Any suggestions for an unsupported VC?
phoo slaya
Hey i'm using an Intel(R) Extreme Graphics 2 card(it's integrated), id replace it but the computer won't accept a different one(it's one of those small towers) i run the game on the lowest graphics and sound quality and it works most of the time. Occasionally when i get into intense combat or someone is casting fire magic(searing flames or firestorm) my comp will crash hard to desktop or restart. any suggestions to make it work better? (settings, etc.) PS: my drivers are all updated. i can actually turn the graphics all the way up and it works fine, except for the crashes that is. any help is appreciated
Biostem
You definitely want some kind of dedicated video card. You mentioned it's a small case - it's most likely a micro ATX, then. Those kind of boards *do* generally have expansion slots (AGP/PCI-E). Have you ever opened the case? Perhaps you could post a screen shot of the opened case so we can help you better...
phoo slaya
it's a dell, i've opened it up, it deffinatley doesnt have a slot. thanks for the suggestion tho.
Biostem
That's very weird. Anyway, open the case and put a table fan blowing on the computer - see if that helps w/ the stability. Otherwise, see if there's any way to change the amt of memory dedicated to the video card, and consider running a program like memtest to make sure there's no other stability issues. Other than that, check the obvious stuff - newer drivers, defrag, windows updates, etc...
Lavans
I'm sorry but I personally find it hard to beleive that your motherboard doesn't have a slot that you can use. You just pull out a card that you don't need or even use and just use that for your video card.
phoo slaya
i did open the case and put a table fan blowing directly into it, it significantly lowered the temperature of the case, but i still had the crashing problem, i could do it smore and c if that helps. do u know of a way to change the amt of memory dedicated to the vid card? how do i run memtest? thanks for your help bio
lavans, it's not a normal computer, it doesn't have video and sound card slots, its all integrated, here's a link to a picture of one, http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/del...-30469086.html
lavans, it's not a normal computer, it doesn't have video and sound card slots, its all integrated, here's a link to a picture of one, http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/del...-30469086.html
Lavans
Ouch...a comp with no expansion slots...0.o
Anyways, most integrated chipsets allow you to set the memory manually in the bios. Most common options are 4mb, 16mb, 32mb, 64mb, 128mb, and 256mb. Granted that it only has 512mb of system ram, don't go over 128mb video ram as it draws from your overall system ram. Keep in mind that simply increasing your video memory will not increase your system performance as much as you would think. Also, when your in your bios, look for a setting called "AGP aprature size", and set the memory value of the aprature size to either 128 or 256 if it gives you that option. This increases the total amount of data flow between the CPU and GPU...and too low of an aprature can cause the system to preform poorly in graphic based applications.
It almost sounds like it's a driver issue though. Even though the Intel integrated graphics chipsets aren't that good, they shouldn't crash like that unless there was some software based conflict. Try updating not only your graphic drivers, but your sound drivers as well as they also play into how a game functions.
As for the temps, as long as they aren't any higher than 60c, then you should be alright. My PC runs at about 64c when it's fully overclocked with no problems.
Anyways, most integrated chipsets allow you to set the memory manually in the bios. Most common options are 4mb, 16mb, 32mb, 64mb, 128mb, and 256mb. Granted that it only has 512mb of system ram, don't go over 128mb video ram as it draws from your overall system ram. Keep in mind that simply increasing your video memory will not increase your system performance as much as you would think. Also, when your in your bios, look for a setting called "AGP aprature size", and set the memory value of the aprature size to either 128 or 256 if it gives you that option. This increases the total amount of data flow between the CPU and GPU...and too low of an aprature can cause the system to preform poorly in graphic based applications.
It almost sounds like it's a driver issue though. Even though the Intel integrated graphics chipsets aren't that good, they shouldn't crash like that unless there was some software based conflict. Try updating not only your graphic drivers, but your sound drivers as well as they also play into how a game functions.
As for the temps, as long as they aren't any higher than 60c, then you should be alright. My PC runs at about 64c when it's fully overclocked with no problems.
Etta
The buttom line is that, your pc is not a gaming machine. No matter how much tweaking, setting you've done to it, it won't make much different. With no agp, pci-e slots to speak of, upgrade option is out off the window. More memory might make thing better. Can you even upgrade the memory on that thing?
phoo slaya
ok thanks for the help lavans, ill look into doing that stuff later(gtg 2 class soon) yes etta i know this is not a gaming machine, yes it does have 2 memory slots, i have 512 total.
EDIT: by "bios" do u mean the device manager? if not, what do you mean and how do i get there?
EDIT: by "bios" do u mean the device manager? if not, what do you mean and how do i get there?
Quaker
GW is known to have problems with Intel on-board graphics. The only way around it is to upgrade the video.
You say it doesn't have a 'slot', but do you mean it doesn't have an AGP or PCI-e graphics slot? (and yes folks, it's more common than you think.) If it has a PCI slot, you may be able to get a PCI graphics card, but I don't know if you can get anything new-ish in PCI.
If it doesn't even have a PCI slot then you are SOL (s**t-outta-luck). You probably can't even replace the motherboard because Dell likes to use non-standard connectors and layouts.
You say it doesn't have a 'slot', but do you mean it doesn't have an AGP or PCI-e graphics slot? (and yes folks, it's more common than you think.) If it has a PCI slot, you may be able to get a PCI graphics card, but I don't know if you can get anything new-ish in PCI.
If it doesn't even have a PCI slot then you are SOL (s**t-outta-luck). You probably can't even replace the motherboard because Dell likes to use non-standard connectors and layouts.
Lavans
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Originally Posted by phoo slaya
ok thanks for the help lavans, ill look into doing that stuff later(gtg 2 class soon) yes etta i know this is not a gaming machine, yes it does have 2 memory slots, i have 512 total.
EDIT: by "bios" do u mean the device manager? if not, what do you mean and how do i get there? |
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Originally Posted by Quaker
GW is known to have problems with Intel on-board graphics. The only way around it is to upgrade the video.
You say it doesn't have a 'slot', but do you mean it doesn't have an AGP or PCI-e graphics slot? (and yes folks, it's more common than you think.) If it has a PCI slot, you may be able to get a PCI graphics card, but I don't know if you can get anything new-ish in PCI. If it doesn't even have a PCI slot then you are SOL (s**t-outta-luck). You probably can't even replace the motherboard because Dell likes to use non-standard connectors and layouts. |
Tachyon
Why would someone buy a computer with no expansion slots if they intend on using it for gaming? My advice is to push that Dell POS to one side and invest in a half decent gaming system, which can be built for a decent price these days.
Lavans
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Originally Posted by Azagoth
Why would someone buy a computer with no expansion slots if they intend on using it for gaming? My advice is to push that Dell POS to one side and invest in a half decent gaming system, which can be built for a decent price these days.
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phoo slaya
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Originally Posted by Azagoth
Why would someone buy a computer with no expansion slots if they intend on using it for gaming? My advice is to push that Dell POS to one side and invest in a half decent gaming system, which can be built for a decent price these days.
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Originally Posted by Lavans
The only way that he could even possibly get a better GPU is if he managed to remove the Intel chip and soldered an integrated Nvidia or Ati chipset.
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lordpwn
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Originally Posted by phoo slaya
I thought (fantasized) about finding some computer science professor to do that for me, is that actually something people do? any online computer stores do it?(id be willing to pay obviously)
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Anyways, it would take a lot of work. If it was possible and you found someone skilled enough to pull it off you'd likely have to pay more than $500.
phoo slaya
i thought that was probly the case lord, thanks. ok i got into the bios, but i looked at all the options and was unable to find a place to manually set ram or AGP aprature size. ill look again, also thanks to everyone who has posted so far i really appreciate it.
Lavans
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Originally Posted by phoo slaya
my dad bought this computer from his company for $25, although i do have a job, i'm in college and don't have $500 lying around to "invest" on a better computer just to play gw.
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All you need to do is get a new tower, pull everything out of your old one, put the old stuff in the new tower, and replace the motherboard and maybe the powersupply.
Tower
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147073
Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813135223
Powersupply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817182018
Maybe a 7600GS if you wanted a little more Oomph in your gaming.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130075
Odds are that your CPU is socket 775, which if it is, I recommend that you grab that motherboard I posted. You can tell normally by looking on the motherboard's CPU socket, it will say "Socket #" or something. If not, you can tell by looking at the pins on the CPU. If the CPU has no connector pins that go in the motherboard, and the socket has some scaley looking copper prongs, then its a 775. Just remember to be careful while removing the fan and CPU if you have to look at the cpu/mobo pins.
phoo slaya
ok, awesome, ill consider doing that. so lemme get this straight, the cpu is the main computer part(determines speed and pentium 2 or 3 or AMD Athlon, etc.) and everything just plugs into the mother board?
Lavans
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Originally Posted by phoo slaya
ok, awesome, ill consider doing that. so lemme get this straight, the cpu is the main computer part(determines speed and pentium 2 or 3 or AMD Athlon, etc.) and everything just plugs into the mother board?
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Actually putting the thing together is pretty easy though. As of right now, you can google "How to build a pc" and get some fairly decent results. Also, when you purchase a motherboard, they normally come with instructions on how to put it together as well.
isamu kurosawa
due to the fact that the machine is a slimline corporate build (designed for office use only) all that would be salvageable from it is the processor, ram and hard drive.
Those machines use custom boards, smaller ones also use laptop parts as opposed to desktop so it makes salvaging even more difficult. To perform a rebuild you'd need a new motherboard, psu, case and video card.
Those machines use custom boards, smaller ones also use laptop parts as opposed to desktop so it makes salvaging even more difficult. To perform a rebuild you'd need a new motherboard, psu, case and video card.
phoo slaya
alright guys, thanks for helping me out with this stuff. ill save up a bit and see what i can do.
Tachyon
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Originally Posted by Lavans
Thanks for the useless advice...I think we all already came to that conclusion.
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My severely overclocked system, and I mean majorly clocked, doesn't touch 50C, let alone 60C, so unless your's is powered by fire there's something wrong somewhere!
Lavans
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Originally Posted by Azagoth
Useless? I'm sorry, but it's good advice because that Dell is shit! Plus, going by your earlier comments you have a shit PC too because 64C just ain't good!
My severely overclocked system, and I mean majorly clocked, doesn't touch 50C, let alone 60C, so unless your's is powered by fire there's something wrong somewhere! |
Also, don't start talking smack about temps and overclocking like you know what it's all about. Not every chip runs at the same temp. Oh and don't try to aimlessly bash other people's computers without knowing what's in it unless you like unexpected slaps to the face.
Tachyon
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Originally Posted by Lavans
Also, don't start talking smack about temps and overclocking like you know what it's all about. Not every chip runs at the same temp. Oh and don't try to aimlessly bash other people's computers without knowing what's in it unless you like unexpected slaps to the face.
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Or, are you going to turn out to be the stereo-typical stupid American? I feel I should add that my wife is Texan, from Galveston, just so you can't claim I'm biased!
Lavans
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Originally Posted by Azagoth
Here's a question for you. I've been building, and programming, computers for the last 30 years, so now would you care to guess what I do for a living at the moment?
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Also: Your statement about working on computers for 30 years doesn't really count for much if your the only one on the thread that even bothers to mention that a $300 slim-line Dell isn't meant for gaming.
Tachyon
Any computer that costs £150 ($300) isn't meant for gaming! Why people buy such shit and then complain that certain games wont work is beyond me!
Hell, you need to spend at least £200 ($400) to get a decent graphics card these days, let alone a full PC!
Hell, you need to spend at least £200 ($400) to get a decent graphics card these days, let alone a full PC!
Lavans
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Originally Posted by Azagoth
Any computer that costs £150 ($300) isn't meant for gaming! Why people buy such shit and then complain that certain games wont work is beyond me!
Hell, you need to spend at least £200 ($400) to get a decent graphics card these days, let alone a full PC! |
phoo slaya
lol, simmer down gents. first of all, i wasn't complaining azagoth, i was simply asking for suggestions to make a sub-par computer run a little better. im not expecting people to help me make my computer into a fbi system hacking supercomputer. as lavans demonstrated, i could upgrade my comp to be able to run gw fine for around $200. why people get on forums just to rip on and stress over other peoples computers is beyond me.
isamu kurosawa
Wow, this sure got off topic. Well to recap, That pc cannot be upgraded and the best you can do is salvage the parts. You should at least be able to remove the memory, cpu and peripherals, Unfortunatly not the psu.
I recently rebuilt from a salvaged fujitsu scenic machine (3.4GHz p4, 2GB ram) running a 910GL chipset after the incompatablity issue in eye of the north.
I managed to find a tower case with a 350w psu for £35, new motherboard for £50 and an ati radeon x1650pro for £48. Not the best equipment but i was on a tight budget myself.
It currently runs on vista and can run gw with 40-60fps using x2 anti-alaising, 1280x1024res and almost everything set to higest graphics settings, so far i have had no problems and even got a slight boost when the vista catalyst drivers where released.
If your in the UK then the store i mostly used was: http://www.computerplus.uk.com/
I recently rebuilt from a salvaged fujitsu scenic machine (3.4GHz p4, 2GB ram) running a 910GL chipset after the incompatablity issue in eye of the north.
I managed to find a tower case with a 350w psu for £35, new motherboard for £50 and an ati radeon x1650pro for £48. Not the best equipment but i was on a tight budget myself.
It currently runs on vista and can run gw with 40-60fps using x2 anti-alaising, 1280x1024res and almost everything set to higest graphics settings, so far i have had no problems and even got a slight boost when the vista catalyst drivers where released.
If your in the UK then the store i mostly used was: http://www.computerplus.uk.com/
iridescentfyre
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Originally Posted by Azagoth
Or, are you going to turn out to be the stereo-typical stupid American? I feel I should add that my wife is Texan, from Galveston, just so you can't claim I'm biased!
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phoo slaya
thanks for all the help gents, i looked at the sticky and rolled back my drivers, problems solved, cept i still have 2 char stuck in wenhan terraces, ill figure that out later tho.
KZaske
I skimmed the thread so if I missed this please forgive. Did you try setting Guild Wars into DX8 mode? It looks bad but it may be playable. There is a listing of command line parameters here on guru and on the wiki.
BabyJ
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Originally Posted by Azagoth
Any computer that costs £150 ($300) isn't meant for gaming! Why people buy such shit and then complain that certain games wont work is beyond me!
Hell, you need to spend at least £200 ($400) to get a decent graphics card these days, let alone a full PC! |
Tachyon
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Originally Posted by BabyJ
Actually one can build a decent gaming system for around $400 or even less than that. My last comp i built cost me $550 for everything and the one i just built a few weeks ago set me back about $450. It called shopping around for the best price and rebates. I don't have to have a video card that costs $400 or more to have a good gaming system.
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phoo slaya
azagoth, what's your definition of decent? don't even try to argue that a 2-3 grand comp is not high end. i guess if u get off on playing lots of high end games......at the same time, then yea u might have an argument.