FPS Issues With AH3 DX11 & DX9

[KillNDan]

Hello Gentlemen,
This will officially be my first post here so if it is in the wrong place, I apologize. 
I recently upgraded from AH2 to the latest and greatest AH3 with no issues importing settings or installing.  However,  I can not get past anywhere from 5 to 7 FPS in tower and on runway.  At first I thought it was related to my old computer's outdated graphics card and attempted to adjust my card settings to the lowest possible settings I could tolerate, (and beyond,) which only bought me 2 or 3 additional frames at best.  I recently purchased a new computer which has a better graphics card and once again, it is the same issues.   Any advice on how to adjust this would be very helpful but I assume it's related to my graphics card.  BTW, I am currently using a Radeon R5 graphics card. 

~KillNDan~

[Skuzzy]

Need to see a DXDIAG output.

The age of the computer is not really a factor.  There are low end video cards/chips available today which are not suitable to run Aces High III.  Just FYI.

[Bizman]

Your last sentence revealed the main issue. As Skuzzy already said, new isn't a synonym for capable or powerful.

If you take a look at this chart: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD_Radeon_Rx_200_series#Chipset_table, especially the Fillrate and Processing Power columns, you'll understand why your frame rates are so low.

What really makes me mad is the hype the manufacturers use for marketing these low end cards:

The AMD Radeon™ R5 Series graphics cards aren’t just great for gaming. They offer astonishing performance and breathtaking image quality to enhance virtually everything you do. ​​

If that was true then why would they build cards that cost ten times more?

[KillNDan]

I figured it was the graphics card!      I am no computer tech wizard but I wonder if I can upgrade the graphics card in my Dell Inspiron 17?  What would be an acceptable graphics card to use?

[Bizman]

A laptop? I'm afraid the only viable solution is a new system. Laptops rarely have upgradeable graphics and in those rare cases it would be possible the prices would be ridiculously high and the performance boost next to nothing.

Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger. 

[aaronr]

A laptop? I'm afraid the only viable solution is a new system. Laptops rarely have upgradeable graphics and in those rare cases it would be possible the prices would be ridiculously high and the performance boost next to nothing.

Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger. 

Yep it'll cost at least four times as much VS a desktop for a given frame rate.      New 60 FPS laptop ~$2400 VS New 60 FPS desktop ~$600.

[KillNDan]

I see the issue here.  Wow this is a real bummer.  I am very disappointed that one of my favorite games that I have been playing for years with no issues is now pushed up on a higher shelf for only those who have the proper setup.   What would be a good recommendation for a desktop computer and setup that will handle AH3?  I am all ears!  In my case, I need a computer for my home business, and personal use but I wouldn't mind having a setup just for the gaming, something I always was trying to shoot for anyways.

[aaronr]

I see the issue here.  Wow this is a real bummer.  I am very disappointed that one of my favorite games that I have been playing for years with no issues is now pushed up on a higher shelf for only those who have the proper setup.   What would be a good recommendation for a desktop computer and setup that will handle AH3?  I am all ears!  In my case, I need a computer for my home business, and personal use but I wouldn't mind having a setup just for the gaming, something I always was trying to shoot for anyways.

I do both with mine. I guess anything That has power for gaming should be able to run desktops without breaking a sweat. I'll leave the suggestions to others but as far as gaming a "desktop" VS "laptop" is the only way to go unless you spend insane amounts of money and are happy with one hour battery life while gaming on battery power.
I'd suggest going with a newer Z170 mother board an asus one can be had for $125 at fry's in the states get some cheap ram 16 gb, 500 w or better supply(new 1151 cpu's and newer GFX cards use far less power then in the past)   used gtx 9xx or better and a lower end i5 1151 cpu you can upgrade it all later when you get into wanting smoother play.

[The Fugitive]

I see the issue here.  Wow this is a real bummer.  I am very disappointed that one of my favorite games that I have been playing for years with no issues is now pushed up on a higher shelf for only those who have the proper setup.   What would be a good recommendation for a desktop computer and setup that will handle AH3?  I am all ears!  In my case, I need a computer for my home business, and personal use but I wouldn't mind having a setup just for the gaming, something I always was trying to shoot for anyways.

Building your own is the best bang for your buck. Using a site like http://www.superbiiz.com/ to pick your parts will give you an idea of what it can run you.

If you don't like the idea of building your own you could have a local computer shop build something for you. This could be the most expensive way to go.

A third option is to go to a specialty computer site that builds/sells computers. http://www.digitalstorm.com/desktops.asp is a good site. I know a number of people who have used them and are very happy with the product and service. Even the Vanquish in its cheapest version is very capable to play AH3.

There are a number of threads posted about "recommendations" some of the guys have built, or are going to build. Lots of guys have a lot of knowledge here, post what your thinking, or post your questions, and you'll get plenty of help.

The

[aaronr]

Agree the putting it together yourself will teach a little along the way even if you're in a hurry the most important thing is researching what works together as for as ram video cpu's etc..
Once all the research is done and you find what you need within the budget you can put it all together in an evening and get an OS loaded.
I only mentioned Intel above, AMD has some good combinations for budget builds that will play newer games.
The links/forums that Fugitive pointed to are great you'll be able to find the info you need there.

[Brooke]

What would be a good recommendation for a desktop computer and setup that will handle AH3?  I am all ears!

I'd go to http://www.superbiiz.com/ to configure and buy the machine (use home office area, as those are best bang for the buck selections).  They will assemble, test, ship, and give you a 1 year warranty.

If you want to spend $583 on the system.  It has an i5-6500 CPU, 1 TB HD, 8 GB RAM, Windows 10, DVD+-RW:
http://www.superbiiz.com/systemdetailpopup.php?preid=&sysid=513eb67caf8b28b10c559abb2e6847aa89b1ab2d220247f2cbfa9b79495eb7ca&sysNum=SYS10920737&p=

If you want to spend $461 on the system.  It has an i3-4160, 500 GB HD, 8 GB RAM, Windows 10, DVD+-RW:
http://www.superbiiz.com/systemdetailpopup.php?preid=&sysid=1bb6ba151fce95d96caf3403f7c4812b137705b1f2454a4cd11299c4380dd5a1&sysNum=SYS10920738&p=

I'd get a GTX 960 card from newegg.com or amazon.com (for about $170).  Or if you want lower cost (still good in AH3 with environment map slider set to none), you can get a GTX 750 Ti (for about $130).

If you need a monitor, here are some $175-ish recommendations.  I'd buy from newegg.com or amazon.com.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2W02N04519
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236102

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In total, you can get a system that is better than the one I play on (at 60 frames per second with default settings except for environment map slider set to none) with the less-expensive system and 750 Ti for $590 plus about $150 for monitor or a total of $740 including monitor.  Or you can go for a faster setup (GTX 960 plus more-expensive system) for $753 plus about $150 for monitor or a total of $903.

Oh, and buy a keyboard and mouse from superbiiz.com, too, if you buy the system there -- you'd need that, too, of course.  I'd get stuff that is about $15-$30 for both.

[KillNDan]

Well I have a few options then, and the prices for good equipment seem pretty reasonable.  Thank you for the links!  I will see what I can figure out here...

[Bizman]

Pcpartpicker hasn't been mentioned yet, they have a nice building app with some examples and guides and more or less accurate prices from multiple vendors.

Also, when planning a pc, send the specs here before buying anything. That might save you serious money in the long run.

A viable option is to let a builder shop do the actual building. The biggest benefit of that is that the system will be tested before you get it. If you take that route sending the details to be evaluated is a good idea.