The minimum system spec is currently targeted at a 700 MHz PC with 128 MB RAM and a DX6-level video card, eg: TNT2 etc, meaning you won't need a supercomputer to run Half-Life 2 but don't expect to see reflective water,dynamic shadows and bump-mapped textures.

The game running at reasonable detail eg: 25/40 fps, requires a 1600Mhz cpu, 256 mb ram, GeForce4 Ti or Ati Radeon card.

In real life you need the best from a new game so I would recommend a 2000 cpu, or higher 512 mb ram or higher, GeForce4 Ti4800 128 ddr or ATI Radeon 9600 pro.
IF you've got the money ATI Radeon 9800 pro. or Geforce FX5900 ultra
The more power the better but not essential with this game.

 

This are the system requierments for the game.... and you have 32MB card and cannot be upgrade to a 64MB at least not from dell.... and you'll need 128MB for memory to run the game properly....

 

Regards Totis.

Thanks a lot for the quick response.

 

I've been doing a lot of research on this and haven't found a straight answer.  I know that Dell doesn't offer any graphics cards like the one you described that are compatible with my Inspiron 5100.  Is it still possible to upgrade to a 128 MB card for a laptop like mine?  Also, assuming it is and reasonably priced, is this something I'd be able to install myself? 

 

Basically what I'm asking is is it possible to install the graphics cards you mentioned on my laptop?  Most of the forums I've read seem to hint that there isn'y much you can do with a laptop unless it's Alienware or the Dell XPS or whatever it's called.

 

Again, thanks a lot for your help.

Well...do you think it's worth it settling for the 64, at least until I buy a new computer at some point?  Remember, I just need to play the game.  I don't need it to look amazing.

Alright, I've decided I'm gonna buy the 64 MB, even if I don't get reflective surfaces.  I just need to play that game.  Thanks a lot for your help guys!