Curse

johnisme · Jun 11, 2005, 02:04 AM // 02:04

I would upgrade the video card before getting more ram,even though you will be swapping more with hdd space the video card will vastly improve the game play,then get 512mb of ram after,its no use with fast loading time when the game will play like a slide show.

Dirkiess · Jun 11, 2005, 11:19 AM // 11:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnisme

I would upgrade the video card before getting more ram,even though you will be swapping more with hdd space the video card will vastly improve the game play,then get 512mb of ram after,its no use with fast loading time when the game will play like a slide show.

Without Memory, a new card is worthless. It's like sticking a V8 in a Wreck. The V8 will run great, but the Wreck just doesn't have the capacity to keep on moving, and will keep grinding to a hault.

Going with the upgrade of memory on more occasions will drastically improve performance of everything on the machine, as loading times are greatly reduced.

Then setup the PC and game to go with what you have until the game is good to look at and smooth to run.

Then go for the upgrade in card.

And as he is running XP, without that extra Memory, the PC has to contend with Swapping out, not only XP usage but also game usage too and any other apps that are running in the background.

XP is resource hungry and probably gobbles up most of his memory as it is.

Vertical_Zer0 · Jun 11, 2005, 12:00 PM // 12:00

Given that you have just told us your CPU speed is only 1.1gHz, I would recommend upgrading that processor and motherboard. Can you tell us what kind of CPU it is? Pentium 3, Pentium 4, or AMD Duron? Does your motherboard have any AGP slots? With some more information, we can make some better upgrade ideas for you. It might be a better idea to get a new motherboard/CPU first because that in itself would help you out an awful lot.

Ikarii · Jun 11, 2005, 12:05 PM // 12:05

It's a AMD Athlon 1.1 GHz Processor. Also, my computer's about 2 years old.

Gen0c1de · Jun 11, 2005, 01:25 PM // 13:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetalX

The card dude the card. 256mb is ok for now, that 7200 probably shits bricks when you try to run the game. Get a used GeForce 4 or Radeon 8500 off eBay or some other used hardware source for $35-45 and avoid the mentioned 5200 like the plague, it's just a glorified GeForce 2.

I guess you failed at knowing how computers work. If you had a clue you would have said to upgrade the RAM first. Second have you ever test any of the cards you are recommending? I have personally used all the hardware you are talking about. Yes the Geforce4 a pretty cheap now but only being a direct X 8 compliant it really isn't a smart. Same with the with the Radeon 8500 it is only DX8 so why would you even tell him to buy something that isn't even DX9? I am right now currently using a FX5200 card and have had no problems with it, yes it isn't for high quality gaming but it does the job and has worked well for me for a year and a bit now.

I should hope you will go get educated before you recommend anything to anyone if you don't know what you are talking about.

and just for the record, I have been working with computer for 17 years and gaming for the better part of a decade, so i know what i'm talking about.

Now depending on how much you have to spend you can pick up RAM pretty cheap right now, if you can afford upgrading to 512 at the very least. You might be able to afford a cheap video card, the FX5200 are pretty cheap as well if you can find a radeon 9600 for under 50$ you might be able to do the upgrade for 100$

Loviatar · Jun 11, 2005, 03:01 PM // 15:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vertical_Zer0

Given that you have just told us your CPU speed is only 1.1gHz, I would recommend upgrading that processor and motherboard. .

isnt it fun spending someone elses money?

he said he has a very limited budget and you start out on the most expensive route

since it is win xp and the minimum ram recommended in the official game specs is 512 on the memory his first choice should be the ram

ON BUYING RAM

get the same ram as you already have (speed 2100,3200 etc) so the new will be most compatable with what you have

get 512 mb if you can instead of another 256 mb

get name brand (corsair, kingston, micron etc) as the cost is about the same as generic and if it goes poof you can send it back

anything you get FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS

Old Dood · Jun 11, 2005, 04:10 PM // 16:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loviatar

isnt it fun spending someone elses money?

he said he has a very limited budget and you start out on the most expensive route

since it is win xp and the minimum ram recommended in the official game specs is 512 on the memory his first choice should be the ram

ON BUYING RAM

get the same ram as you already have (speed 2100,3200 etc) so the new will be most compatable with what you have

get 512 mb if you can instead of another 256 mb

get name brand (corsair, kingston, micron etc) as the cost is about the same as generic and if it goes poof you can send it back

anything you get FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS

Good point. But he would do better to mow lawns, etc and build up some cash and buy at least a barebones system that will fill his need. Why throw good money at an aging system like that?

Ikarii · Jun 11, 2005, 04:58 PM // 16:58

I will never mow someone's lawn. XD As long as it runs smoothly, even with all low settings, I will be happy for now. So before I tell my parents what I want and have them head out and get it, let me make sure, that updating the RAM to about 1 gig, if I can afford it, will make the game run better with the game settings all on low?

ElRey · Jun 11, 2005, 08:07 PM // 20:07

what is your motherboard? Remember, some RAM is not compatible with some mobos. Always look on the manufacturers site for the mobo and check the RAM compatibilty list. It makes for less hassle, even if they may cost a little more

Loviatar · Jun 11, 2005, 08:29 PM // 20:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikarii

I updating the RAM to about 1 gig, if I can afford it, will make the game run better with the game settings all on low?

WARNING

check to see the maximum amount of ram that particular motherboard will take

some take as little as 512 mb max

check so you dont overbuy

dansamy · Jun 11, 2005, 08:38 PM // 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikarii

I will never mow someone's lawn.

This is what is wrong with today's children. When we wanted something when we were kids, we earned it ourselves. Even if our parents could afford to just buy it for us!

Social rant aside, you really need to give careful consideration to the cost effectiveness (or lack thereof) of upgrading a 2yr old system. A good new barebones setup is only a couple hundred dollars. If you get an allowance, it's time to start saving up. I personally would not upgrade a 2yr old PC.

Ikarii · Jun 11, 2005, 09:02 PM // 21:02

Couple of hundreds, eh? Yeah, I should have that much in no time. o_O;

I'm 16 next week, so I should be getting a job this summer. The thing is, I don't want to keep the game idle until I can afford a whole set of proper parts. I'm guessing then, I'll be going with the RAM, although my dad is telling me to get a new Video Card instead.

dansamy · Jun 12, 2005, 12:01 AM // 00:01

1. It is summer. Applications should be filled in using proper grammar and spelling, preferably with a black ink pen.

2. Couple hundred is not hard to save up if you *gasp* stoop to actually working for it.

3. I didn't suggest keeping the game idle while you saved up. As suggested above, buy one stick of RAM for under $50 and make do until you have enough to upgrade the whole PC. OR you could continue to play it as is and simply deal with the frustration of laggish game play.

4. Does your dad build PCs? As a hobby or for a living? You asked a public forum for advice and have received sound reccomendations. The decision, of course, is still yours.

Ikarii · Jun 12, 2005, 12:23 AM // 00:23

dansamy, here's a few suggestions for you. Why the hell don't you mind your own buisness? I only asked for help for choosing between buying RAM or a Video Card, and as far as I am concerned, you have no input and how I'll run my life. I don't need you to be telling me that is it summer, because I am not and idiot and I am capable to recognizing that fact for myself. I also do not need your help in how to earn money or in whom I should ask for help, concerning PCs. Thanks.

dansamy · Jun 12, 2005, 12:36 AM // 00:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikarii

Why the hell don't you mind your own buisness?

Because you asked in a public forum for opinions. I answered. I was not rude, but rather matter-of-fact with you. Do your parents know that you speak to adults with such churlishness?

Ikarii · Jun 12, 2005, 02:14 AM // 02:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by dansamy

Because you asked in a public forum for opinions.

I did, but I do not recall asking for advice on how to get a job or on which season it currently is. From my perspective your reply showed you to be an asswhole, and that angered me.

Anyhow though, to the rest of you, thank you for your advice. I'll try to use them to make my decision.

dansamy · Jun 12, 2005, 02:29 AM // 02:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikarii

I did, but I do not recall asking for advice on how to get a job or on which season it currently is. From my perspective your reply showed you to be an asswhole, and that angered me.

You are entitled to your perspective. From my perspective, you sounded like a spoiled brat who refuses to stoop to manual labor to earn money. There's not one thing wrong with working for what you want.

Ikarii · Jun 12, 2005, 02:33 AM // 02:33

I did say that I was getting a job this summer. And if you must know, I'm not interested in earning my own money at the moment because I have finals coming up in a week, at my school, which I must prepare for.

MetalX · Jun 12, 2005, 02:56 AM // 02:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loviatar

wrong on all counts

5200 is a direct x 9 card the GF2 are direct x 7 cards

buying used on ebay is the fastest way to lose your money

Performance wise it is on par with a GF2, the second "count" is subjective. Sub-jec-tive sound it out.

Vertical_Zer0 · Jun 12, 2005, 03:32 AM // 03:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loviatar

isnt it fun spending someone elses money?

he said he has a very limited budget and you start out on the most expensive route

since it is win xp and the minimum ram recommended in the official game specs is 512 on the memory his first choice should be the ram

ON BUYING RAM

get the same ram as you already have (speed 2100,3200 etc) so the new will be most compatable with what you have

get 512 mb if you can instead of another 256 mb

get name brand (corsair, kingston, micron etc) as the cost is about the same as generic and if it goes poof you can send it back

anything you get FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS

If you would read the whole thread, you would notice that I posted about getting RAM earlier. But no, you're lazy and jump to conclusions. And another thing - CPU/motherboard do not have to be the most expensive route. In fact, he could get a good 2500+ and a good motherboard for about $130 total. Cheaper than most decent video cards. But you wouldn't know that, since you have no idea what you're talking about.

Okay Ikarii, this thread has gone far enough. Get to work and buy whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.