Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: chrishy on April 11, 2009, 08:53:03 AM
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Good Morning,
I have been out of the game for a bout 5 years and am getting ready to gear up to rejoin...........(can't wait!)
I'm considering one of two alienware machines the Area 51 (Intel Processor) or the Aurora (AMD Athalon). Which processor is better suited to the game? I thought AMD's used to clock faster, but again it has been a long time.
Also, what is the concensus on dual graphics cards? Would I be better suited with the dual 512MB cards, or a single say GEforce 896MB GTX 260?
I used to run radeons in my old machine and was pretty happy with them.
And finally........... are the dedicated K1 gaming network cards worth the $$??
Thank you all in advance for your consideration............look ing forward to getting back to the game!!
chrishy
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Good Morning,
I have been out of the game for a bout 5 years and am getting ready to gear up to rejoin...........(can't wait!)
I'm considering one of two alienware machines the Area 51 (Intel Processor) or the Aurora (AMD Athalon). Which processor is better suited to the game? I thought AMD's used to clock faster, but again it has been a long time.
Also, what is the concensus on dual graphics cards? Would I be better suited with the dual 512MB cards, or a single say GEforce 896MB GTX 260?
I used to run radeons in my old machine and was pretty happy with them.
And finally........... are the dedicated K1 gaming network cards worth the $$??
Thank you all in advance for your consideration............look ing forward to getting back to the game!!
chrishy
Do not go there! If you want one built look through the hardware forum.
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And finally........... are the dedicated K1 gaming network cards worth the $$??
I've got that same question, is it worth it to buy one of those?
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First of all you'd get a lot more machine for a lot less money if you built it yourself or had someone from this forum build it for you.
The Intel Core2Duos or the I7's are better chips than the AMD's for the most part, especially the AMD dual cores which have an unresolved bug where you'll likely need to install a patch to shut down one core while playing AH. The Intels are also better overclockers if that's in your future.
Stick with one good video card. AH doesn't support SLI/Crossfire and you won't be able to lock vsync which will cause screen tearing/stuttering. I know, I tried it.
Stick with a regular network adapter. You'll gain nothing for the extra money.
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Look up Tildeath on the forums. He builds world class machines. Talk to him... you won't regret it! :rock
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If you're not going to built it yourself, I'd much prefer you not waste your money on Alienware. You can save big on having someone like TilDeath build you one as compared to an Alienware. I'd feel more comfortable you spending $2000 on a TilDeath machine (say $1300 on the actual computer and $700 in $20's flushed down the toilet) then spending $2000 on an Alienware machine.
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I'm with the rest of these guys.
Stay away from AMD! Intel has it all over them right now, and there is the issue with having to shut down one core with AH
Ailenware is over rated. Look up TilDeath on these boards, and send him a PM. He'll send you his phone number and you can give him a call. He'll walk you through the deal and set you up better than Ailenware ever could. On top of that you'll save a ton of cash. A bunch of peopl in the game have bought rigs from him and are VERY happy.
K1 network cards are a scam. Skuzzy pointed out why they aren't worth the extra cash on these boards, do a search.
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definitely what everyone else says-call Tilldeath an get a world class machine built by a ah gamer who knows our needs.He has me a quad core in the works an if like me he will point you in the right direction.
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Talk to TilDeath, he'll get you setup with a kick arse comp without the cost!
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Two things.
1. Intel
2. Contact tildeath!
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AMD Dual core had to have a fix to play AH and some games. Not a problem MS had a fix.
Amd 3 or 4 core needs no fix. No issue now.
I've built 3 tri-core and 2 quad-core Amd systems this year. No patch required for 3 or 4 core AMD.
Much better deals on AMD.
The only issue I have is sound here on AH.
I have onboard RealTEc 7.1,,
Diamond XsDDl 7.1
old Montego Bay
Maybe I should try my old Yamaha card next.
All three give me great Music but won't play AH sounds properly. Diamond XsDDl 7.1 is awesome for Media.
Someone claimed a Soundblaster card will work best here.
The best Mainboards I've ever installed right here for $130.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128384
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649
All you need is Ram. On-board ATI HD3300 graphics runs this simple game on full with no real problems.
Later you can add a Assus HD4850 680mhz video card which will play anything even Crysis at 30 to 40 fPs.
I am using the Stock fan at the moment, will upgrade soon. My Cpu temp is 28c.
Very kool for stock. You will need a nice size tower with a few fans to move hot air.
This setup will cost you about $300 + HD4850, hd4870 or hd4890 later, + possible new tower and maybe a soundblaster card.. And it is plenty FAST...
Easy to build.
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AMD Dual core had to have a fix to play AH and some games. Not a problem MS had a fix.
Amd 3 or 4 core needs no fix. No issue now.
I've built 3 tri-core and 2 quad-core Amd systems this year. No patch required for 3 or 4 core AMD.
Much better deals on AMD.
The only issue I have is sound here on AH.
I have onboard RealTEc 7.1,,
Diamond XsDDl 7.1
old Montego Bay
Maybe I should try my old Yamaha card next.
All three give me great Music but won't play AH sounds properly. Diamond XsDDl 7.1 is awesome for Media.
Someone claimed a Soundblaster card will work best here.
The best Mainboards I've ever installed right here for $130.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128384
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649
All you need is Ram. On-board ATI HD3300 graphics runs this simple game on full with no real problems.
Later you can add a Assus HD4850 680mhz video card which will play anything even Crysis at 30 to 40 fPs.
I am using the Stock fan at the moment, will upgrade soon. My Cpu temp is 28c.
Very kool for stock. You will need a nice size tower with a few fans to move hot air.
This setup will cost you about $300 + HD4850, hd4870 or hd4890 later, + possible new tower and maybe a soundblaster card.. And it is plenty FAST...
Easy to build.
OH Lordie
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What Tildeath said. I wouldn't touch GenMata's onboard video build with yet another 10 foot poll.
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my X2 7750 doesnt have this bug.. its a dual core AMD cpu ..
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OH Lordie
:rofl :rofl :rofl Look, go with amd duo core if you want. We will be waiting for your posts in the Technical forum.
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<snip>Stick with one good video card. AH doesn't support SLI/Crossfire and you won't be able to lock vsync which will cause screen tearing/stuttering. I know, I tried it.<snip>
Allow me to clarify this. It is not Aces High II that does not support SLI/Crossfire. It is a design choice by NVidia and ATI to NOT support vertical sync when running in those modes.
Do yourself a favor and ignore GenMata's advice. Sorry GenMata, but you put yourself out on the end of that rope.
Also, make sure you do not force any type of sound codecs to be on, such as EAX or Dolby. Aces High II supports real 3D sounds. If you have a 5.1 or 7.1 speaker configuration, sounds will come from the right direction without the aid of any external manipulations.
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Stick with one good video card. AH doesn't support SLI/Crossfire and you won't be able to lock vsync which will cause screen tearing/stuttering. I know, I tried it.
Vsync works in crossfire with 2 4850's, atleast mine appears to be working.
edit: on second thought, how can I be sure crossfire fire is working? I'm using ATI Tray tools and have the crossfire selected in it, but how can I be sure?
Lambo.
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I would like to know for sure if ATI is honoring vertical sync in a Crossfire configuration as well. If that is true, the Crossfire should work with Aces High II as that is the only issue with NVidia's SLI configuration.
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Running 2 4870's here and crossfire works fine. Locked in at a steady 60fps when vsync is turned on.
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:rofl :rofl :rofl Look, go with amd duo core if you want. We will be waiting for your posts in the Technical forum.
Bah, easy to get around that bug. After patching I have never had troubles,
Then again...it looks as if "some of us" may. :uhoh
Also, hopefully quick question for someone: Is there a reason SLI can't keep Vsync on?
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Bah, easy to get around that bug. After patching I have never had troubles,
Then again...it looks as if "some of us" may. :uhoh
Also, hopefully quick question for someone: Is there a reason SLI can't keep Vsync on?
Here's the thing. Yes there is a patch that involves the registry. You have to download the patch and it still may not work. So you have to go into the registry and make some corrections. Then test those corrections. Still it may or may not work. Finally if you do get it working then the chip runs slightly slower than it what it was designed to. Keep in mind that this is a work around for a problem that is hardware bound. Now if you buy an intel chip all you have to do is plug it in. So why hassle with the AMD duo cores. Now if it is an AMD 3 or 4 core there is no problem.
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Here's the thing. Yes there is a patch that involves the registry. You have to download the patch and it still may not work. So you have to go into the registry and make some corrections. Then test those corrections. Still it may or may not work. Finally if you do get it working then the chip runs slightly slower than it what it was designed to. Keep in mind that this is a work around for a problem that is hardware bound. Now if you buy an intel chip all you have to do is plug it in. So why hassle with the AMD duo cores. Now if it is an AMD 3 or 4 core there is no problem.
Ah well, may be troubles no matter what, but my tiny brain can't tell. Everything seems fine for me. :D
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Bah, easy to get around that bug. After patching I have never had troubles,
Then again...it looks as if "some of us" may. :uhoh
Also, hopefully quick question for someone: Is there a reason SLI can't keep Vsync on?
If you enable vertical sync, then the NVidia drivers disable SLI mode. It appears to be how they have designed it.
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Do yourself a favor and ignore GenMata's advice. Sorry GenMata, but you put yourself out on the end of that rope.
Also, make sure you do not force any type of sound codecs to be on, such as EAX or Dolby. Aces High II supports real 3D sounds. If you have a 5.1 or 7.1 speaker configuration, sounds will come from the right direction without the aid of any external manipulations.
[/quote]What rope? the tri-core/quad-core?
These cores run just fine.
As far as sound I have not forced anything. My speakers are running in 2.1 configuration.
I have requested help and searched for clues here and at diamondmm. I found a post that says this game has problems with with many on-board sound cards and c-media chips based cards.
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What Tildeath said. I wouldn't touch GenMata's onboard video build with yet another 10 foot poll.
That's just the basics at very affordable price. Drop in an ATI card and paly anything.,.
Of course tildeath would rather you spend a fortune building an overpriced Intel system.
Yeah me too, Not. I can do that also.
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PLEASE ignore Genmata if you are looking for sound advice! :aok
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Of course tildeath would rather you spend a fortune building an overpriced Intel system.
Yeah me too, Not. I can do that also.
You really don't have a clue as to what things cost. In most cases my so called FORTUNE OVERPRICED rigs are less then purchasing the parts from Newegg. Additionally if the rig you purpose was built correctly you would not be blaming AH for your sound errors. Ever try to play CRISIS on your machine, I bet it will say UMMM NOT IN THIS LIFETIME. I build quality and only quality rigs since my name is on the line. So please get a clue before making comments on my systems and their pricing. You are making comments on something you have no idea about!
When the systems I build are delivered I get an email... then I call my customer and arrange a time when they will first be turning them on, I then walk each customer through all aspects of the system from the BIOS to the OS. How to install drivers, tune their mic, etc etc. I do not know of any other company that does this. I am available for tech support about 16 hours a day 7 days a week. I also support things I didn't sell to non customers. So when you actually can produce a stable working system that works across all gaming platforms then you have the right to comment on my builds, until then don't comment on any of my builds.
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PLEASE ignore Genmata if you are looking for sound advice! :aok
X234
Everyone has standards... I guess I just set the bar higher then he does
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Additionally if the rig you purpose was built correctly you would not be blaming AH for your sound errors. Ever try to play CRISIS on your machine, I bet it will say UMMM NOT IN THIS LIFETIME. I build quality and only quality rigs since my name is on the line.
You would bet wrong! It seems to me you don't know as much as you would like to think.
HD3300 runs crysis on low settings and in this lifetime just fine. According to AH tech, c-media and on-board sound often gives users problems. I have no problems running sound with any other games with either sound card.
It don't appear that you keep up with Tomshardware or the many other tech sites which rated the phenom II x3 720 the best bang for the buck.
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[quote author=GenMata link=topic=262614.msg3266344#msg3266344 date=1239587333
It don't appear that you keep up with Tomshardware or the many other tech sites which rated the phenom II x3 720 the best bang for the buck.
[/quote]
I run my own tech site thank you very much, not to mention hold a world record for overclocking a GTX295. And I go by my own test results not what someone else says. TomsHardware is a great site, but there are over 100 writers for the site, no two have the same results. And I guess the engineering samples I get from OCZ and the Motherboards, Video Cards sent to me free of charge for evaluation before public release means I have no clue as to what I am doing. Learn from experience not from everything you read. Nuff Said this is not worth anymore of my time. The people whom have had me build their systems for them know how my builds are that's why they refer their friends and family. 27 years in the business several certifications and a few degrees in the field, you are not worth my time. The poster here can take your recommendations, someone elses or mine, either way I will sleep fine. Skuzzy even told you you were not correct and you didn't believe him either. I should take after him and simple stop replying to loony things.
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You would bet wrong! It seems to me you don't know as much as you would like to think.
HD3300 runs crysis on low settings and in this lifetime just fine. According to AH tech, c-media and on-board sound often gives users problems. I have no problems running sound with any other games with either sound card.
It don't appear that you keep up with Tomshardware or the many other tech sites which rated the phenom II x3 720 the best bang for the buck.
Wow, who is this? You plan an "attempted character assassination" against someone taking time out of his business to help others? I built my own and still may send mine to TilDeath and have him "swap cases". He has PROVEN time and time again, "He gives a damn about every customer he deals with." You run on-board graphics, sound and wonder why your "clipboard is spinning"? Skuzzy is probably still scratching over that post from a month ago.
I was the one who "mentioned the Sound Blaster". Since you ignored my post in that thread, you now add a 4th "no name brand" sound card. You wonder why you're having problems? Take a break and smell what you're shoveling please.
All of this for 30 posts and registering in 2006? Something doesn't add up here folks. But I'll be damned if I'll sit back and watch TilDeath get mocked by someone like this.
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Nevermind
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When information provided is accurate, I tend to stay out of the threads, but GenMata you are not providing accurate information.
1) CMedia has a long standing history of providing lousy sound card/chip drivers. I have two motherboards here with CMedia devices and I can lock them up with over 15 different games.
2) Onboard video chips use system RAM which is several times slower than dedicated video RAM. It also reduces the amount of system RAM available to applications. They also cannot act asynchrounously to the CPU, meaning when the CPU needs to access memroy the video chip has to wait, and vice-versa. Add on cards can operate 100% asynchronously to the CPU and vice-versa. This makes threading a good thing.
3) The biggest problems most people have with sound is forcing EAX on or Dolby on or using an incorrect speaker configuration or installing two sound devices on the same IRQ. Or trying to use a USB headset with a different configuration of speakers for the regular sound card. Or using a sound card which has horrible support for DirectSound.
4) AMD dual-core CPU's have a compatibility bug in them, we happen to hit. We are not the only application which runs into the issue.
5) Just because some WEB site reviewer says something does not make it the truth. Most of them are driven by ad revenue and by extension, they become a marketing arm for whoever is paying the bills.
Most people on this site speak from experience and have a background to back it up. I tend to ride this forum pretty hard as it is very important for people to get accurate information. It does have an impact on my livelihood.
You are, what I would call, a one-quote wonder. You come off as a person who is very shallow in knowledge, which makes you prone to making erroneous statements or drawing erroneous conclusions. I have an obligation to make sure this community is not lead to do things, which could cause problems with their computer systems.
You take the approach of making personal attacks and quoting other WEB sites for your support, while the people you are attacking have proven, time and time again, they know what they are talking about.
You, by your own admission, had to search our site to find out about problems with the sound card. If you had the experience most of the people here have, you would have already known the answer.
If you really want to get along here, leave the fanbois routines at the door and try showing a little respect to the community. It you continue to post up preposterous solutions which we all know are not anything remotely close to ideal, while denigrating others who have proven their expertise, you will find yourself not welcome here at all.
No one here, including me, knows everything, but you are at the bottom rung of the knowledge ladder, by your own doing.
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BACK TO THE ORIGINAL QUESTION:
Dont watse money on Alienware or one of those companies. Like everyone else said, build yourself or have a professional do it at a LOW cost with outstanding service. That would be TilDeath.
Look at some of his work, talk to him, and you will eventually decide paying him a small fee to build and setup your rig for you is worth every penny.
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Yea same here. I built my own out of pride and determiantion to do so. But, definitely, had I not been hellbent and determined to do so, I would have had Tildeath built it. I took every drop of advice he gave very seriously and for the most part, incorporated everything he said into my build. In retrospect I see the wisdom of those choices, even though I did not understand the "whys" at the time. That quality of knowledge Tildeath has is not something you just know, it can only be had by vast experience.
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4) AMD dual-core CPU's have a compatibility bug in them, we happen to hit. We are not the only application which runs into the issue.
for some reason the X2 7750 doesnt not have this bug..
my X2 5000+ had it
my X2 3800+ had it
but since owning the X2 7750 chip i have not had the spinning clipboard or anything of that nature i have had with the previous non phenom core X2's.
so when refering to X2's please note unless someone else can show this bug with this chip, please exclude it.
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I'll need one more confirmation on that Zohan. What OS are you using? If XP, did it already come with SP3? If Vista, did it already include SP1?
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I read several articles that said the x2 7750 was based on the TLB bug free version (B3). If I read that right that is the same architecture as the x3 and x4 phenoms. Now I didn't read any tests.
If that is true then gamers have a good inexpensive alternative. Just avoid the other previous x2s.
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Just as a reminder not all Intel systems are free from spinning clipboard either. I had a Intel board with ATI R600 chipset (integrated video) that had the spinning clipboard problem. It happened also with a pci-e display card so it was some problem related to the chipset.
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The only time I have run into the 'spinning clipboard' syndrome with Intel CPU's was with some laptop chips and it turned out one core was being shutdown too agressively in power management.
I have not heard of any issues with regular desktop CPU's though.
AMD has had a fix for the issue since about 2 months after they started shipping the dual core CPU's. If they finally took the hit and created a new master for production, it would be great.
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This product gave me the spinning clipboard even with a separate displaycard: http://europe.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=4Core1333-FullHD&s=775
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Interesting. I wonder the ATI motherboard chipset does not support the dual high resolution timers in the Intel dual-core CPU's.
I'll dig about.
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I'll need one more confirmation on that Zohan. What OS are you using? If XP, did it already come with SP3? If Vista, did it already include SP1?
i run XP sp2 (VLK) upgraded to sp3