Optimizing Gaming Performance with 8GB RAM and Nvidia 820M

Are you a gaming enthusiast looking to maximize the performance of your system with 8GB of RAM and the Nvidia 820M graphics card? In this guide, we'll explore the types of games that can run efficiently and make optimization tips to enhance your gaming experience.

Types of Games You Can Run

With 8GB of RAM and an Nvidia 820M graphics card, you can run a variety of games that are not too demanding. Here are some categories and examples of games you can enjoy:

Indie Games

Stardew Valley - A delightful farming sim game that can run smoothly with proper settings. Undertale - A unique rogue-like RPG that doesn't require high-end hardware to enjoy. Hollow Knight - An elegant 2D action RPG that can benefit from lower settings for better performance. Celeste - A challenging platformer with breathtaking visuals that can run nicely on lower settings.

Older Titles

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive - A popular first-person shooter that can run relatively well on many setups. Team Fortress 2 - Another favorite among gamers, especially those who enjoy a team-based approach to the FPS genre. Dota 2 - A highly competitive multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that can run smoothly if you have a decent setup. Left 4 Dead 2 - A cooperative first-person shooter that can run nicely without overtaxing your system.

Mid-range Games (Lower Settings)

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings - A deep and immersive RPG that can be played on lower settings for a smoother experience. Borderlands 2 - A classic first-person shooter with colorful visuals and a fast-paced action that can run on lower settings. Darks Souls - A challenging action RPG known for its series that can be manageable with appropriate settings. Skyrim - An epic open-world RPG that can run on relatively low settings for a good balance between visuals and performance.

Strategy Games

Civilization V - A turn-based strategy game that can be played on lower settings for a better experience. XCOM: Enemy Unknown - A classic tactical strategy game that can run on lower settings to save resources for combat. Total War: Shogun 2 - A grand strategy game with epic battles that can benefit from optimized settings.

Simulation Games

The Sims 4 - A fun and engaging life simulation game that can be played on lower settings for better performance. Cities: Skylines - A city-building simulation game that can be adjusted to run more efficiently on lower settings. Planet Coaster - A theme park simulation game that can run nicely with lower settings to enjoy its immersive visuals.

Tips for Optimization

To further optimize your gaming experience, consider the following tips:

Lower Graphics Settings

Many games offer a range of settings that can be adjusted, including resolution, texture quality, and shadows. Lowering these settings can significantly improve performance and ensure a smoother gaming experience.

Update Drivers

To ensure your Nvidia drivers are up to date, visit the Nvidia website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card. This will optimize performance and potentially fix any issues you may be experiencing.

Close Background Applications

Closing unnecessary background applications can free up resources for gaming, resulting in better performance and a smoother experience.

Example of Determining What Games Can Run

If you're curious about what games your current setup can run, follow these steps:

Search on your browser “Can My PC Run It?” Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “How Many Games Can I Run” Click “How Many Games Can I Run” again to access the detection tool Download the software to detect your system’s specifications Open the software and wait until it is done Look back into your browser to see the results

For example, I have a laptop with an i7-8750H, GTX 1050 with 4GB VRAM, and 8GB of RAM. Using the detection tool, you can easily determine what games you can run on your own computer.

Conclusion

While the Nvidia 820M is an entry-level GPU, it can handle many less-demanding games quite well. For newer titles, you may need to stick to lower settings or reduce resolutions for a smoother experience. With the right setup and optimizations, you can enjoy a wide range of games on your system. Happy gaming!