft Surface Pro - Gaming Thread!
- Thread starter Damon Bennet
- Start date
-COOLIO-
The Everyman
isn't hd5000 just for desktops?
but damn im psyched for it too. either the hp split or surface pro with haswell gets all my money.
-COOLIO-
The Everyman
yup. kick stand it on a laptop bag and pull out a 360 controller, boom, steam gaming on a bus.
TurtleSnatcher
Member
Honestly ... I don't think anyone is comparing this to some sort of desktop machine. I still play my PC games on my desktop..
But if it's great to have the option to play something on the go. I can get a Macbook Pro I suppose which would be capable of doing it but I kind of lose the extra portability with that since it is much larger and heavier. (And I gotta boot camp for Windows programs)
I do like how all my Windows programs on a Pro work like any other notebook but in a much smaller form factor. The keyboard is also really good (not the Touch Cover one but the TouchKey one)
I think it is all a matter of preference honestly. I don't think I will use it for a marathon of gaming or anything. But for traveling in those short bursts.. It does the job
Yeah I think Haswell will get the 4400 for Ultrabook processors.
Either way.. whenever that comes out.. I will probably get it even though I JUST bought the Surface Pro
Muffin Awesome
Member
What are all your temps like on this thing, and a stupidly specific question, but does anyone have counter strike source in their steam library? And if so mind giving me a breakdown on temps and fps if you would have a moment?
Or you know, get a laptop.
But don't let me ruin this dream for you. I too once had the wildest fantasies of playing "PC games on the go" before I bought a gaming laptop.
Never again.
While I really like the Surface Pro, it really can't play many games at decent frame rates. I tend to play a lot of indies or less graphically intense games (Fez, Hotline Miami, Dota 2 etc)
I would recommend waiting for a Surface refresh, even though I don't think Haswell will be a huge jump in 3D game performance, but it will probably be much better for everyday use.
I would recommend waiting for a Surface refresh, even though I don't think Haswell will be a huge jump in 3D game performance, but it will probably be much better for everyday use.
Iced_Eagle
Member
No. Developers will need to port it to Windows 8, they don't share a marketplace. With that said, WP8 is actually running Win8 kernel, and has almost the same API's on WP8 and Win8. It's relatively easy to port between the two platforms, and a lot of games are released on both platforms. For example, the new Halo game is on both platforms.
LukasTaves
Member
I'm actually impressed with the performance in this thing. Torchilight 2, Dungeon Siege 3, L4D2, were some games that i tested recently and in the case of the last two, it looks better then the 360 port and it seems to run smoother too.
The haswell version is going to be amazing with improved graphics performance and battery life.
Yeah, runs pretty well, with everything medium (some even maxed) on 1080p (minus the shadows that i have to put at the lowest possible)
The haswell version is going to be amazing with improved graphics performance and battery life.
Yeah, runs pretty well, with everything medium (some even maxed) on 1080p (minus the shadows that i have to put at the lowest possible)
LukasTaves
Member
Honestly ... I don't think anyone is comparing this to some sort of desktop machine. I still play my PC games on my desktop..
But if it's great to have the option to play something on the go. I can get a Macbook Pro I suppose which would be capable of doing it but I kind of lose the extra portability with that since it is much larger and heavier. (And I gotta boot camp for Windows programs)
I do like how all my Windows programs on a Pro work like any other notebook but in a much smaller form factor. The keyboard is also really good (not the Touch Cover one but the TouchKey one)
I think it is all a matter of preference honestly. I don't think I will use it for a marathon of gaming or anything. But for traveling in those short bursts.. It does the job
Yeah I think Haswell will get the 4400 for Ultrabook processors.
Either way.. whenever that comes out.. I will probably get it even though I JUST bought the Surface Pro
Really? Now you made me sad
Muffin Awesome
Member
What is the heat and your frames like in L4D2? And do you have any other source games?
Monado Blade
Member
Oh man. Civ V is so awesome on the Surface Pro. It lags a bit but that's fine... it's not like it's precision-based FPS or anything. Touch controls are really good. Need some getting used to, but once you do... whoa.
I haven't installed any other games just yet but I'm thinking of getting a Logitech F710 later and downloading some 2D platformers like Rogue Legacy or Cave Story+ off of Steam so I have something to play when I go on vacation later this week.
I haven't installed any other games just yet but I'm thinking of getting a Logitech F710 later and downloading some 2D platformers like Rogue Legacy or Cave Story+ off of Steam so I have something to play when I go on vacation later this week.
a secret-boss
Banned
played Shadowrun with this. all touch controls
Nah just trying to catch the back to school crowd.
Astral/H3X
Member
Guys, we get that the device isn't for some of you. I get it. You don't need to keep repeating, "I don't get who this is for".
It's for people who like the tablet form factor (read: hyper tiny, handheld, touchscreen) but want it to also double as a full laptop when necessary. I don't need 1TB of storage, and I rarely need more than 1 USB port on this, so I fucking love it. Hell, with the SSD it was faster at some things than my desktop (Until of course I got an SSD in that...)
There's also the digitizer stylus support, something that extremely few devices have, short of some extremely old or just plain ugly convertible laptops, which allows me to doodle. Or, rather, enjoy Torchlight, since I typically hate Diablo controls.
If it's not for you, it's not for you. That doesn't mean that you have to go scream, "BUT WHO THE HELL WANTS THIS THING!?" to anyone who does want it.
It's for people who like the tablet form factor (read: hyper tiny, handheld, touchscreen) but want it to also double as a full laptop when necessary. I don't need 1TB of storage, and I rarely need more than 1 USB port on this, so I fucking love it. Hell, with the SSD it was faster at some things than my desktop (Until of course I got an SSD in that...)
There's also the digitizer stylus support, something that extremely few devices have, short of some extremely old or just plain ugly convertible laptops, which allows me to doodle. Or, rather, enjoy Torchlight, since I typically hate Diablo controls.
If it's not for you, it's not for you. That doesn't mean that you have to go scream, "BUT WHO THE HELL WANTS THIS THING!?" to anyone who does want it.
ambientmystic
Member
There're lots of positive impressions in this thread by Surface Pro owners gaming happily on their Pros and detailing their experiences.
I'm not quite sure who you're talking to/referring to by your statement.
-COOLIO-
The Everyman
i guess that works too, in a less cool way.
i cant bite on any non haswell mobile device. the battery life difference is just too awesome.
TaroYamada
Member
The only way I'm interested in tablet computing is a convertible with a full, robust, desktop OS like Windows Surface Pro. I want smaller laptops, not larger phones. The fact my steam library can carry over is super appealing but I'll probably go with one of Dell's convertibles.
TurtleSnatcher
Member
Seeing how they said it would be for 1 month.. also a RT refresh hasnt happened (Pro came out 4-5 months after the RT)... I'm doubting it will be that fast.
Monado Blade
Member
Installed Cave Story+. Didn't work. Crashed on launch.
Installed Fez. Didn't work either. Also crashed on launch.
Gurgh. Looks like I'll be playing Civ V only during my coming holiday. Don't have time to diagnose the problems and look for a solution.
Installed Fez. Didn't work either. Also crashed on launch.
Gurgh. Looks like I'll be playing Civ V only during my coming holiday. Don't have time to diagnose the problems and look for a solution.
VlaudTheImpaler
tl;dr
So here are some games that I have been playing on my Surface Pro lately.
*Touch enabled
This is a freaking indie gaming beast!
Also, for kicks and giggles, here is a list of other software that I use for work and play frequently on my pro.
I have ALL of these installed on my Pro and still have plenty of space, I also have a 1tb external hard drive that I keep all of my work files on for both security and convenience.
I am a designer and use the Stylus quite often, amazing pressure sensitivity for this type of device! I also picked up the MS Arc mouse, it's their blue light mouse that works on most surfaces, even glass. The only downside to the Arc mouse is that it takes up my only usb slot because it is not blue tooth. :/ I stayed away from blue tooth because I heard that it lagged. If that is not true please let me know as I would love to free up my port!
- Bloons Td5
- Botanicula
- Civ V*
- Don't starve
- Dota 2
- FTL: Faster Than Light
- Legends of Grimrock*
- Machinarium
- Revenge of the Titans
- Samarost 2
- Kentucky Route 0
- Sword and Sworcery*
- Torchlight 2
*Touch enabled
This is a freaking indie gaming beast!
Also, for kicks and giggles, here is a list of other software that I use for work and play frequently on my pro.
- Microsoft Office
- Photoshop CS6
- AutoCAD
- FL Studio
- Sketchbook Pro
I have ALL of these installed on my Pro and still have plenty of space, I also have a 1tb external hard drive that I keep all of my work files on for both security and convenience.
I am a designer and use the Stylus quite often, amazing pressure sensitivity for this type of device! I also picked up the MS Arc mouse, it's their blue light mouse that works on most surfaces, even glass. The only downside to the Arc mouse is that it takes up my only usb slot because it is not blue tooth. :/ I stayed away from blue tooth because I heard that it lagged. If that is not true please let me know as I would love to free up my port!
VlaudTheImpaler
tl;dr
Well hopefully you have time to read this! This should help you, it worked for me. You might have to re install it a couple times because it tries to roll back but it should stick after that. Hope that helps!
Chief Icaroc
Banned
I agree with this statement fully and I only have the RT. It is a more capable device than a tablet by far and replicates a light version of a laptop very well. The surface is a great device imo.
cyberheater
PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 Xbone PS4 PS4
I too once bought a gaming laptop. It was fine for normal tasks but when you actually wanted to play games, it was time to enjoy gaming on a laptop that sounds like a jet engine and a had a battery life measured in minutes.
Monado Blade
Member
Finally! Two more touch enabled games I can check out for my Surface Pro that isn't Civ V!
Ah! I suspected it was the drivers but hadn't gotten round to updating them. Thanks for the link. I'll give it a go before I head off. *fingers crossed*Well hopefully you have time to read this! This should help you, it worked for me. You might have to re install it a couple times because it tries to roll back but it should stick after that. Hope that helps!
EDIT: Holy shit! It worked! Thanks ever so much!
TurtleSnatcher
Member
I use the Wedge Mouse from Microsoft. It's small but I love it and doesn't lag. Also supports touch scrolling like a trackpad and I have ZERO lag.
Monado Blade
Member
I was wondering about the Wedge Mouse. Looks cool but is it comfortable for long periods of use?
TurtleSnatcher
Member
Seems fine to be honestly. It really isn't all that different then a trackpad but with better movement/precision since its in a mouse.
Zuhzuhzombie!!
Member
Im getting an iPad 4 next week for work. Gonna try and hit up the SA Mart and trade it + cash for a Surfase Pro. Wanna get my PS2/Wii emu and non AAA graphics portable gaming on.
ambientmystic
Member
Good luck with Dolphin lol. Even i7s struggle with it in certain games. (F-Zero GX etc)
PCSX2 is a much more reasonable target.
ss_lemonade
Member
I don't know about dolphin performance on the surface pro. Before I bought a videocard, I was stuck using integrated on my 3570k (which is the same hd4000). Even when oc'ed to 4.6, I still ran into framerate problems in certain games at 1x internal res.
Monado Blade
Member
That makes sense. Didn't cross my mind to think of it as a trackpad in a mouse. This is intriguing. I might actually want to get it. Just need to find a demo station somewhere first
LukasTaves
Member
Damn, I never though of using the pen to play torchlight 2 on it.
Now it's going to be even more amazing than having to put it on a desk to play with keyboard and mouse *o*
Edit: How do you use the belt quick slots with the pen (the 1-9 slots)? I mean, i can use potions, but for skills I can't direct them correctly...
It is surprisingly good to control the game that way though. Not as fast as having a keyboard would be but it should do for quick sessions
CosmicQueso
Member
Just got my Surface Pro in the mail yesterday... what an amazing device so far. I'm super impressed (still have an iPad 3rd gen).
Performance is fantastic... haven't dug too much into gaming yet but Civ runs quite nicely. To think I could have Excel doing nonsense in a meeting and be able to flip over to Civ when the powerpoint starts to roll? Amazing.
And I know people have said the pen is cool... and they're right. Mouse style functionality in a pen is a lot easier to use than I thought it'd be.
Overall I'm super happy with the purchase. Great device.
P.S. Shadowrun Returns works great on my surface pro.
Performance is fantastic... haven't dug too much into gaming yet but Civ runs quite nicely. To think I could have Excel doing nonsense in a meeting and be able to flip over to Civ when the powerpoint starts to roll? Amazing.
And I know people have said the pen is cool... and they're right. Mouse style functionality in a pen is a lot easier to use than I thought it'd be.
Overall I'm super happy with the purchase. Great device.
P.S. Shadowrun Returns works great on my surface pro.
Monado Blade
Member
Civ eats the battery like crazy though and when Windows pops the 10% battery left warning, Civ hides it. But because Civ loses focus to the warning, it won't detect your touch presses... until you connect a keyboard and alt-tab out and back again OR plug in your power adapter.
Monado Blade
Member
What. That's crazy! Now I'm regretting not buying it during the summer sale
I wonder how laggy the pen would be on a program like Painter 11 or Photoshop
is it good to paint with it ?
Astral/H3X
Member
Thats the point of the stylus, so while its no Intuous, its still rather good. The only issue is its basically a Bamboo, which means a *very slight* delay, and no tilt sensitivity, which given its directly on the screen means you can see the bit of innacuracy given in that. Still, very good unless you are a major Cintiq crackhead.
Monado Blade
Member
Look up the review by Gabe from Penny Arcade. Looks like little to no lag. I personally experience no lag on mine but I don't use Photoshop or Painter. Just some doodling in OneNote from time to time.
The thing is that Painter introduces extra lag on less powerfull hardware, beside any lag the pen itself might have
So the question was more about the whole package, or how laggy it is in a heavier program like Painter, considering both how the hardware handles Painter and the pan lag together
Having very little lag on the pan is definitly good
Monado Blade
Member
Is the i5 considered low end hardware? I can understand if Painter was GPU accelerated, the onboard intel HD Graphics 4000 is totally weak.
Gabe seems to have no probs with Sketchbook Pro though. Sorry, really can't help you regarding Painter but you could try asking in the more general Surface Pro thread in the OT.
i5 should be fine i guess, but i am not sure what the Painter lag depends on
Lupin3
Targeting terrorists with a D-Pad
New Macbook Airs have it.
I know but I haven't actually seen one taking advantage of it. Except for this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drT8Z68XSuw
Sega and Intel have a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-kiOBJT6cA
I just can't understand why Microsoft is not showing off the Pro's gaming abilities.
I've been using my Surface Pro for Poser renders (renders much faster than my 2007 desktop). I find it easier to work with renders than constantly looking for friends and random people to model for paintings. Plus, I don't have to shell out money per hour.
I also ran FFXIV ARR Character Creator benchmark and received decent scores.
I've been trying to play KOTOR on it and I keep getting this screwy border
I've set the game to the highest resolution and made the Surface Pro match it, and the border is still there. So I set the Pro to highest resolution and received the screen posted.
The problem isn't really the boarder, I know older pc games will have it due to resolution issues. The problem is that the game's image does not stretch or fit into the boarder perfectly and is partially obscured D:
I bought the game from Steam. I have a feeling I'm screwed because I can't find a fix anywhere online. I don't see many people playing the game on the device.
I also ran FFXIV ARR Character Creator benchmark and received decent scores.
I've been trying to play KOTOR on it and I keep getting this screwy border
I've set the game to the highest resolution and made the Surface Pro match it, and the border is still there. So I set the Pro to highest resolution and received the screen posted.
The problem isn't really the boarder, I know older pc games will have it due to resolution issues. The problem is that the game's image does not stretch or fit into the boarder perfectly and is partially obscured D:
I bought the game from Steam. I have a feeling I'm screwed because I can't find a fix anywhere online. I don't see many people playing the game on the device.
From the Steam Forums
SW KotOR on Windows 8 / 7 64 bit widescreen (1920x1200 / 1080...) NO CRACKED EXE
It took me some hours to get the game finally running especially with all the mods I like to use and as for me it is running perfectly now including 8 mods I wanted to share my knowledge hoping it will help others to enjoy this really awesome game.
First of all I do not use any cracks on my swkotor.exe or any "bad" scrips what I found is a widescreen solution that really works and in addition to this I run the game in window mode maximized. Cut scenes are working, as I already mentioned all mods work perfectly and the game does not crash at any point.
What I did to make it run:
Step 1:
Right click the swkotor.exe --> properties (Standard C:\Steam\SteamApps\common\swkotor) From there enter the Compatibility tab and set the Compatibility mode on Windows XP (Service Pack 2) and below under Privilege level check the box for Run this program as an administrator.
HINT: Keep the folder open you will need it in the upcoming steps.
--EDIT--
Step 1.1:
Turning off the automatic update from Steam for the game and the Steam ingame Community In-Game.
To do so enter the Steam library, right click the game --> properties and uncheck directly in General the "Enable Steam Community In-Game" and also turn off the automatic updates, that was the first things I found helping me to finally get the game running together with the compatibility mode.
Step 2:
Run the game at least once and change the graphics in the ingame menu if you can.
In case the game crashes directly on startup use the swconfig.exe, set the graphics to whatever you prefer and make sure to deactivate the hardware cursor so uncheck the Enable Hardware Mouse option in this Configuration Utility, also uncheck V-Sync if it is active.
If the game is always crashing on the start when showing the first videos also select the option Disable Movies for now.
For now this should enable you to enter the game and also reach the game menu, if not don't worry there is still some things to do.
When I got so far I could play the game but it was impossible for me to enjoy it in a higher resolution, no mods where working and the cutscenes forced the game to crash.
Step 3:
To be really able to run the game good and stable you need to force it into window mode, I really tried everything and there is no other option to get it running if you encounter problems or if you like to play it in high res.
To achieve this, again enter the steam swkotor folder as shown in Step 1 and open the swkotor.ini with notepad. (Right click --> Edit)
In the ini scroll down a little bit until you find [Graphics Options].
There below you can see all possible options for the game, including the Width and Height but changing those will not help you and if you enter a resolution that is not directly supported it will change back to 800x600 standard.
The option we need here is FullScreen=1. Change this line to FullScreen=0 and save the file.
From now on the game will start in window mode and should run properly on windows 7/8 32/64 bit.
Step 4:
After some research I found this awesome working tool here:
http://www.flawlesswidescreen.org/index.php/Flawless_Widescreen
Simply download the program fromthe page, the version you prefer, I took the No installer version and follow the instructions on the page on how to install or use it.
Best to use the standard settings and let it install plugins automatically!
As soon as the program is running scroll down in the list until you find the entree for Star Wars KOTOR, when you click on it, it should automatically start and install the necessary components for the high resolution options.
It will directly appear under FWS Plugins and show you a nice screenshot with some options you can leave in standard settings.
IMPORTANT: The program "Flawless Widescreen" has to run when you start the game, best is to minimize it to the system tray but the patch will not work without it.
Step 5:
Your game should be running now on the resolution you have choosen in the swconfig.exe and in window mode without any problems, if it still crashes see Step 2 on how to disable the movies.
Once in the game the first thing you need to do is changing the graphic settings, you should see now all necessary resolutions installed by the Flawless Widescreen patch. Choose the one fitting to your screen resolution and accept the changes in game.
You will notice that the game automatically turns back into fullscreen at this point, that is ok and there is nothing you can do against it!
For now leave it like that and quit the game again without starting anything or changing anything else.
Step 6:
Return to the swkotor folder as explained in Step 1, open the swconfig.exe again
!!!DO NOT CHANGE THE Resolution SETTINGS!!!
Check the box for Enable Hardware Mouse. This is very important or your mouse would be stuck within a 800x600 pixel field within the game. It took me quiet a while to figure that out. -.-
You can also uncheck the Disable Movies box if you checked it before and set V-Sync or do it afterwords in game.
Apply your changes and close the Utility.
Now enter the swkotor.ini again in edit mode as describet in Step 3 and again scroll down until the [Graphics Options].
Make sure that the line FullScreen=0 is still correct!
At the bottom you should find your new resolution next to Width and Height, if the digits are not the onse you have chosen you can simply enter now the correct ones for your screen and desire, as example:
Width=1920
Height=1200
This should do the trick so far, now start the game again, it might flickr a little bit at the beginning but after a few seconts you should see the window border coming up and the intro in the correct size and resolution running.
How to play it in high res window mode maximized:
To continue the game further on also with mods installed it is very important that you leave it in wondow mode until you are actually inside the game, I had some troubles loading games in maximized screen and that for recommend to wait with that until the game is really running and loaded.
To apply maximized mode simply move the mouse outside of the game window, carefully move it up to the top window boarder and drag it upwards until it maximizes itself, considering you did not deactivate the snapping options in windows. A double click might also do the trick but I cannot guarantee that it will work even if it should be the same thing.
For the first run and the character creation you shoule be able to directly enter maximized mode, I encountered not troubles there only later one when trying to load a saved game.
Another thing I encountered was a small issue, the game crushed for me once, it was a bad mod but it also cost me a save game, always quick save your game and make a real save in case one of them fails.
Edit / Update: One thing that came to my mind, the game crashed now twice when I maximized the window while I was in the ESC menu in-game, when I maximize it while I'm simply in game directly after the save game loaded everything goes fine. In case anyone else has those same problems.
Edit / Update: Lately I encountered some issues when starting the game using the flawelwss widescreen option. Windows starts working but nothing happenes and if I try again directly steam tells me the app is already running.
To solve this I found two ways:
One is to open the task manager, scroll down where steam is located and sometimes there is another SWKotor running, you simply kill the task and it works again, at least for me.
Option two, if there is no task I simply restart flawless widescreen and than restart the game, this also works for me mostly.
Edit / Update: IMPORTANT - DO NOT TAB OUT OF THE GAME WHEN YOU ARE IN THE IN-GAME MENU. For me it crashes every time I do that, if you tab out while you see your character, even if he starts spinning that doesn't matter but the game continues and can be entered again. At least in my experiance.
So that was it, in here are all the hints and tricks I found during the last days to get the game up and running properly with full screen and high res and all mods you desire, if you can still find some.
Hope this helps some fellow fans and enjoy the game!
The Dude