Humm. my computer has all old stuff (6 months or more means caveman technoligy these days) got my stuff over a year ago
some hardware older then that:
p4 2.6 800fsb
Intel MB 800fsb
pc4000 512 ddr duel channel
128mb nvidia gf fx 5200, w/ nv updated drivers agp 8x
little 40 gig hd
SB audigy zs
I set my res to 800x600 or 1024x768 depending on mood
dx 9 of course
windows Me too... hehe
blah blah..... only few hundred bucks to build.
My frame rate is usually around 80 to 120 + at 800x600
70 to 100 at 1024x768
with 19in mont at optimal or 100mhz . BUT i have several adjustments provided by nvidia so i adjust my vid card under performance settings
I shut off all but 2 things in start up, nothing running on taskbar. plus i try not to have a ton of other programs on my pc that i use to game. put those on the wifes pc
. I preload tex in ah ,hardware vortex thingie on, 512 setting for mem, unlimited frame rate checked, sliders aprox 1/2 in video settings , fly in full or med view . ground view does knock my fr down quite a bit down to 45 to 60.
Its basicly not how "new" or how much money you got to spend, if your parts dont match up. Buying new high dollar vid card or ton of ram if its slow ram is not gunna help ,(can be really disapointing after spending ton of cash for "New just out" products and see your computer get the same or worst performance.) My inexpensive built pc does better then any so called new bad arse pc's costing 1500.00+ more then mine . dell gateway. pssft bah!!!! i say..
look for sales ,go get a minium of ( what ever your preference is for cpu) i 've had both amd and intel, i like intel, p4 2.6 800fsb ,a intel mb w/duel chnl pc4000 capabilty <-- probley cost now 150 to 200 , i paid 225 for cpu and MB .get pc4000 512 ddr duelchnl ram <---- cost 60.00 or so now . i paid 75 w/ rebate.. ati vid cards are ok , i like nvidia i paid 45.00 for mine, and sb augidy 2z i paid 75 w/rebate , some other parts i already had, hard drive ect , you wont need all new stuff, reuse tower, modem, cd rom that stuff no need to replace. so there my story. the end
