Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Dimebag on October 11, 2007, 09:47:53 PM
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would you buy for the sole purpose of playing aces high?
any particular brand?
any particular operating system?
or will anything that's new fit the bill.
finally got dsl out here in the sticks so i'm off dial up for good, gonna get a desktop and get back in the virtual sky again, just need pointers on what to look for and what to avoid while puter shopping.
dime
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I am moving this to "Hardware and Software". You will probably get better responses.
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Stay away from Vista, to the point that if you have to buy it when you get it home you reformat and reinstall XP pro.
Next if you really want to run AH well your going to need at least a decent video card. If its under 150$ chances are its not what you want.
ATI vs Nvidea/geforce is your choice. But I would look very carefully at any system I wanted to buy to make SURE it has a PCI-E 16x slot for upgrading video.
1 - 2 gigs of ram, 100 - 300 gig Hard drive, save money here and spend it on a really GOOD monitor. 19" or bigger. CRT Monitor is still cheaper and still the gold standard for gaming over LCD.
I'd probably prefer Compaq or HP to Gateway or Dell.
Get specific, look under the hood, make sure it has enough cooling, and that PCI-E slot for upgrading graphics.
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You might find this link useful:
Gaming hardware (http://snomhf.exofire.net/gamingHardware.html)
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Building your own box is the best way to go. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, get your neighborhood "geeK' to build one for you. Most important is to stay away from windows Vista. there just isn't enough driver support yet.
I'd say buy the fastest/best you can afford. In most cases you can save $500 building it yourself, but if money is no problem, Gaming Rigs (http://www.vigorgaming.com/main/rigs-forcerecon.html) are available for a pretty penny. Check out some of these "gaming rigs" and do a search on the parts they use. With some good shopping you'll save some money, and there is always the trill of building it yourself. <---- to some this is sarcasm, to others its really true :D
Good luck !
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From your questions, I'm guessing you're not up to / into building your own PC...
I'd go Dell
-Make sure it has a PCI-E 16X slot
-Get 2GB of memory. 1GB is probably fine too, but the extra gig is probably not that much more and you might use it now or in the near future.
-If you plan on importing video from a video camera or downloading movies/tv shows from the Internet, get a big drive 250+ GB. If not, you'll probably be ok with an 80+ GB drive.
-Get Windows XP. Vista's not the black death that some people make it out to be, but XP is faster for now and will likely be supported with drivers and security updates for the life of your computer.
-Fortunately, AH isn't a monster, so get a reasonably-priced video card. $100 - $150 range should be sufficient.
-Get an LCD monitor. They've come a long way, baby, and they are good for Gaming, and are less likely to break your foot if you drop one on it. Dell also makes some nice ones. Buy the size you can afford.
-Get a Core2Duo processor... again, buy what you can afford.
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Just opinion but it works better than anything else I've played with....
ASUS MB with AMD Duo-Core. Run the appropriate software upgrades for playing AHII with AMD Duo-Core.
NVidia VC with at least 512MB
Keep the security and spyware detection crap off the machine, it will only slow it down.
Stay away from Micro$haft Vista.
At least 1Gig of RAM minimum. I would recommend more.
Hope that helps at all.
:)
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thanks for the replies, they were all helpful
every new one from dell,hp,etc i see has vista on it. been lookin on ebay and see some out there, but i dont really wanna sink 800.00 into a box by itself that already has 2mb ram/2gig/etc.....if they are out there for less, i havent seen them yet
i found this on ebay, only things i see this falling short on is it could use more ram and maybe the video card. does integrated mean the video card is not upgradable? no pci-e slot, no upgrades?
Fast Genuine Intel Pentium 4 3 GHz HT CPU - 1Gb DDR Memory(upgradeable) - Giant 160Gb hard drive - Ultra Speed DVD Burner - Floppy Drive - High Speed Internet Ready - 8 USB 2.0 ports - Integrated Intel Graphics and Multimedia audio - 8x AGP Slot - 2 Serial Ports - Parallel Printer Port - Brand New keyboard, mouse, power cord, and stereo speakers!
it's item number 320169200487 if anyone wants to look to see if one like it would do the job.....im sure the auction has ended by now, no biggie, there's plenty to chose from...
one last thing, got a ballpark on what i would expect to pay for someone to build one for me? dont give a hoot about anything special being loaded on it, just need a fast one... xp, and at least 80gb hd, 2gig, 2mb ram, and a good vid card
dime
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Here's were I got mine >
http://www.avadirect.com/
They are in Ohio , and they will costom build to your specs , with any OP system you would want . Very happy with mine .
I found out about them from reading this
http://consumer.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTIzMCwxLCxoY29uc3VtZXI=
gl
spro
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Originally posted by HomeBoy
You might find this link useful:
Gaming hardware (http://snomhf.exofire.net/gamingHardware.html)
Nice link HomeBoy , after reading it I ordered a Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS for my PC .
Thanks for the heads up .
spro
PS: I finally got to check out the TrackIR file you sent me . Well for me it's too aggressive . I still don't use TrackIR in AH . Thanks again for sending it to me to try though
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Avoid using integrated video chips. They are not meant to be used for real-time 3D graphics.
You should be able to order Dell computers with XP. You just have to ask them for it. MS probably will not allow them to advertise XP any longer, but all the OEM's are allowed to continue to ship XP Professional until 2014.
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I saw an online ad from Dell just the other day on MSN's page hawking new desktops with XP as the installed os. They'll definitely supply XP if that's what you want.
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Originally posted by Skuzzy
Avoid using integrated video chips. They are not meant to be used for real-time 3D graphics.
You should be able to order Dell computers with XP. You just have to ask them for it. MS probably will not allow them to advertise XP any longer, but all the OEM's are allowed to continue to ship XP Professional until 2014.
You can downgrade all Vista Ultimate and Vista Business systems to XP Pro.
Most manufacturers send XP recovery disks if you ask.
You can also use any legal XP media to do it. You can use any legal installation code, when you are prompted to activation, just call to microsoft and tell them it is Vista downgrade and they should give you activation code.
Thats how it works in Finland, not sure how to do in the USA.
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again, i know nothing about computers.... that being said, if i buy a computer with a 128mb nvidia geforce 6200 and 512mb ram, it can be upgraded to a 512 nvidia and 2mb ram by purchasing the upgrades and paying someone to put them in, correct?
also, what is the advantage of having a duo2core versus a p4 if both are rated at 3MHz? remember, this will just be used for aces high.
and lastly, xp pro, home, and biz, one better than the other?
thanks
dime
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Originally posted by Dimebag
again, i know nothing about computers.... that being said, if i buy a computer with a 128mb nvidia geforce 6200 and 512mb ram, it can be upgraded to a 512 nvidia and 2mb ram by purchasing the upgrades and paying someone to put them in, correct?
also, what is the advantage of having a duo2core versus a p4 if both are rated at 3MHz? remember, this will just be used for aces high.
and lastly, xp pro, home, and biz, one better than the other?
thanks
dime
If you start out with this, your already on the downside and falling off fast. Duo core means just that, a P4 is one core, duo runs like two.
Maybe if you post what kind of budget you have, some people can post some option for you. Also post if your going to need a monitor and stuff or whether you can use stuff from an old system you have.
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The problem with Dell is their proprietary hardware; it's difficult, if not impossible to upgrade a Dell.
If you're not into building your own, there is this guy who builds great machines on ebay. I've talked to a couple guys who have bought from him and are very happy.
Check out his feedback rating.
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZbleedingQ5fedgeQ5fpc
...and I agree with those who say to stay away from Vista....bad driver support and the OS is a dog
edit: btw, those aren't the only machines you have to buy. You tell this guy what you want, he'll quote you a price and build it to your specs.
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This is what I got a couple months ago. I run graphics maxed out with high res pack and still get 80+ frame rate,in a major furball over a burning and smoking base with tracers going everywhere.
Quantity Item Number Description
1 223-0380 Inspiron 531,Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (2.60GHz, 512Kx2)
1 311-7206 4GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz
1 310-8025 Dell USB Keyboard
1 310-7966 Dell Optical USB Mouse
1 320-5615 Video ready option w/o monitor
1 320-5747 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT- DDR3
1 341-4736 250GB SATA II Hard Drive (7200RPM)
1 341-4965 Dell 13 in 1 Media Card Reader
1 420-6540 Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English
1 420-5769 Internet Search and Portal
1 420-5924 Icon Consolidation Application
1 463-2282 Dell Owners Manual installed on your system,click on icon after system set-up to access
1 420-6436 Vista, PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
1 420-6481 Dell Support, Vista, Dim/Insp
1 313-5584 Dell Resource DVD with Application Backup
1 310-1966 Mouse included with Keyboard purchase
1 430-0412 Integrated NIC card
1 313-4593 56K PCI Data Fax Modem
1 412-0914 Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0
1 313-5175 48X CDRW/DVD Combination Drive
1 420-6464 Roxio Creator Basic
1 313-2758 Integrated Audio
1 412-0940 Security 30-day trial
1 412-0934 Earthlink
1 412-0933 AOL for Broadband
1 412-0912 MS WORKS 8.5
1 950-3339 3 Year Limited Warranty
1 960-7391 1 yr Automated PC Tune Up
1 420-6995 DELL SUPPORT 3.4,DIM/INSP
1 420-7273 Dell Support and PC Tune-up 1YR
1 987-4827 Insp Datasafe 10GB,1YR,DHS
1 420-7094 DataSafe Online 10GB for Dim/Ins/XPS
1 420-7091 DataSafe Online Dim/Ins/XPS
1 987-3177 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year
1 982-4360 Type 15- Third Party At Home Service with Nights and Weeke ends, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
1 987-3148 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Extended Year
1 982-1272 Type 15- Third Party At Home Service with Nights and Wee kends, 24x7 Technical Support,2 Year Extended
1 412-0360 Soft Contracts - Banctec
1 982-8852 Warranty Support,2 Year Extended
1 983-3680 Warranty Support,Initial Year
1 986-5807 Thank you for choosing a Limited Warranty and Service Contract
1 310-8626 You have chosen a Windows Vista Premium System
1 412-0943 Basic digital Music,Photo and Game experience
$1450 delivered
Got this also included with above price.
ViewSonic VA1703WB 17-inch Widescreen Black Flat Panel LCD Monitor
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The hardware you listed should be getting well over 150FPS.
I have a 4 year old 2.4Ghz Pentium 4 with an X850XT in it and it easily gets and maintains 80FPS with the graphics all maxed out in the game.
I have another system sitting here with an Intel Core 2 CPU E6300 and an NVidia 7600GT in it. It gets around 300+ FPS.
Of course, those numbers are with V-sync turned off just to see how fast the game loop can run. And none of those use Vista. The XP Pro installations on those computers are clean.
I would not touch any software from Roxio. What they do to the system registry should be classed as criminal.
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I get 200+ when flying with no one around. Like I said in a major furball with lots going on and smoke and fire it drops to the 80's.
BTW why dosent this topic bump to the top when new replys are posted?
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Extended warranties are the biggest source of income for hardware vendors. They're a bad deal. That Athlon5000+ Dell package is a $800 max package without the added stupidities.
You can buy yourself an another computer for the difference.
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I was talking about furballs. The frame rates when nothing is around are insane.
You cannot help but lose about 30 to 35% of your performance just for running Vista. Therei s no way around it.
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Originally posted by MrRiplEy[H]
Extended warranties are the biggest source of income for hardware vendors. They're a bad deal. That Athlon5000+ Dell package is a $800 max package without the added stupidities.
^^This type comment is why I dont post on here much.There is way to much hostility towards people who try to help other people and towards "new guys in general".
You can buy yourself an another computer for the difference. [/B]
I have had to use the warranties in the past. I dont know enough about computers to build one myself. Plus 12 months same as cash and ill have it paid off in 4 more months so it works for me.
Originally posted by acfireguy26
BTW why dosent this topic bump to the top when new replys are posted?
I see this got fixed.
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There is a lot of frustration towards most OEM's simply due to the fact of how much you give up to own one. Now, I will be the first to admit, not everyone can build thier own computer. Not everyone wants to build thier own computer.
I think it is a shame there is not an OEM willing to actually ship a really lean and mean computer system. 99% of what they load on computers today is a hindrance to the operation of the computer. This same software also makes it difficult for our game to run properly, yet we take the heat for it.
OEM's take advantage of people who have no or little knowledge of computers. It really is that simple.
Nothing was fixed to make the thread bump to the top of the forum as posts are added. This has to do with the cookie stored on your computer and the timestamps. If the cookie cannot be properly updated, then things do not well on the bulletin board. You are running Vista, and Vista will do some might stupid things in this regard. I know, as I have to use it everyday.
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Yeah I just checked again and it is way down the list again. Oh well I told you I didnt know much about computers. But I do have a blast playing the game. Thanx for all the hard work you guys do keeping things rolling as smooth as possible.
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Ok Scuzzy - that does my head in.
I'm running a P4 3.06 on a 500mhz bus with 1gig of unmatched ram (pc2700 and 3200, timings to suit the slowest) but working as dual.
22 Processes inc AH2 and I still have to set sliders at 60% for a guaranteed 40fps.
All drivers up to date - vid card is a 256mb 7800gs agp, sound is an audigy 2zs gamer.
One smoking bomber howerver and my frame rate is cut in half.
526 textures, 4x AA, AF off... 1024 x 768 res.
You're old rigs performance is slaughtering mine - I've been through the optimization tips, but it seriously sounds like I need some help.
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Originally posted by Flint
Ok Scuzzy - that does my head in.
I'm running a P4 3.06 on a 500mhz bus with 1gig of unmatched ram (pc2700 and 3200, timings to suit the slowest) but working as dual.
22 Processes inc AH2 and I still have to set sliders at 60% for a guaranteed 40fps.
All drivers up to date - vid card is a 256mb 7800gs agp, sound is an audigy 2zs gamer.
One smoking bomber howerver and my frame rate is cut in half.
526 textures, 4x AA, AF off... 1024 x 768 res.
You're old rigs performance is slaughtering mine - I've been through the optimization tips, but it seriously sounds like I need some help.
My old rig was a P4 2.8ghz Northwood non-HT 533mhz buss. I had a gig of ram and a 5900XT video card and I would get 50-60 FPS, 40 in combat. Also at a higher res. And around 35 processes.
As for your ram, I'm pretty sure your ram is not running in dual channel since they are mismatched sticks. Correct me if I'm wrong.
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yeah - is 4 sticks ... 2matched x 2matched, so is running dual
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I brought up the OEM issue because nobody is forced to buy OEM even if they lack the knowledge for building the computer.
Many hardware sites offer preinstalled packages for a very marginal fee. This means you get a ready built system very cheap, very high quality components and without OEM bloatware. And here's the real kicker: You get to choose any OS you like. No more forced Vista installations!
I highly recommend that route if DIY building is not an option. In fact, Skuzzy could make his life easyer by making a deal with a US vendor to promote basic AH boxes with XP preinstalled ;)
And Flint: I think your vidmem gets saturated with 512 textures and 4xAA. If that happens your fps will plummet. If the fps nosedive stops when you temporarily lower the textures to 256 and maybe FSAA to 2x then you're dealing with insufficient video memory.
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Flint, your 3.06Ghz P4 is a Prescott P4. It has about the same performance equivalent as a 2Ghz Northwood P4. My 2.4GHz is a Northwood. There was not a Prescott equivalent that was faster.
Your PC2700 RAM is going to hinder performance as well. Better than not having the RAM, but worse than my old systems low latency (CAS2) PC3200 RAM.
I also tune the video card settings to get better performance and I run a really clean installation of XP Pro. I do not have anything that phones home, such as Flash, Acrobat, Real Player, Roxio, .NET, and so on, installed.
My base installation of XP has been tweaked and optimized to have as little overhead as possible.
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Heck I get 50FPS in a fiery furball! (1280X1024 - 512 texts.. hi res makes it a little jittery)
Intel E6300/AsRock Dual VSTA
AGP Nvidia 6200
2GB DDR2 Ram (Forget the speed, but synched)
XP HOME
33 Processes running (gotta clean up some of the junk the wife installed)
oh yeah.. only a 250 watt power supply! haha
I plan on upgrading the PS and video soon though