How to compare "System Requirements" with "My System" and choose games?

[wrongfoot]

I've a 3yr old Laptop that runs a few games Portal/Half-Life (remember them?). I'd like to buy more games on Steam but I can't tell whether I can run them because I don't know the Performance Ranks for Graphics cards and where my GPU sits in those ranks so I can't be sure whether my GPU is higher than the minimum quoted for the game.

Surely Valve/Steam have come up with a search that allows you to only list games that your system can run and shop for those? But I haven't found it. Dumb consumers like me would love to have a simple search limited to games that suit my system. I'm very confident that I can't run Deus Ex and suchlike but the Steam Platform advertises them to me nontheless.

Can anyone explain how I can screen my games buying in Steam? Or if Valve aren't able to sell to me on that basis can any of you point me at a GPU ranking system that will allow me to place my ancient nVidia GT 320M on a performance scale so I can screen out games I can't run.

Thanks for reading and thanks for helping out a real gaming novice.

Paul.

[Felix]

There are guidance websites related to this sort of information, but nothing is absolute because there are so many factors as to whether a computer can run a game or not.
The choice favourite I tend to find is System Requirements Lab, Can You Run It[www.systemrequirementslab.com]?

But, again, this is just a guide and nothing more. Don't take what it says to be hard evidence.

If you wish to do manual comparisons but you struggle to remember the specs of your computer, the Steam Client has a feature to tell you what your hardware is.
On the Main Steam Client window, click "HELP" at the top, followed by "System Information".

You might find it beneficial to perform an internet search about system requirements for games to try to self-teach yourself some basics. However, it is a complicated world so don't expect to pick it up all at once.

And if you're still confused and worried about purchasing a game: Feel free to post on the Steam Discussions again asking if your computer will be able to run the game. Someone with the know how will be able to guide you. (Of course, the information given to you will be guidance. Every computer is different!).

Hope this helps! :)

[wrongfoot]

Thank-you. That's a really clear reply and that "Can You Run It" site is definitely a start.

BTW any oldish games that you'd recommend as classics of their genre? (Any genre since I'd like to try a few out and see what I enjoy).