Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Tmac7 on January 05, 2009, 10:18:08 AM
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What would make my game have better Frame Rate? A Graphics card and/or sound card I was thinking. If thats the case can you name good ones that don't cost a hole lot. Thanks
Also I have a Compaq computer 2006 so I'm not sure what kind I need to buy and if it'll work. I'm looking at bestbuy for the card. Right now i found a GeForce 7300 GT OC Express Graphics Card and NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS 512MB DDR2 PCI Express Graphics Card
~Tmac73~
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Can you post your computer's model number?
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Tmac vid card might not be the answer. As suggested give the specs of your PC including power supply.
Vid Cards are larger now. they might not fit into your box! Also....vid cards use more voltage now and
use a dangle from the power supply. Is your video now integrated on the mother board?
Upgrading memory might be of help also.
A lot of questions should be answered before you run off and purchase a video card.
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Yes, your Computer's model number should be included. Also please don't hesitate to post up a DxDiag so we have some idea of what needs to be improved in order for you to start enjoying the higher-end graphics of this glorious game.
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Well I'm not exactly an expert so I'm not sure were to get my DxDiag and Computer model number. Sorry if you could help me get that I can get it for you.
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The Geforce 7300 and 8400 are low end cards and aren't designed for gaming really. I am imagining that you computer has onboard video. Those cards would show an improvement - but I can't say how much. My guess is only a slight improvement.
I don't know what kind of frame rate you get now, but to get a video card with some horsepower, you'll more than likely need to upgrade your Power Supply.
You'll need to post your dxdiag for us. Just go to Start -> Run -> type in 'dxdiag' and let us know the information you find there.
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There should be instructions on Compaq's website on how to retrieve your Computer's Model Number. As for the DxDiag, go to Start>Run. Now type in: dxdiag
Afterward press OK. Now after the application launches let it load (typically the loading bar is on the bottom left). After it finishes loading press, "Save All Information..." Now save the file to some place you can easily locate. After saving the file go to the location you just saved it to and open that file. Now copy the first third (1/3) of the file and paste it in a response here. That's your DxDiag.
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System Information
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Time of this report: 1/5/2009, 15:57:53
Machine name: ANTHONYS
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Compaq Presario 061
System Model: RE467AA-ABA SR2010NX NA640
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3400+, MMX, 3DNow, ~1.8GHz
Memory: 446MB RAM
Page File: 249MB used, 805MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode
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DxDiag Notes
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DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 2: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.
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DirectX Debug Levels
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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)
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Display Devices
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Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 6150 LE
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0241&SUBSYS_2A45103C&REV_A2
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (85Hz)
Monitor: COMPAQ FS7600 Color Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1280,1024
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.8208 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 5/9/2006 14:50:00, 3955200 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 5/9/2006 14:50:00, 3535680 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4101-11CF-9C53-4F0A03C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x0241
SubSys ID: 0x2A45103C
Revision ID: 0x00A2
Revision ID: 0x00A2
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_B ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A
Deinterlace Caps: {212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: 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
{212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: 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
{212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x32315659) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalSt retch
{212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: 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
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Well you have onboard video and a Sempron CPU.
Spending a lot of money on a high end video card wouldn't help you imho.
Someone with more knowledge of what your system could handle hopefully will comment.
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You can try the 7300GT or the 8400, but like I said, I don't know if those cards will give you a 'whole' lot of performance. You can put more RAM in your computer. You only have 512mb right now. I'd add 2gb which should run you about $20-25 if you buy from an online retailer like Newegg - I'd avoid Bestbuy for this. That should give you the best performance gain for the buck.
Otherwise, you've got a low end Sempron processor and its tough to make a gaming machine out of low end computer. The RAM upgrade would be my best bang for the buck quick solution. The biggest problem you're going to face is that your computer has a Power Supply that is pretty much designed for the small amount of power is uses. Throwing in even a low end decent video card is more than likely going to require you to replace your power supply. I'm not sure how much money you're willing to put into your machine if thats the case.
I know a 7300GT is $75 at Best Buy. That card costs about half of that on Newegg.com. Even the 7300GT requires a 350W power supply. I'm wouldn't be surprised if the Power supply in your Compaq is only 250W. Thus, you'd need a new power supply.
$20-25 for 2gb of Ram
$40-50 on a Power supply
$50-60 on a video card.
A sound card isn't going to do a whole lot on your system. I wouldn't think about upgrading the video card without adding more RAM.
IMHO. Save you money for now, buy the RAM to help get buy. But look to a new system. Unless all you play is Aces High and thats all you're going to play.
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The current price of video cards are a small investment and he should see a decent increase in performace over his onboard video. I wouldn't expect that computer to run full anti alias of high quality graphics with a more current video card but it will be better. The Nvidea 9600 or ATI 3650 are about $60-$85. The problem is he may need a larger power supply. Nvidea recommends 400W but ATI uses less power. You may be able to get away with 300W with ATI 3650. Please post how many watts you power supply output is.
I ran a AMD 3000(Over clocked 1.9Ghz) processor with a Nvidea 6800GS for 1 year with little problems. Just a tad bumpy in high graphic areas and huge furballs but overall it was sufficient. If you keep your computer relatively clean and tuned and you have a decent internet connect, you will see a improvement with the edition of more ram.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3658661&SRCCODE=NEXTAG&cm_mmc_o=2mHCjCWw0fzTCjCVqHCjCdwwp
http://www1.bottomdollar.com/p__Asus_EN9600GSO_MAGIC_NVIDIA_GeForce_512MB_DDR2_PCI_Express,__85969331/search=geforce%209600/st=product/sv=title
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All i play is Aces High no other games and im willing to spend only on memory because by june i'll have enough money for a new computer. sounds better to do that.
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The money you save now by not putting into a new video card, you can use to upgrade even further come June.
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I found 2gb of memory for 18.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148086
it says laptop memory but will it work in my PC?
If I get a new Computer desktop. Got a question whats a good basic computer for the game. I'm looking at the graphics cards for the ones I found and they all seem the same when it comes to brand and type. For instances:
NVIDIA GeForce 7100 graphics (is that any good?)
And
NVIDIA GeForce 7100 XT graphics
All the computers i'm looking at range from 250$ - 500$. If I save my money up by this summer I should have a good $1,000 or more for it. And if I wait til next winter i'll have a good $2,500. But I want one around 250 and 500$ Maybe a little over.
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I found 2gb of memory for 18.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148086
it says laptop memory but will it work in my PC?
Nope, laptop memory is a completely different size. This is the cheapeast 2 x 1gb sticks I found. $16.99 + Free shipping. Can't beat that.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146526
Now your computer only has 2 slots for memory, so you'll have to junk/give away the current memory sticks you have in there now. But 2gb of memory is a very good improvement over 512mb.
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Will I lose all my pictures and saved files?
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I also Googled your PC again, you have a 250W power supply, so any video card you wanted to upgrade would require a new more powerful power supply.
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Will I lose all my pictures and saved files?
Nope, upgrading your desktop memory is about the easiest hardware upgrade you can do. Search youtube, you can find some good videos on it. Such as this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwbA4f1O93s
**this is for an HP computer, but the basics on how to do it are the same.
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Thanks guys for your help. If I didn't ask I'd probably go out and by the graphics card and break my computer. So anyone got an idea of best kind of computer for this game? I don't want a windows Vista or Mac, just HP or Compaq. But if you guys see a better windows vista i'll live. :aok
~Tmac73
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Tmac, I know you're going to freak. But building your own is simple, and cheaper. Plus building your own you get what you want, without the junk (Trial software, junk files, unreliable hardware).
The only area where things get more expensive is when you include a Windows Installer Disk. Currently Windows XP Pro SP3 runs you $139.99.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116515
Or if you feel you're not up to the challenge of building it yourself, ask one of us to do it for you. It will still be much cheaper and much more reliable than if you bought one from Dell, HP, or Compaq.
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Tmac, I know you're going to freak. But building your own is simple, and cheaper. Plus building your own you get what you want, without the junk (Trial software, junk files, unreliable hardware).
The only area where things get more expensive is when you include a Windows Installer Disk. Currently Windows XP Pro SP3 runs you $139.99.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116515
Or if you feel you're not up to the challenge of building it yourself, ask one of us to do it for you. It will still be much cheaper and much more reliable than if you bought one from Dell, HP, or Compaq.
Yep. I'd build it, Denholm would, Til Death would, BaldEagl would, Fulmar would. Just go with the RAM and forgo the VC. Use that money for your new PC. You'll notice a difference in Web surfing, gaming (to an extent) and medial tasks. Hopefully you get the benefit of Dual channel.
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So if i had someone build it what would the price range be? And would I send the money order or something? Or use a card? That sounds like a better idea to get one of you guys that can build it get parts and build it for me. It wouldnt be til around june. But i'll make sure I make plans with someone.
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You need to match your memory with same brand and model! I would updrade and get 2 sticks of 1G. Do not get 2 sticks 2G. XP only recognizes 3G.
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Here is your motherboard:
(http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq77/AAdeath/c00757485.jpg)
Fulmars suggestion on Ram $17
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146526
500W Thermaltake Power supply $35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153052
ATI 3650 video card $60
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3658661&SRCCODE=NEXTAG&cm_mmc_o=2mHCjCWw0fzTCjCVqHCjCdwwp
Total amount $112
This can be a "quick fix" until you are ready for new computer.
Furballin at Aces High Priceless!
PS. When your ready an Aces High member TilDeath is a computer retailer/builder. He will put you in the right direction. It sounds like a small build computer would be in the $600 range, a real decent computer $800 $900 range and a stellar $1200.
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Im just looking for a real decent one around 600$ I'm only 15 and paying for this on my own. So it'll be a couple to a few months of saving. Me and TD have talked about it and I let him know it'll be a little while.
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XP only recognizes 3G.
This is incorrect. 32bit operating systems will recognize up to 4GB, but that's a systemwide total. Memory on any expansion cards will also be counted. So, if you've got a 512MB video card and nothing else with onboard memory, your maximum system RAM will be 3.5GB.
Sound cards have a small amount of RAM...some other cards do too. All of it totals up against the 4GB limit.
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This is incorrect. 32bit operating systems will recognize up to 4GB, but that's a systemwide total. Memory on any expansion cards will also be counted. So, if you've got a 512MB video card and nothing else with onboard memory, your maximum system RAM will be 3.5GB.
Sound cards have a small amount of RAM...some other cards do too. All of it totals up against the 4GB limit.
Sorry about the confusion. 32 bit XP will not address more than 3G ram depending on configuration. Its not as simple as 4G - 512 video card. Don't know what the max is but I think it is 3G
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Reading up on it, it appears that Vista (in their uberest knowledge) decided to lower the limit in their operating system to 3.12GB in order to avoid conflicts. I believe what I said holds true for other 32bit platforms, though.
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Sorry about the confusion. 32 bit XP will not address more than 3G ram depending on configuration. Its not as simple as 4G - 512 video card. Don't know what the max is but I think it is 3G
Then why have I heard people say that 32 bit XP regognizes as much as 3.5 GB on some systems?
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(http://www.derstuhl.net/images/misc/sys_prop_1-7-09.jpg)
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Then why have I heard people say that 32 bit XP regognizes as much as 3.5 GB on some systems?
So, XP Vista, you Lose some ram. due to accessories. Depending on the system, you can lose a lot. Have you made any 'TWEAKS' in windows???
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Reading up on it, it appears that Vista (in their uberest knowledge) decided to lower the limit in their operating system to 3.12GB in order to avoid conflicts. I believe what I said holds true for other 32bit platforms, though.
I believe XP prior to SP2 and windows 2000 could handle a full 4GB of RAM - they do this by working with the motherboard to have the address space of some of the RAM remapped above the 4GB boundary. I think they were having conflicts above 4G. I am not sure with your statement on Vista. I do not use it but I think vista does address more than 4G.
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64bit Vista will address in excess of the 4 (or in this case 3.12) gigabyte cap, but by definition a 32bit OS cannot handle more than 4GB of systemwide memory.
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I'm getting the 4 gb of memory and then get a custom built one
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I'm getting the 4 gb of memory and then get a custom built one
Tmac a waste of money... Just get 2 X 1G sticks! I you want to it won't hurt but more $.
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64bit Vista will address in excess of the 4 (or in this case 3.12) gigabyte cap, but by definition a 32bit OS cannot handle more than 4GB of systemwide memory.
I don't believe he has 64 bit. I think the ram debate is dead.
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Oh oops nevermind its 2 x 1 gb sticks not 2 x 2 gb so 2 gb only but better than 250mb