Author Topic: My system (Read 670 times)

falcon23 · « **on:** February 19, 2007, 10:02:57 PM »

Hello all,
I am finally getting aroud to posting my sys info..And I have a few questions about upgrading..I am looking at moving up to 1 gig...And from what I can tell with me having 2 slots,I need to get 2-512 sticks.??

My FR has been getting lower,and I am thinking it will help.although not positive..And I do know that my CPU runs constantly while I am playing.

When I look at whats running during the game it says I have 256mb of display memory,but it says it is only using like 48mb or around there...

As far as memeory used it says I have 448,and it uses about 412 while running AH..I am thinking one gig will help this as well?!?!?

I have been told I have a low-end video card,and as far as I can tell it is in the chip-set in the mother-board..Do I have the ability to replace it? And if I choose not too due to expense,will the one gig again help my playability?I may choose to replace it,depending on the prices...so dont count me down and out yet..LOL

Do I have the latest upgrade for this video card?and are their any tweaks I can do to it?

I know I am putting alot of faith in upgrading my RAM,but at this point it is all I can afford to do..

And does anyone know of a good and reputable place to buy the memory sticks?

And last but not least,will THIS HELP ME TO BLOW MY ENEMYS OUT OF THE SKY???????........yes this last question is a joke..

Thanks,
Kevin

------------------
System Information
------------------

Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP Pavilion 061
System Model: EW171AV-ABA a1520y
BIOS: BIOS Date: 06/22/2006 Ver: 08.00.12
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.06GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 448MB RAM
Page File: 233MB used, 1147MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 Series
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip type: ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 Series (0x5A61)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_5A61&SUBSYS_2A3D103C&REV_00
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: HP vs17 flat panel monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1280,1024
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6599 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 2/7/2006 15:55:50, 256000 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: ati2mtag.sys
Mini VDD Date: 2/7/2006 15:55:34, 1480704 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-1921-11CF-4B6A-370AA1C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x1002
Device ID: 0x5A61
SubSys ID: 0x2A3D103C
Revision ID: 0x0000
Revision ID: 0x0000
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D
Deinterlace Caps: {6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
{552C0DAD-CCBC-420B-83C8-74943CF9F1A6}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

Keeler101 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2007, 09:21:00 AM »

Id look in to a video card if your using onboard chipset,that with the ram should provide a decent increase in fps. I dont think ram alone will help you much with onboad video

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/prodinfoCategory?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3184100&lang=en#

if this is your rig then you can go pice and really make a jump,with 1 or 2g ram it should do dam good work, even running max settings and hires would probly not hurt fps much

http://www.tigerdirect.com
http://www.newegg.com

falcon23 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2007, 07:19:48 PM »

Keeler,thanks for the info,Yes that is my rig.And unfortunetly I did not know about this game before I ordered it.I do not know if the video is in a chipset,if I can upgrade it to a better V card?

I do have it at max res and it seems to work ok,although as I say recently it has been a bear at not giving me my FR.I will for sure go with the one gig..And it looks as if I will have to go with the 2-512.

QUOTE:if this is your rig then you can go pice and really make a jump,

I am not sure keeler what you mean by pice?and if you meant to say piece,I am still a bit confused..Excuse my ignorance on this subject.

Thanks,
Kevin

Krusty · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2007, 07:49:15 PM »

Nothing wrong with 2x 512MB modules. Just try to get the same timings on the new stick so you can run dual-channel RAM.

Even a simple $60 vid card will be better than what you've got now. If you have $120 or so you can get a really nice one (not high end, mind you, but nice).

The RAM will help. That much I know. I went from 512 to 1.5GB, then to 1GB. Still way better than AH on 512. Other programs will run faster as well.

falcon23 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2007, 08:39:04 PM »

I was going to pm this question,but I thought I would post it here in case anyone else has the same question.That way it would be here..

My question is.....Can I just buy a one gig stick,and just leave one of my 512's in its module,and give myslef 1.5?or will I have to go with the 2-512's?..I have been reading that sometimes one can,and sometimes one cant..

The system that keeler posted is my system.Take a look and tell me if you would,is it is possible to upgrade my ram in that way?

And about the video card upgrade...will this system allow me to just plug and play a new video card???

Thanks again for all your patience with the NOOB.
Kevin

Krusty · « **Reply #5 on:** February 20, 2007, 08:42:37 PM »

You can run 1.5 GBs on most motherboards made in the past 5 years. You don't need the exact same RAM in both slots unless: 1) it's RDRAM -- way obsolete now, rare, and costly for no benefit, or 2) you want to run dual-channel RAM, not necessary but might give you a little better performance for technical reasons -- small % increase but nice to have.

EDIT: When in doubt check your motherboard manual. Or go online and find an online manual or electronic one (PDF?) and double check.

humble · « **Reply #6 on:** February 21, 2007, 08:47:24 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by falcon23
I was going to pm this question,but I thought I would post it here in case anyone else has the same question.That way it would be here..

My question is.....Can I just buy a one gig stick,and just leave one of my 512's in its module,and give myslef 1.5?or will I have to go with the 2-512's?..I have been reading that sometimes one can,and sometimes one cant..

The system that keeler posted is my system.Take a look and tell me if you would,is it is possible to upgrade my ram in that way?

And about the video card upgrade...will this system allow me to just plug and play a new video card???

Thanks again for all your patience with the NOOB.
Kevin

Just make sure you buy an ATI card. The ATI drivers conflict with the NVIDIA ones and can lead to memory bleed. X1950 is super value at ~$175 but you can go with a 1600 or 1300pro and get huge increase.......

falcon23 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 21, 2007, 07:55:04 PM »

Thanks for all the great info guys..I appreciate your time in answering my questions as well as those of others.

And of course I have another question.

When I get a new card,will it just be plug and play?And if the chipset is in the board,will there be a port to plug the new card into?

Thanks,
Kevin

38ruk · « **Reply #8 on:** February 23, 2007, 03:01:46 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by falcon23
Thanks for all the great info guys..I appreciate your time in answering my questions as well as those of others.

And of course I have another question.

When I get a new card,will it just be plug and play?And if the chipset is in the board,will there be a port to plug the new card into?Thanks, Kevin

That is something you will have to either physically check by opening the box up , or by checking the motherboard spec's . If you know the name and model motherboard u have post it and we will find out . later 38

falcon23 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 24, 2007, 08:02:48 PM »

hey 38.here is the motherboard.. http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00714533&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3184100&lang=en#

ECS: RC410-M

HP: Asterope2-GL8E

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00732301&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3184100&lang=en

There is all the info I could find.
thanks,Kevin

Sincraft · « **Reply #10 on:** February 24, 2007, 08:52:38 PM »

newegg.com

Find out what type of memory you have, and match it.

If you already have both of your slots full, then you may want to think about getting 2-1 gig sticks and make it a full 2 gig machine , especially if you plan on running vista within the next year or so. If not, a new machine will be spec'd out as such to run vista and will come with the appropriate memory (assuming you will upgrade your computer in 2 years approx).

If you decide to , I would get a video card and try that out. Nothing great but nothing too shaby should do you well. That card you have in there isn't really a video card, its more like a circuit board with chips on it that display color and graphics to a very limited extent...but please dont call it a video card.

OK joking its not THAT bad really, but most vendors don't put 'real' video cards in their systems. Heck even their upgrades are scaled down LAME versions in which it's always better to get the bottom of the barrel then upgade via newegg.com IF YOU MUST go with a name brand desktop.

You definetely need ram. 512 is not enough. You own an HP that is LOADED with bloatware and you probably never removed the stuff.

If I were you, I would do the following:
1. upgrade your video card from newegg.com for around $100. (16 pixel pipes minimum) BE SURE TO CHECK your motherboard specs to find out what card your motherboard can handle.
2. upgrade your ram to 1 meg MIN, or 2 megs preferably.
3. format your computer and install a fresh copy of Windows XP Pro, download the necessary drivers from HP to run your computer hardware.

You WILL see a huge increase in performance overall and especially in games.

Aces High 2 does not use too much video ram. All games are CPU performance hogs. Don't be surprised if your CPU is pegged at 100% during games. That is actually rather normal. The problem is, this is a rather vague meter of your cpu's ability. Which, you actually with dual cores - should NOT have a problem with anything made today really or especially Aces High 2.

Good luck to you. !

falcon23 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 25, 2007, 10:51:23 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Sincraft
newegg.com

Find out what type of memory you have, and match it.

If you already have both of your slots full, then you may want to think about getting 2-1 gig sticks and make it a full 2 gig machine , especially if you plan on running vista within the next year or so. If not, a new machine will be spec'd out as such to run vista and will come with the appropriate memory (assuming you will upgrade your computer in 2 years approx).

If you decide to , I would get a video card and try that out. Nothing great but nothing too shaby should do you well. That card you have in there isn't really a video card, its more like a circuit board with chips on it that display color and graphics to a very limited extent...but please dont call it a video card.
OK joking its not THAT bad really, but most vendors don't put 'real' video cards in their systems. Heck even their upgrades are scaled down LAME versions in which it's always better to get the bottom of the barrel then upgade via newegg.com IF YOU MUST go with a name brand desktop.

You definetely need ram. 512 is not enough. You own an HP that is LOADED with bloatware and you probably never removed the stuff.

If I were you, I would do the following:
1. upgrade your video card from newegg.com for around $100. (16 pixel pipes minimum) BE SURE TO CHECK your motherboard specs to find out what card your motherboard can handle.
2. upgrade your ram to 1 meg MIN, or 2 megs preferably.
3. format your computer and install a fresh copy of Windows XP Pro, download the necessary drivers from HP to run your computer hardware.

You WILL see a huge increase in performance overall and especially in games.

Aces High 2 does not use too much video ram. All games are CPU performance hogs. Don't be surprised if your CPU is pegged at 100% during games. That is actually rather normal. The problem is, this is a rather vague meter of your cpu's ability. Which, you actually with dual cores - should NOT have a problem with anything made today really or especially Aces High 2.

Good luck to you. !

Thanks for all the info..

I have managed one gig of memory,2 gigs were way expensive..

As far as video card,I will just have to do with what I have for now.

I have removede much of the bloat from my comp..you are right,it sure came with alot..

Anyway..I am hoping that having the upgrade to a gig,will help imporove it.
]
Thanks,kevin

38ruk · « **Reply #12 on:** February 25, 2007, 01:44:35 PM »

Falcon , looks like your motherboard has a pci express slot and will accept the newer pcie video cards . When money permits i would look for a mid range card Ie ati 1600 series or nvidia 7600 series. good luck

falcon23 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 28, 2007, 07:46:59 PM »

Well I installed my gig today..And it sure is making a diff in running comp programs,although when I went to aces high today.my framerate was still around 17-20 in the tower.and roughly the same in-game,sometimes down to 10.

I have my VC"video chip" per sincraft:aok ,or video card,however you prefer to say it..LOL.set to max quality as opposed to performance,I am supposing I should set that in the middle,and maybe that will help???I also used to run auto-start and turn off a bunch of proccesing which was going on behind the scenes,but got rid of it..I should probably try it again..?? any opinions on FS auto-start???

It seems to me that when i first started the game,I was running FR around 35-40.
I am also on max res...
Also I noticed with this gig I can preload textures.Which I could not do before.

One other thing I noticed in-game was a bit of shake on icons..subtle enough to be called a vibration like effect...

I appreciate all the time you guys are taking in answering my questions..

Thanks,
Kevin