Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Brooke on July 29, 2009, 02:32:26 PM
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I don't think it takes much computer horsepower to run the new Aces High, but there are folks out there with very outdated systems that won't do well on the new graphics.
For those folks, if any of them are thinking of upgrading, but only as little as possible to run the new AH well, let's put together some suggestions for them.
We can have suggestions from the "buy it" side, and suggestions from the "build it" side. Both are valid.
Folks, give your suggestions here and the total cost.
Please no suggestions where total cost comes in over $600. The goal isn't the best gaming rig -- it is the *cheapest* thing a person can buy and get good performance in Aces High.
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Easy...minimum P4 HT Extreme 2.4Ghz processor...2 GB RAM...Windows XP SP3 clean...8x AGP graphics slot.
Video card upgrade for AGP slot minimum 512MB video RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%201069609639&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=PRICED (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%201069609639&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=PRICED)
PCI express x1 minimum 512 video RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%201069620108&name=PCI%20Express%20x1 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%201069620108&name=PCI%20Express%20x1)
PCI express x16 minimum 256MB DDR2 video RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%201069620108&name=PCI%20Express%20x1 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%201069620108&name=PCI%20Express%20x1)
PCI express x16 2.0 minimum 128MB DDR3 video RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%201069633099&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=PRICE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%201069633099&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=PRICE)
*Warning* Recommended brands are EVGA, XFX, PNY, Gigabyte...nothing else.
Watch the specs on the video cards...the faster RAMDAC, faster memory, higher pixel pipelines will get you better performance.
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You can "recycle" much of the old system.
I would think a vid card, mobo, cpu, ram would be all that's needed.
Should be able to get the above components for $400.00 ish.
Now some people have motherboards that are upgradeable.
I use a single core 3ghz Intel P4 but my mobo supports up to a quad core so I can probably just upgrade the CPU.
(anybody who's recently upgraded their CPU to a quad got an old dual core laying about I could have?)
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Here is a starting point....
CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649 $120
MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392 $80
PS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016 $35
VC
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121314 $45
This is your "bare bones" guts for a system that will run the current version at 45-60 FPS with everything maxed out. So your core cost is about $280. I left out case, memory, OS etc since some is recycleable and others have particular preference. I can build a good box minus OS for about $400-450 that will run AH fine.
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Got mine on e-turd for $300 amd dualcore 4gig ram etc etc. Added XP and a new vid card
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My suggestion (the "buy it" side of things).
Dell Vostro 220 minitower (buy from small and medium business area, which individuals can buy from) with:
Intel Core 2 Duo E5200
2 GB RAM
160 GB hard disk
only 300W power supply though
cost from Dell = $350
or
Dell Studio Desktop with:
Intel Core 2 Duo E5200
2 GB RAM
500 GB hard disk
only 300W power supply though
cost from Dell = $370
Graphics card:
nVidia Geforce 9600GT with DDR3 vid. mem and 650 MHz core, specifically:
eVGA version from Newegg.com
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130424
cost from Newegg = $90
or
Radeon HD4650 with DDR vid. mem, specifically:
Sapphire version from Newegg.com
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102838
cost from Newegg = $50
total cost = $400-$460
This is a better system than I have currently, and I run at 1280x960, maxxed out 8xS antialiasing (which requires a lot of GPU effort), maxxed out graphics-quality settings in the nVidia controls, graphics sliders in AH all maxxed out, AH hires texture pack (which supposedly takes a lot more GPU), and get (depending on the action around me) 50-72 frames/sec.
So, the above probably isn't a minimal system, but you don't save much as a "buy it" system getting less than that.
The one concern is that the machines have 300W power supplies (not all that much). I've found in the past 300W to be OK, though -- but you could buy a larger power supply and install it for another $50 or so if you run into problems.
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Heres a suggestion that im sure would run the game fine
MOBO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128380 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128380)
memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820159015 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820159015)
CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072)
PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817159084 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817159084)
vid card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130435 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130435)
It comes to $322.00 and change however there are those that will have the PSU and other parts they can reuse. So this price is reducable depending on what components they need.
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Brooke listed some VERY good information, his setups mentioned are what I am using and it runs the new version well.
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This would work. $437 plus shipping. Complete self-build:
- SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model SH-S222A
- COOLER MASTER ELITE 335 RC-335-KKN1-GP Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
- Western Digital Caviar Blue WD800JD 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
- EVGA 512-P3-N973-TR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
- OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI
Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC
- Kingston ValueRAM 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR800D2N5K2/2G
- GIGABYTE GA-G41M-ES2L LGA 775 Intel G41 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
- Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
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This would work. $437 plus shipping. Complete self-build:
- SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model SH-S222A
- COOLER MASTER ELITE 335 RC-335-KKN1-GP Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
- Western Digital Caviar Blue WD800JD 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
- EVGA 512-P3-N973-TR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
- OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI
Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC
- Kingston ValueRAM 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR800D2N5K2/2G
- GIGABYTE GA-G41M-ES2L LGA 775 Intel G41 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
- Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
We can cut that down even more...
Drop the DVD drive.
Make the Video Card an 8800 GTS or 8800 GT with 512Mb
Should save you 50 or so dollars....
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Make the low-end systems run well?
I suggest stealing a grocery cart from the local market....at night.
Consider it a mission.
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We can cut that down even more...
Drop the DVD drive.
Make the Video Card an 8800 GTS or 8800 GT with 512Mb
Should save you 50 or so dollars....
Not sure you can find 8800's anymore except maybe on ebay.
How are you going to install the operating system without an optical drive?
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Hard drives, cases, monitors.. what do they have to do with upgrades? Is it not all about CPU, mobo, RAM and vid card (+ good enough power unit)? The rest is just necessary extra which can be as high or low end stuff as one wants.
Well, ok, maby there are some absolute minimums for other stuff as well, but I dont think they have changed due to this AH upgrade.
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Make the low-end systems run well?
I suggest stealing a grocery cart from the local market....at night.
Consider it a mission.
Given your attitude and caustic comments I hope skuzzy considers a vacation from the BBS for you.
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Cheap that runs AH well? Sounds like my PC, although I am slowly replacing parts, not due to being bad, but I like new stuff. :)
I can run it, or know it will run with the following, well:
Motherboard: (Using currently)
Brand: Biostar
Socket: AM2
Form: Micro-ATX
Price: 50$
CPU: (Using currently)
Brand: AMD
Socket: AM2
Speed: ~2.5GHz
Price: 65$
RAM: (Using Currently)
Brand: Transcend
Speed: DDR2-800
Amount: 2GB
Price: 27$
GPU:
Brand: EVGA
Model: 9600/9800
Memory: 512MB
Price: 90/102$
PSU: (Using 700W version)
Brand: OCZ
Model: StealthX 600Watt 4x 12V Rails @ 18A each
Price: 80$
Total: 312$ / 324$
Rest: Case/DVD/HDD are re-useable, and should be un-needed. If you need a Case they can be found rather cheap; DVD-drives can be found about $30; and HDD, well the current one can be kept, but if not they are about 70$.
I'll leave the Manufacturer type PC (Dell, E-machines, HP) to others, haven't looked at those in a few years.
About as cheap as I would recommend, anything less would require using cheaper less reliable brands. :salute
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Given your attitude and caustic comments I hope skuzzy considers a vacation from the BBS for you.
Now that you mention it, that is something I miss from the old boards... the ignore feature. :(
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I've noticed a couple of people talking about upgrading mobos, cpus and vid cards...then recommending the newest components for each...and then saying stuff like the RAM can be re-used...even one person who listed an entire system of current model components but no mobo like the persons old mobo will work...not possible.
The new mobos use DDR3 or DDR4 memory...you cannot put DDR2 or standard DDR into a new series mobo...same goes for the cpu a P4 won't fit in a new cpu socket...unless it's a "transition" mobo in which case some were backward compatible.
New mobos don't have AGP 8x slots in them either...
Just a friendly reminder folks...in your quest of the best for the least...remember backward compatibility doesn't always apply.
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whats a good agp card to get? i think my computer is fine just my graphics card is old i have a 9600 pro
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If you simply want to get by for now you can do it reasonbly cheaply and still have the ability to upgrade later if wanted. Just have to do some looking and research, and yes I know not all are tech savvy enough to know what theyre looking at but you dont need top end stuff to run this game full blown.
You can get a 5200 cpu for $65 can be OC to 4G if you wanted
a motherboard with room for growth later for $50
decent 500W psu for $40
2G Ram for $25
VC that will run fine for $50
Thats about $230 and you can run this game at max, and still be able to upgrade any of those components down the road.
Would this be a top end system absolutely not....... but compared to what you probably have youll think you found a miracle.
And the game will perform top notch for ya
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First off, I'd like to thank Brooke for starting this thread and my thanks as well
to those individuals who took the time to flesh it out and offer their own alternatives.
Since installing the new version of AH2, I've found my box locking up entirely within
anywhere from ten seconds after entering the arena to my longest "flight", which
lasted about two minutes.
I've been around computers long enough to know that everything in one becomes obsolete
at some point. There's no getting around it, it's merely a fact of life. I've got a GeForce 6600GT
with 128MB of RAM. I couldn't tell you exactly, but I'm guessing I got it approximately five years
ago, a VERY long time in computer years as those of you who know the guts of 'em realize.
Anyway, this will probably be the last rig I ever own, so I'm hanging onto it, AGP bus and all.
I'd been wavering as to whether or not to drop Aces High since an overall upgrade/new rig
is out of the question. Bottom line is I just can't justify the outlay.
However, after reading this thread and seeing what my video card upgrade options
are and at what price(s), I'm going to bite the bullet and grab one online today.
The outlay for a better AGP video card isn't going to be as big a hit as I'd anticipated
it would be and the return on investment, not only with (a) the ability to continue
playing Aces High and (b) better graphics, but most importantly, (c) the ability
to continue to interact online with some of the best folks it has ever been my
pleasure to "meet" makes it something I -can- justify.
Again, my thanks to you all for a very positive and re-assuring post/thread.
Good hunting!
Oddball
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http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150433&Tpk=XFX%20HD-465X-ZPF2%20Radeon%20HD%204650%201GB%20128-bit%20DDR2%20A (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150433&Tpk=XFX%20HD-465X-ZPF2%20Radeon%20HD%204650%201GB%20128-bit%20DDR2%20A)
Okay, one video card ordered and on the way from Newegg. Which, btw is a GREAT place to do business with. I've
used them often over the years.
I chose to spend a bit extra as this particular card features 1GB of memory versus 512MB on the others I saw.
My present card, a GeForce 6600GT has lasted me about four to five years. If this one can do the same for me,
at 107 bucks, that works out to about 21 bucks a year. Seems like a good return on investment to me if it allows
me to continue playing. :pray
Again, my thanks to all you technical types whose input got me to quit pouting and take a look
around for options. <S>
Best regards,
Oddball
Raw Prawns
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a laptop
http://personafile.com/Compaq-Presario-CQ60-215DX-Notebook.html (http://personafile.com/Compaq-Presario-CQ60-215DX-Notebook.html)
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Those with a Dell go to thier site and download the analizer and they will have the proper components to upgrade your system and give you a read out of what you have currently. Was very helpful for me. :aok
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/DellPartsFamily.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&s=dhs&~ck=anavml (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/DellPartsFamily.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&s=dhs&~ck=anavml)
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I've noticed a couple of people talking about upgrading mobos, cpus and vid cards...then recommending the newest components for each...and then saying stuff like the RAM can be re-used...even one person who listed an entire system of current model components but no mobo like the persons old mobo will work...not possible.
This is a false statement. DDR2 boards will work with DDR2 boards, Socket 775 will work with socket 775, no difference.
The new mobos use DDR3 or DDR4 memory...you cannot put DDR2 or standard DDR into a new series mobo...same goes for the cpu a P4 won't fit in a new cpu socket...unless it's a "transition" mobo in which case some were backward compatible.
There are PLENTY of MB makers out there still making NEW DDR2 memory MBs as well as the new DDR3. You mention DDR4, this is not due for public release until 2011 or 2012 there is no DDR4 memory in any systems offered on the market today. As long as the CPU you currently have is the same "socket" type as a newly purchased MB the processor will work... no need to worry about "backward" compatability.
New mobos don't have AGP 8x slots in them either...
Gigabyte, ASUS etc etc are still making boards with both PCIe and AGP slots in a few socket and memory flavors.
As long as you mate the socket and mem you will have no problem upgrading your MB to a faster one and still being able to use all of your current components.
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Just out of curiosity, how much trouble is it to upgrade a MB and/or CPU - or are they pretty much plug and play? I've swapped out video cards, disc drives, and RAM, but that's about it, and if I'm going to upgrade my video card now I'll probably want to upgrade the CPU and mobo at some point rather than buy a whole new system.
Also, I have a line on a 9500 GT PCI-E 512MB at a very good price, is that likely to be sufficient to run the advanced terrain if not at max resolution/hi-res? (CPU is an AMD single core 2.66 MHz, and 2 MB RAM). I don't play any high-end games, AH2 is about the most demanding graphics I'll run (I do a lot of gaming, but almost everything else is older and less demanding strategy games, which is why I never buy high-end anything), so I'm not inclined to spend $100+ on a high-end card I don't need. I did check to make sure there's physical space for the card.
Last question, if the power supply is the bare minimum recommended by the manufacturer for the card, is there any reason to upgrade now? Also, the old card is integrated on the motherboard and uses a lot more power than the new one, won't the overall power demand actually go down because the old card is disabled?
I also thank you folks for this thread; there's a big gulf between computer-literate enough to do these upgrades and follow instructions to configure the game and knowledgable enough to interpret the numbers and fan reviews and know what they'll actually mean in performance.
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Replacing a motherboards not that tough. Uninstall the motherboard drivers, unplug all connectors, remove the video card and any PCI cards, unscrew the motherboard and lift it out, remove the RAM and CPU heatsink/fan then the CPU itself then reverse the process. Probably the hardest part is getting the right amount of thrmal paste (a single thin line works) between the heatsink and the CPU to provide a good thermal coupling.
The 512 Mb 9500 GT was able to run the last version of the game at full settings. I haven't heard if that's changed yet or not with the new version.
As long as the PSU meets the minimum requirements of the video card for both watts and amps then it will work. Modern video cards use much more power than on-board video.
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Easy...minimum P4 HT Extreme 2.4Ghz processor...2 GB RAM...Windows XP SP3 clean...8x AGP graphics slot.
For pete's sake at least do not buy anything with AGP anymore. Zero upgrade path.
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Modern video cards use much more power than on-board video.
Oops, you're right, I was looking at comparisons of the system power consumption with the 6150, not the card itself.
But I think I'm good for now, I'm at the rated power for the card and that rating apparently assumes a dual core processor. I'll get a new PSU later if I do upgrade the mobo and processor.
Edit: forgot to mention, I did check the PSU's 12v amp rating as well and it's good.
Thanks for the response!
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The 512 Mb 9500 GT was able to run the last version of the game at full settings. I haven't heard if that's changed yet or not with the new version.
I know a couple of guys are running the 8400GS with max detail and hires pack with just the shadowing turned off and they are getting great FR..... so I would guess the 9500GT which runs circles around the 8400 would be more than sufficient.
This is the card Ive been recommending to people as the lowest card they should upgrade to .... will run the game and a decent low price.
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Those with a Dell go to thier site and download the analizer and they will have the proper components to upgrade your system and give you a read out of what you have currently. Was very helpful for me. :aok
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/DellPartsFamily.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&s=dhs&~ck=anavml (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/DellPartsFamily.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&s=dhs&~ck=anavml)
thanks! took your suggestion and have learned a great deal....salute!
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my 2 cents wrote up fast,
GIGABYTE GA-MA74GM-S2 AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 740G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $54.99
( will support IDE and sata)( This MOBO is upgradeable to quad core)
AMD Athlon X2 7850 Black Edition Kuma 2.8GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 95W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
$76.99( unlocked multiplier)
mushkin 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996527 - Retail
$29.99 ( lifetime warranty)
XFX PVT98GYDLH GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
$95.99 (lifetime warranty)
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7 - Retail
59.99
($39.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate Card )
v This could be lowered in price by using less expensive CPU ( this CPU is unlocked for easy overclock).
v I like the extra bumb with a 9800 as compared to a 9500, you could save 50.00 with a 9500
• 317.95 does not include shipping or other charges that may apply
• I did not look up compatibility of Ram, its 1.8 volt, should work
• Based on reusing HDD, optical drive, case.
• One last note, I did not use the rebate on the PSU
• Minus the rebate, about $10.00 cheaper CPU, $50.00 for cheaper Video Card….$248.00
Cattb/Tim O
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Gee, that looks like the machine I just built.
Slight differences are Corsair ram, PNY 9800GT and a PC P&C Silencer 420.
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This (http://docs.google.com/View?id=dc3smcbq_147g6dnzdhd) is PROVEN to run everything smooth 'n' smarmy except local shadows. I'm sure if you could even find the parts for it any more, it'd be cheap.
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my 2 cents wrote up fast,
GIGABYTE GA-MA74GM-S2 AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 740G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $54.99
( will support IDE and sata)( This MOBO is upgradeable to quad core)
AMD Athlon X2 7850 Black Edition Kuma 2.8GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 95W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
$76.99( unlocked multiplier)
mushkin 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996527 - Retail
$29.99 ( lifetime warranty)
XFX PVT98GYDLH GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
$95.99 (lifetime warranty)
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7 - Retail
59.99
($39.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate Card )
v This could be lowered in price by using less expensive CPU ( this CPU is unlocked for easy overclock).
v I like the extra bumb with a 9800 as compared to a 9500, you could save 50.00 with a 9500
• 317.95 does not include shipping or other charges that may apply
• I did not look up compatibility of Ram, its 1.8 volt, should work
• Based on reusing HDD, optical drive, case.
• One last note, I did not use the rebate on the PSU
• Minus the rebate, about $10.00 cheaper CPU, $50.00 for cheaper Video Card….$248.00
Cattb/Tim O
Are you sure that this will run the game max other than the Shadows?
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No idea how well this will run AH, but it's worth a look:
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,270181.0.html
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ToTildeath,
I am not a PC expert, you know more (lots more)than me.I do my own PC work and build my own.
I run a triple core AMD 2.4 with a 8800 GT. WIth a gigabyte motherbaord,4 gig Ram.Actually with my own experience before update, this game can be run with 2 gig ram.I would think you still could.
I run this game 1680x1050 on a samsung t220 22 inch,I get pretty constant 50 to 60 frame rate with everything on, I have not reinstalled the high resolution pack again(yet).I have all the options on in graphics , I have not turned anything off and running 1024 texture.( I also run antialiasing)
In other post people say a 9500 would run the game? I'm not sure, if you wanted to save the extra money, I am sure it would get yah by. A 9800 would run this game as I run it on a 8800 GT 512 (G92).
The AMD CPU is unlocked could allways overclock it.If a person wanted to spend some more money they could go Intell, I guess that would be a matter of personal preference.
Last note, I thought it would be fun just to scope out a cheap PC, I don't know if all the hardware there would compliment each other and not have conflict, like the ram and MOBO. I would expect anyone going to build a PC would do their own due diligence before a build.
I ran this game before update with a 8500 512 gts, (before i purchased the 8800), running this game at 50 to 60 framerate with a dual core 2.8 windsor.
Thanks Tim O/Cattb ( If my typing is bad, shrugs )
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ToTildeath,
I am not a PC expert, you know more (lots more)than me.I do my own PC work and build my own.
I run a triple core AMD 2.4 with a 8800 GT. WIth a gigabyte motherbaord,4 gig Ram.Actually with my own experience before update, this game can be run with 2 gig ram.I would think you still could.
I run this game 1680x1050 on a samsung t220 22 inch,I get pretty constant 50 to 60 frame rate with everything on, I have not reinstalled the high resolution pack again(yet).I have all the options on in graphics , I have not turned anything off and running 1024 texture.( I also run antialiasing)
In other post people say a 9500 would run the game? I'm not sure, if you wanted to save the extra money, I am sure it would get yah by. A 9800 would run this game as I run it on a 8800 GT 512 (G92).
The AMD CPU is unlocked could allways overclock it.If a person wanted to spend some more money they could go Intell, I guess that would be a matter of personal preference.
Last note, I thought it would be fun just to scope out a cheap PC, I don't know if all the hardware there would compliment each other and not have conflict, like the ram and MOBO. I would expect anyone going to build a PC would do their own due diligence before a build.
I ran this game before update with a 8500 512 gts, (before i purchased the 8800), running this game at 50 to 60 framerate with a dual core 2.8 windsor.
Thanks Tim O/Cattb ( If my typing is bad, shrugs )
Reason I ask is I speced out a new rig to run the game at max (without shadows) in a budget cost to bang ratio. Gonna be testing it this week.
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TilDeath, if you look at my DxDiag that I posted above your question, that PC runs the game with full sliders at 1024x768 with everything but shadows. It'll do the hires package, but not wonderfully. 512 looks just fine and generally sits around 50 FPS.
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To Tildeath,
I am not sure what max is, I was just going on the title Cheapest machine that runs AH well. I was basing my reply from my experience of my PC and other post from others experience.
I saw the PC on the boards you built for Thing, very impressive.
I will be looking forward to your post, best bang for your buck. You come up with alot of intersting information.
Tim O/Cattb <S>
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I see nothing in those specs that would lead me to think it wouldnt run the game maxed....... Ive been suggesting less than those specs with good results
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Hi, I did a check on my system in AH graphics. I thought the self shadow and smooth shadow was on, my mistake and it is not.I posted I have all the options on( my bad thought they were), with all options on now I have a framerate of 48 to 52 average. High as 59 and low as 37. I also run my antivirus and firewall, my antivirus is setup for auto update as well. I did lose some framerate. I really don't notice much difference in gameplay, the shadows are kinda cool.
Thanks TimO/cattb