Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: FGBullet on October 30, 2010, 01:10:38 AM

Title: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: FGBullet on October 30, 2010, 01:10:38 AM
My frame rates are around 35 fps in AH. I purchased TrackerIR today, and its pretty much unsable as the frame rates drop as low as 7 with the tracker on. It's time for a new video card (Prefer Radeon). I currently have a Radeon X1300 512mb card and looking for recommendations for a new card. DXDIAG listed below. I'm pretty sure the power supply is 300 watt. I'll verify tomorrow. Thanks...


-----------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 10/30/2010, 01:03:13
       Machine name: ADAMSCOMPUTER
   Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.100427-1636)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
       System Model: System Product Name
               BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
          Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU          6400  @ 2.13GHz (2 CPUs)
             Memory: 2046MB RAM
          Page File: 867MB used, 3071MB 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

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
  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.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
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)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
        Card name: Radeon X1300 Series   
     Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
        Chip type: ATI display adapter (0x7187)
         DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
       Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_7187&SUBSYS_0840174B&REV_00
   Display Memory: 512.0 MB
     Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (70Hz)
          Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
  Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
      Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
   Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6618 (English)
      DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
 Driver Date/Size: 6/7/2006 03:09:12, 260096 bytes
      WHQL Logo'd: Yes
  WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
              VDD: n/a
         Mini VDD: ati2mtag.sys
    Mini VDD Date: 6/7/2006 03:08:58, 1580544 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-32C7-11CF-216D-4A28A1C2CB35}
        Vendor ID: 0x1002
        Device ID: 0x7187
        SubSys ID: 0x0840174B
      Revision ID: 0x0000
      Revision ID: 0x0000
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: Krusty on October 30, 2010, 01:34:21 AM
I have the same CPU and the same amount of RAM. I'm confident (from past experience I had with lesser cards) even a minor upgrade will help tons. I'm currently running a 9600 GSO budget card but it still lets me run 512 textures on a single monitor with moderate goodies, 2x (or is it 4x?) FSAA and good FPS. This is also a low power card. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. I'm just giving you a baseline for browsing. Look for an 8800 GT for a low-budget upgrade, or possibly go to a HD 5770 for a more pricey but much more powerful card.

That x1300 is really killing you.
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: columbus on October 30, 2010, 03:46:58 AM
i got a GT 240 DDR5 version for sale. 60.00 + s/h  its runs same speed as a 9600 GT roughly
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: Boozeman on October 30, 2010, 06:12:27 AM
If you don't want to upgrade your PSU, you are very limited in your choices. You are basically stuck with cards that don't need and external power connector, i.e. cards like the HD4670 and HD5670 are really the very upper limit on what your PSU can handle. However, more infos on the current PSU are needed, foremost at how many amps the 12V rail is rated at. One thing is sure though, these cards already offer a huge perfomance leap over a X1300 card, but will not run AH at maxed settings smoothly.     

Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: Infidelz on October 30, 2010, 07:47:13 AM
4 gigs will help if your chipset will support it.
Infidelz
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: FGBullet on October 30, 2010, 11:41:47 AM
Thanks for the tips. I'm willing to purchase whatever's needed for optimal performance. Krusty, do you think the HD 5770 would give me max frame rates with all settings maxed in game?

Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: LeDragon on October 30, 2010, 12:30:31 PM
What power supply do you have?  The 5770 would be a good choice, but it's going to demand a good stable amount of power.
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: FGBullet on October 30, 2010, 12:35:12 PM
I ordered 2 more gigs of ram, bringing the total to 4gb. Additionally, my power supply is 450 watts, not 300. I'm looking for optimal performance in AH.  :joystick:

Radeon recommendations appreciated.  :salute
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: LeDragon on October 30, 2010, 01:10:15 PM
RAM is the least of your worries.  The recommended for the 5770 is: 450 Watt or greater power supply with one 75W 6-pin PCI Express® power connectors

The VC is your best investment at this point.  2 GIG of RAM is sufficient for AH on XP.
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: FGBullet on October 30, 2010, 03:52:16 PM
I'm now looking at the Radeon HD 6850 or 6870. Anyone have either of these cards; and do they proivde max fps at optimal settings in AH??

I'd also like to upgrade the Power supply to 600w +. How do I determine which power supply will work with my motherboard? Is the CPU a factor?

Board: ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5NSLI 1.XX
Bus Clock: 266 megahertz
BIOS: Phoenix Technologies, LTD ASUS P5NSLI ACPI BIOS Revision 0601 07/13/2006

Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: LeDragon on October 30, 2010, 08:30:04 PM
I have the same motherboard with 2 GB RAM, running Vista, and the 6750 processor lightly overclocked to 3.0 ( I think) with a 9800GTX+ 1 GB video card and run with sliders on full, AA x 2, high res pack at 2048, everything on including self shadow.  I run 59 or 60 FPS at all times.

I do have an 850 power supply but 90% is not needed even though I currently have 5 case fans.
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: skribetm on October 30, 2010, 09:28:19 PM
// 9800GTX+ 1 GB video card //

you forgot to detail what resolution, very important.
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: FGBullet on October 31, 2010, 06:00:40 PM
Thanks to everyone for the help. I've decided to go with the HD 6870 VC and an Antec 750 watt power supply.
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: Tigger29 on October 31, 2010, 10:57:26 PM
Thanks to everyone for the help. I've decided to go with the HD 6870 VC and an Antec 750 watt power supply.

You might want to consider getting a hold of "TilDeath" on here.  Not only does he build systems, but he can also get parts usually cheaper than the websites can... if nothing else I'm sure he can make some good recommendations for you.
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: LeDragon on November 01, 2010, 04:46:20 PM
you forgot to detail what resolution, very important.

1680 X 1050 on 22" monitor
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: zack1234 on November 02, 2010, 01:35:08 AM
track ir is great!
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: FGBullet on November 02, 2010, 10:27:00 PM
You might want to consider getting a hold of "TilDeath" on here.  Not only does he build systems, but he can also get parts usually cheaper than the websites can... if nothing else I'm sure he can make some good recommendations for you.

Thanks for the info Tigger29. Unfortunately, I just saw your message and just installed the VC and PSU. I'll definitely keep TilDeath in mind for the future.

Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: Tigger29 on November 03, 2010, 02:46:42 AM
Congrats!  So did it fix things all up for you?
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: FGBullet on November 04, 2010, 10:52:34 PM
Yes and no. The game looks great now and my FPS are in the 60 - 75 range. Unfortunately, I cannot open TrackIR 5 now. Apparently there is a conflict with my card....drivers I guess.

I've posted the problem on TrackerIR forums and hopefully they can get me going.

Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: Tigger29 on November 05, 2010, 12:51:55 AM
Did you buy TrackIR 4, or TrackIR 5?

I have TrackIR 4, which is supposed to be able to run either version 4 or version 5 of the software, but I have issues running version 5 software.  If you bought TrackIR 4, try using version 4 software.

I'm wondering if there might be something wrong with your USB drivers.. or maybe something is stealing all of your USB power.  Do you have a powered USB hub?
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: FLOTSOM on November 05, 2010, 01:33:32 AM
try this, its actually simple.

completely disconnect and uninstall your track ir. if you have track ir 4 then reinstall either 4 or 5 software. i have track ir 4 but run track ir 5 software without issue.

normally when you have a conflict and uninstall and reinstall the lesser of the two hardware units the comp will assign them different irq's and will resolve your issue.

first thing first make a copy of your track ir profiles folder, rename it and leave the copy on your desk top. this way when you reinstall it after you can just put all of your saved profiles back in the profile folder and save you the headache of having to redo them from scratch.

make sure that when you uninstall the track ir you disconnect the camera, then go into device manager and uninstall track ir from the list there (go down the list to natural point, right click on it, go down the drop down list to uninstall and click), then finnally uninstall the software from program manager. reboot your computer, use whatever registery cleaner you normally use. reboot your comp again and then you are ready for a fresh install.

good luck
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: morfiend on November 05, 2010, 12:46:34 PM
 Bullet,dont take this the wrong way but I would return that antec PSU and look into a seasonic or corsair psu.

 Antec PSU have a high failure rate,I went through 3 in 1 year awhile back and switched to a corsair that's run steady for 3 years now.

  Maybe you'll have better luck with your antec but I wouldn't place a bet on it.


    :salute
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: FGBullet on November 06, 2010, 12:58:50 AM
Thanks, but I think I'll take my chances. The one I pulled out was an Antec and it was 4 years old and still quite and dependable. I do appreciate the advice though.  :cheers:

Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: FGBullet on November 06, 2010, 01:01:32 AM
Upon TrackIr's support advice, I removed and downloaded TrackIr version 14.1.037 software. Unfortunately, it crashes my system so much I cannot use it. ATI and TrackIR 5 are not playing nice at this time. Hopefully there will be an update to fix it in the near future.

Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: Tigger29 on November 06, 2010, 01:11:54 AM
I have an ATI 5830 card and TrackIR4 and have no issues whatsoever... perhaps you just got a defective TrackIR?
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: FGBullet on November 06, 2010, 12:03:50 PM
TrackIr 5 worked fine with my x1300 card, but my frame rates were really low. Many people are having issues with the new ATI cards and their TrackIr 5 systems.
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: Tigger29 on November 06, 2010, 02:41:16 PM
Wow I did not know that!  Being that is the case, I'm glad I only have version 4!!!

Considering version 4 is still available for sale, perhaps you could talk them into letting you exchange it (and paying you back the price difference)...
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: FGBullet on November 07, 2010, 12:35:51 AM
Hmmmm thats an idea. Although they appear to be working hard to find a solution soon.
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: Tigger29 on November 08, 2010, 03:20:21 PM
OK after doing some research as I was curious, I have learned that you *CAN* use V4 software with TrackIR5.  It may not be ideal, but might get you working until they can get v5 fixed up.

Have you tried it?

http://media.naturalpoint.com/software/TrackIR_4.1.037.Final.B.exe (http://media.naturalpoint.com/software/TrackIR_4.1.037.Final.B.exe)
Title: Re: Need a new video card for AH
Post by: FGBullet on November 08, 2010, 09:40:42 PM
Thanks Tigger. I have, but it locks up if I play with the settings for too long. I think I can live with what I have after messing with it tonight. Just played AH for about 30 minutes utilizing TrackIR and feel a little drunk.  :cheers: