Curse

-Orestes- · Nov 19, 2006, 05:20 PM // 17:20

My system specs

Operating System:Windows XP Home Edition

Processor: Intel Pentium 4, 2.80Ghz

RAM:502MB

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First of all, could someone please give a step by step instruction on how to check if I have an a AGP, PCI, or PCI-E graphics card slot?

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And second of all, I want to get maximum performance from GW in terms of graphics, would any of these supply that (I don't just want mediocre or "acceptable" performance).

AGP Cards

http://www.computerbits.ie/product_d...sp?product=599

http://www.computerbits.ie/product_d...sp?product=759

PCI-E Cards

http://www.computerbits.ie/product_d...p?product=2565

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Lastly, I'm waiting 3 weeks for a broadband connection to play GW.
I have it installed on my PC, but the downloads for each town and outpost would take far far too long on dial-up.

But, is the background of the menu (character selection screen etc.) a good example of what the in-game graphics will be like?

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Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

i minions i · Nov 19, 2006, 11:02 PM // 23:02

First of all, could someone please give a step by step instruction on how to check if I have an a AGP, PCI, or PCI-E graphics card slot?
^
sure go to start>my computer>properties(right click)>hardware>device manger>display adapter>properties

i have 3.4ghz and run around 20-30 fps in high pressured settings

Id say game graphics are a little better in game

Ulivious The Reaper · Nov 19, 2006, 11:21 PM // 23:21

based on those setups i'd say you have Pci or AGP if you do then well... go for a AGP but i do have a pci only MOBO (dad won't help me get a new MOBO and install it) and well i use a Ati Radeon 9250 and i run on max graphics with 15-45 fps depending on what i'm doing/zone its cool

Ziil · Nov 20, 2006, 11:31 AM // 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Orestes-

First of all, could someone please give a step by step instruction on how to check if I have an a AGP, PCI, or PCI-E graphics card slot?

Well you can download cpu-z http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php it's a good lil' program. No installation required just extract it somewhere and run the exe and then click on the Mainboard tab

SaucE · Nov 20, 2006, 11:55 AM // 11:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziil

Well you can download cpu-z http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php it's a good lil' program. No installation required just extract it somewhere and run the exe and then click on the Mainboard tab

Was going to suggest the same thing

As for a video card, I would not suggest one of those cards at all. I would look at something from the 6x00 or 7x00 series cards. Getting any of the FX5x00 cards is just asking for trouble. As for ATI cards, 9x00 series, X700 or X800 series, or X1600 or newer series.

When it comes to video cards, remember the amount of graphics memory isn't the main thing you are looking at. Your main focus should be the GPU (Graphics Processor). Every tech knows that the FX5x00 series is one of the worst series of cards ever made by any of the graphics cards makers. I suggest any of the above series cards I mentioned with at least 128MB of memory. 256MB would be the most you would need, don't waste money on a 512MB or 1GB card.

moriz · Nov 20, 2006, 04:20 PM // 16:20

my fx5500 PCI runs the game very well. i have no idea what you're talking about, sauce.

Mala · Nov 20, 2006, 04:56 PM // 16:56

Orestes:

I would suggest you upgrade two things:

1. RAM / Memory

You write you have 502Mb of RAM. I guess that's a typing mistake, right? Because usually ( in the last few years ) RAM comes in multiples of 64 or 128, so I guess you have 512 MB of RAM. Still, this is not enough, and therefore I'd suggest to first double the RAM. One Gigabyte is the optimum as well as reasonable maximum for everyone but hardcore gamers

2. GPU / Graphics Card

As others suggested, if you want to buy a new card now, don't get a 5xxx-Series, and don't get a x200 from nVidi either.

nVidia usually releases their cards in three varieties, x200, x600 and x800/x900. ( e.g. 5200, 5600, 5800, 6200, 6600, 6800 and so on ).
The x200-Series are by far the cheapest, but they lack power. For example, you'll have a better gaming experience with a 6600 than with a 7200.

In my experience, you will get the best price/performance-ratio from a 6600 or 7600 nVidia card. 256 MB of graphics memory should be enough for the moment, especially if you want to keep costs low.

Something else: If you really want maximum performance, you'll probably need a completely new system. If the only game you play is GuildWars, just getting the upgrades suggested above should be enough. If not, I'd suggest a system like this:
CPU: Core 2 Duo
RAM: 2 GB
BUS: PCI-Express
GPU: nVidia 7800 or even 8800 ( $$$$ )
This is probably about 4 times the price of just getting the upgrades for the ram and graphics card, and I really doubt you will notice the difference on a normal screen ( e.g. less than 21"" ).
However, some people care if they get 100 or 200 fps ( note: humans can't perceive the difference between the two

)

Hope that helps...

moriz · Nov 20, 2006, 05:21 PM // 17:21

actually, most people probably cannot tell the difference between 25fps and 200fps. the human eye will perceive anything above 24fps as continuous movement.

Mala · Nov 20, 2006, 05:38 PM // 17:38

moriz: yes and no. Below some threshold ( probably 60 - 90 frames ), it really depends on the scene if it seems continuous. 24fps only look good if you have some blurring, motion parallax and the likes.

a good article on the topic is here:

http://www.100fps.com/how_many_frame...humans_see.htm

-Orestes- · Nov 20, 2006, 07:16 PM // 19:16

Thanks for all the help everyone!

Mala, the truth is I don't come form a very well-off family, and such an upgrade is implausible.
The computer I have now was a Christmas present for me, my brother and my sister combined last year...but thanks anyway Mala.

Suprisingly, the 502MB RAM was not a typo, according to "dxdiag" thats how much RAM my PC has....weird...

I only have a maximum of 60 Euro (approximately $75).

So the bottom line is: What is the best graphics card I can get for GW, taking into account my specs and budget?

moriz · Nov 20, 2006, 07:28 PM // 19:28

you still need to tell us what expansion slots you have. without it, we cannot give you an answer.

-Orestes- · Nov 20, 2006, 08:52 PM // 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by i minions i

"First of all, could someone please give a step by step instruction on how to check if I have an a AGP, PCI, or PCI-E graphics card slot?"

^
Sure, go to start>my computer>properties(right click)>hardware>device manager>display adapter>properties

When I do that I get this result...

"PCI bus 0, device 2, function 0"

Does that mean that I only have a PCI port?

moriz · Nov 20, 2006, 10:07 PM // 22:07

download the program that ziil suggested. or, you can just open up your computer's case and look inside.

swaaye · Nov 21, 2006, 06:51 PM // 18:51

Framerate on puters isn't like film because there's no inherent motion blur. You see still frames that are razor sharp. One can easily distinguish all the way up to 80 fps or so. 30 fps is the lowest you can really go and still be fairly smooth (as long as you don't go let it go higher occasionally because then you'll lose the 30 fps = smooth perception).

For GW and vid cards and someone on a serious budget, I'd suggest something like a Radeon X700 or X1600 or GeForce 6600 or 7600. Those come in AGP and PCIe. If you only have PCI you ought to replace your system, honestly. PCI is absolutely ancient and horribly limiting for video cards. The options suck and will really just be a waste of money.

-Orestes- · Nov 21, 2006, 07:44 PM // 19:44

I downloaded the program Ziil suggested, but I don't know where to locate the information on what port I have, what section of the "Mainboard" tab do I look at?
I don't see any mention of AGP, PCI or PCIe anywhere...

SaucE · Nov 21, 2006, 10:37 PM // 22:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Orestes-

I downloaded the program Ziil suggested, but I don't know where to locate the information on what port I have, what section of the "Mainboard" tab do I look at?
I don't see any mention of AGP, PCI or PCIe anywhere...

Near the bottom. In the "Graphics Interface" area.

Caldec · Nov 21, 2006, 11:48 PM // 23:48

well another easy way to determine AGP or PCI slot would be to go to your computer manufactures website and type in the model number (usually found on the front of your tower) then it should give all the specs as for graphics cards u can try www.newegg.com or www.zipzoomfly.com both have a good selection and low prices if you care to have a look there hope this info helped PM me on guru if you have further questions.

Caldec

-Orestes- · Nov 23, 2006, 06:51 PM // 18:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaucE

Near the bottom. In the "Graphics Interface" area.

That part is faded for me...?