Vid Card Help Requested AH3

[Vraciu]

Can anyone help me pick out a decent vid card for AH3?

What do I need to post here about my system to get an answer?

 

[Bizman]

The first third of your DxDiag output would help plus the model of your power supply.

Without knowing that, look what a Nvidia GTX 970 did to Kanth: http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,373202.msg5078804.html#msg5078804.

[Vraciu]

I believe the power supply is:

AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )  (EDIT IN: I just realized I didn't put the Wattage in here.  Sorry.)
------

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 9/10/2016, 13:59:54
       Machine name: LENOVO
   Operating System: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_ldr.160408-2045)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: LENOVO
       System Model: H215
               BIOS: LENOVO BIOS Rev: 1.0
          Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) II X2 250 Processor (2 CPUs), ~3.0GHz
             Memory: 4096MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 4094MB RAM
          Page File: 3718MB used, 4468MB available
        Windows Dir: C:\Windows
    DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
   User DPI Setting: 120 DPI (125 percent)
 System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
    DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
     DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 64bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
      Display Tab 1: No problems found.
        Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
        Sound Tab 2: No problems found.
          Input Tab: No problems found.

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

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
          Card name: AMD Radeon HD 6570
       Manufacturer: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
          Chip type: AMD Radeon Graphics Processor (0x6759)
           DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
         Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_6759&SUBSYS_25031462&REV_00
     Display Memory: 3827 MB
   Dedicated Memory: 2036 MB
      Shared Memory: 1791 MB
       Current Mode: 1920 x 1080 (32 bit) (60Hz)
       Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
      Monitor Model: VX238
         Monitor Id: ACI23C1
        Native Mode: 1920 x 1080(p) (60.000Hz)
        Output Type: HDMI
        Driver Name: aticfx64.dll,aticfx64.dll,aticfx64.dll,aticfx32,aticfx32,aticfx32,atiumd64.dll,atidxx64.dll,atidxx64.dll,atiumdag,atidxx32,atidxx32,atiumdva,atiumd6a.cap,atitmm64.dll
Driver File Version: 8.17.0010.1404 (English)
     Driver Version: 15.200.1062.1004
        DDI Version: 11
       Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
  Driver Attributes: Final Retail
   Driver Date/Size: 8/4/2015 01:28:34, 1445224 bytes
        WHQL Logo'd: Yes
    WHQL Date Stamp:
  Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-2419-11CF-AE72-0905BEC2C535}
          Vendor ID: 0x1002
          Device ID: 0x6759
          SubSys ID: 0x25031462
        Revision ID: 0x0000
 Driver Strong Name: oem7.inf:ATI.Mfg.NTamd64.6.1:ati2mtag_NI:15.200.1062.1004:pci\ven_1002&dev_6759
     Rank Of Driver: 00E62001
        Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_C
   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
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
                     {6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                     {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,UYVY) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
                     {3C5323C1-6FB7-44F5-9081-056BF2EE449D}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
                     {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
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC1,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC2,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC3,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(IMC4,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(S340,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
                     {5A54A0C9-C7EC-4BD9-8EDE-F3C75DC4393B}: Format(In/Out)=(S342,UNKNOWN) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=
       D3D9 Overlay: Not Supported
            DXVA-HD: Not Supported
       DDraw Status: Enabled
         D3D Status: Enabled
         AGP Status: Enabled

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
            Description: AMD HDMI Output (AMD High Definition Audio Device)
 Default Sound Playback: Yes
 Default Voice Playback: No
            Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_1002&DEV_AA01&SUBSYS_00AA0100&REV_1002
        Manufacturer ID: 1
             Product ID: 100
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: AtihdW76.sys
         Driver Version: 7.12.0000.7723 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: Yes
          Date and Size: 2/24/2016 02:58:18, 96256 bytes
            Other Files:
        Driver Provider: Advanced Micro Devices
         HW Accel Level: Basic
              Cap Flags: 0xF1F
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 200000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0
 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: No
 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No

            Description: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
 Default Sound Playback: No
 Default Voice Playback: Yes
            Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0662&SUBSYS_17AA3600&REV_1001
        Manufacturer ID: 1
             Product ID: 100
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: RTKVHD64.sys
         Driver Version: 6.00.0001.6649 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: Yes
          Date and Size: 5/31/2012 18:24:14, 4064272 bytes
            Other Files:
        Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
         HW Accel Level: Basic
              Cap Flags: 0xF1F
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 200000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0
 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: No
 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
            Description: Microphone (2- USB Audio Device)
  Default Sound Capture: Yes
  Default Voice Capture: Yes
            Driver Name: USBAUDIO.sys
         Driver Version: 6.01.7601.18208 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
          Date and Size: 7/12/2013 05:40:58, 109824 bytes
              Cap Flags: 0x1
           Format Flags: 0xFFFFF

-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
      Device Name: Mouse
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: Keyboard
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: SideWinder Precision 2 Joystick
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x045E, 0x0038
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: USB Keyboard
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x04F2, 0x0402
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: USB Keyboard
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x04F2, 0x0402
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: USB Keyboard
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x04F2, 0x0402
        FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No

-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x1002, 0x4398
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub
| Service: usbhub
| Driver: usbhub.sys, 11/26/2013 20:41:37, 343040 bytes
| Driver: usbd.sys, 11/26/2013 20:41:03, 7808 bytes

----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------

------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ HID Keyboard Device
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x04F2, 0x0402
| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_keyboard
| Service: kbdhid
| Driver: kbdhid.sys, 11/20/2010 05:33:25, 33280 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:04, 50768 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_kbd
| Upper Filters: kbdclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 7/13/2009 18:19:57, 105472 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:04, 50768 bytes
|
+ Logitech USB Wheel Mouse
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC00E
| Matching Device ID: hid\vid_046d&pid_c00e
| Service: mouhid
| Driver: mouhid.sys, 7/13/2009 19:00:20, 31232 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:27, 49216 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_mou
| Upper Filters: mouclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 11/20/2010 08:33:57, 63360 bytes
| Driver: sermouse.sys, 7/13/2009 19:00:20, 26624 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 7/13/2009 20:48:27, 49216 bytes

------------------------
Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
      Drive: B:
 Free Space: 792.1 GB
Total Space: 953.9 GB
File System: NTFS
      Model: Hitachi HDS721010CLA332 ATA Device

      Drive: C:
 Free Space: 466.7 GB
Total Space: 928.1 GB
File System: NTFS
      Model: Hitachi HDS721010CLA332 ATA Device

      Drive: D:
      Model: TSSTcorp CDDVDW TS-H653G ATA Device
     Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 6.01.7601.17514 (English), 11/20/2010 04:19:21, 147456 bytes

[Latrobe]

One of my friends could easily run AH3 on the GTX 760 that I gave him. I have a 980ti which is kind of overkill for AH3 as I can run everything at max (including max environmental mapping) at 60 FPS. The two biggest FPS hits you can take in the graphic options is the environmental mapping and shadows, so turning those off you can probably get a very cheap GPU and still play AH3 at 60 FPS.

[Bizman]

Alright,

I wouldn't upgrade that one too much, based on specs on the Lenovo site you've already beefed it up a little bit.

A better video card as a start of a new build and a new power supply is what I'd do. If that doesn't do magic to your frame rates, getting the rest would be the next move.

If (judged by the name you gave) you're using the original PSU it's very weak and most likely doesn't have any dedicated video card plugs so that's why I suggested the PSU to be upgraded.

<Edit> If you're on a budget, a GTX 760 should be much better than the Radeon  HD 6570 you currently have. I suppose you're running single digit frame rates with that one on AH3.

[Drane]

Looks like you have 180 watt power supply so agree with Bizman get a different power supply too.

[Vraciu]

Alright,

I wouldn't upgrade that one too much, based on specs on the Lenovo site you've already beefed it up a little bit.

A better video card as a start of a new build and a new power supply is what I'd do. If that doesn't do magic to your frame rates, getting the rest would be the next move.

If (judged by the name you gave) you're using the original PSU it's very weak and most likely doesn't have any dedicated video card plugs so that's why I suggested the PSU to be upgraded.

<Edit> If you're on a budget, a GTX 760 should be much better than the Radeon  HD 6570 you currently have. I suppose you're running single digit frame rates with that one on AH3.

Getting about 19... 

Can this machine handle the GTX 760?

Looks like you have 180 watt power supply so agree with Bizman get a different power supply too.

What would you suggest?

[Vraciu]

One of my friends could easily run AH3 on the GTX 760 that I gave him. I have a 980ti which is kind of overkill for AH3 as I can run everything at max (including max environmental mapping) at 60 FPS. The two biggest FPS hits you can take in the graphic options is the environmental mapping and shadows, so turning those off you can probably get a very cheap GPU and still play AH3 at 60 FPS.

I can try it...

I hate dumping money into a new machine especially since they'll probably force me to something beyond Win7.

I noticed I didn't list the wattage above on the PS.  Sorry.

I also looked at Amazon and found several different GTX 760s.   Which one would you recommend?

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=GTX+760

[Bizman]

Supposedly you have a PCI-e 16X slot seating your current video card, so it should be able to handle the GTX 760, too. However, it's 9.5 inches long so it might not fit into your case! There's some decent small form cards on the market, too, some even getting all the power needed through the PCI-e slot. Again, it all depends on your budget. A brand new gaming dedicated system would make you happy for a long time, but understandably that's not for everyone. I built mine eight years ago, having upgraded here and there with both new and used parts during the years.

As for the power supply, Nvidia recommends a 500 W PSU with two 6-pin video power connectors for the GTX 760 at the minimum. Too much power would be overkill and can cause issues, so I'd say 700 W would be the max and should also be enough for most other cards. Seasonic seems to be the most reliable manufacturer at the moment, they also make PSU's for other brands.

If you're going to get a brand new card, don't look at the GTX 760. It's already several years old. The latest equivalent is GTX 1060 which both outperforms its predecessors (the ##60 models) and uses less power. The pricing looks similar to what you linked.

[Vraciu]

Supposedly you have a PCI-e 16X slot seating your current video card, so it should be able to handle the GTX 760, too. However, it's 9.5 inches long so it might not fit into your case! There's some decent small form cards on the market, too, some even getting all the power needed through the PCI-e slot. Again, it all depends on your budget. A brand new gaming dedicated system would make you happy for a long time, but understandably that's not for everyone. I built mine eight years ago, having upgraded here and there with both new and used parts during the years.

As for the power supply, Nvidia recommends a 500 W PSU with two 6-pin video power connectors for the GTX 760 at the minimum. Too much power would be overkill and can cause issues, so I'd say 700 W would be the max and should also be enough for most other cards. Seasonic seems to be the most reliable manufacturer at the moment, they also make PSU's for other brands.

If you're going to get a brand new card, don't look at the GTX 760. It's already several years old. The latest equivalent is GTX 1060 which both outperforms its predecessors (the ##60 models) and uses less power. The pricing looks similar to what you linked.

I will give that a shot.  (Looks to be double the price though.)

I assume that my machine can handle the size of the larger PS yes?

[Vraciu]

https://www.amazon.com/ZOTAC-GeForce-Compact-Graphics-ZT-P10610A-10L/dp/B01KKJAJM4/ref=sr_1_15?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1473538907&sr=1-15&keywords=GTX+1060

This would solve the size issue, yes?  Only 3GB but that's better than 1GB.

I think my system is PCI Express 2.0 though and this one is 3.0.   Backwards compatible?  (EDIT IN: Just checked and it appears they are so that's good.)

[Drane]

What would you suggest?

Each video card manufacturer should provide a recommended minimum power supply rating.

Once you decide on a video card, pick a power supply that has a rating at or above the minimum recommended. Say...10-20%...or the next higher rated. And that it has the cables you'll need. Seasonic power supplies come highly recommended.

If you're uncomfortable with installing these components consider paying to have them installed. If you want to install them yourself there are youtube videos showing how to upgrade Lenovo computers. Beware of static electricity while working on computers (youtube videos for this too)!

Post what you are considering before you buy and folks here will give you feedback. Could save you money and help avoid problems.

[Vraciu]

Each video card manufacturer should provide a recommended minimum power supply rating.

Once you decide on a video card, pick a power supply that has a rating at or above the minimum recommended. Say...10-20%...or the next higher rated. And that it has the cables you'll need. Seasonic power supplies come highly recommended.

If you're uncomfortable with installing these components consider paying to have them installed. If you want to install them yourself there are youtube videos showing how to upgrade Lenovo computers. Beware of static electricity while working on computers (youtube videos for this too)!

Post what you are considering before you buy and folks here will give you feedback. Could save you money and help avoid problems.

I used to build my own computers so I am not afraid to do it with this one.   Just need to measure things and see if it will fit.


Here's what I am thinking:


(POWER SUPPLY) -- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000233XY0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3LTZ95PNYRWSI&coliid=I1FWTLNFQDT8PF

(GPU 6GB) -- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IA9FEOO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3LTZ95PNYRWSI&coliid=I5ZM31YGQ9761&psc=1

or

(GPU 3GB) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KKJAJM4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3LTZ95PNYRWSI&coliid=I5ZM31YGQ9761

[Drane]

Here's what I am thinking:

(POWER SUPPLY) -- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000233XY0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3LTZ95PNYRWSI&coliid=I1FWTLNFQDT8PF

(GPU 6GB) -- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IA9FEOO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3LTZ95PNYRWSI&coliid=I5ZM31YGQ9761&psc=1

or

(GPU 3GB) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KKJAJM4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3LTZ95PNYRWSI&coliid=I5ZM31YGQ9761

That power supply doesn't appear to have a 6 pin PCI express connector which your video cards require.

[Ack-Ack]

Without knowing that, look what a Nvidia GTX 970 did to Kanth: http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,373202.msg5078804.html#msg5078804.

With the GTX 970 the game can be run on the fullest settings (including environmental slider) and hold a steady 60fps.