I was wondering if you guys could suggest to me which should be updated first, in terms of better performance for playing Guild Wars.
Current Ram: 256 megabites
Video Card: ATI Radeon 7200 (Not sure how much Ram, but I would assume 64 mBs)
I do not work, nor am I old enough to find a job, therefore I am on a small budget and cannot afford to update both of them at the moment. If you think I should update the RAM first, how much do you suggest would be good for making the game run SMOOTH? For me, the game runs pretty laggy with my current specs. The games runs OK when I have everything set on low, but still takes awhile to load and even then it operates slowly.
I do not know which to concentrate my money for upgrading on first. Thank you very much for any help!
Which Should I Upgrade First?
Ikarii
Golgotha
Can I get a rough estimate on the amount of funds available for your upgrade? It'd help to figure what would garner the most bang for the buck.
Jahara Zeppelin
Well both I'd say, if you ONLY get RAM, your graphics will be screwed and you won't be able to see stuff properly or move, if you ONLY get a Graphics Card, it'll lag a **** load and it'll jump like mad.
Old Dood
Yup...I second getting more Ram!! 256megs only can handle Windows XP. XP is a HOG. So get at LEAST a total of 512megs. 1GB is perfect!
Vertical_Zer0
You can get a 512MB stick of RAM from newegg.com for around $30 these days (if you're looking for DDR that is). RAM would help you load faster, but a video card would stop the game's chugginess. You can get a suitable video card if you're really on a budget for about $60 - check out an nVidia FX5200.
MetalX
The card dude the card. 256mb is ok for now, that 7200 probably shits bricks when you try to run the game. Get a used GeForce 4 or Radeon 8500 off eBay or some other used hardware source for $35-45 and avoid the mentioned 5200 like the plague, it's just a glorified GeForce 2.
Lunarbunny
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Originally Posted by MetalX
The card dude the card. 256mb is ok for now, that 7200 probably shits bricks when you try to run the game. Get a used GeForce 4 or Radeon 8500 off eBay or some other used hardware source for $35-45 and avoid the mentioned 5200 like the plague, it's just a glorified GeForce 2.
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More RAM is definitely a good idea. Helps with loading times and stuff like stuttering (if it has to load effects into virtual memory, then it's definitely going to be slow). More RAM will smooth out the framerate. A new card will up your framerate, although if you only buy the new card, you will have bigger framerate drops if you only up the card.
I'd suggest that you grab a 512MB stick (although I should ask how old your computer is so that we don't get too high density...how old is it?) I can't really recommend anything, especially the video card, unless you can give me a more set budget (i.e. $150 is the most or whatever it really is).
Dirkiess
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Originally Posted by MetalX
The card dude the card. 256mb is ok for now, that 7200 probably shits bricks when you try to run the game. Get a used GeForce 4 or Radeon 8500 off eBay or some other used hardware source for $35-45 and avoid the mentioned 5200 like the plague, it's just a glorified GeForce 2.
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To be honest, I wouldn't touch a lot of stuff on EBay that is PC related when it comes to processors, memory etc, as buying new you can send it back if it breaks. Buying on EBay, you have no recourse if it breaks after a few weeks.
MetalX
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Originally Posted by Lunarbunny
Please come back when you know a little more and don't jump to conclusions.
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Search eBay for GeForce 4s. They're $35-45 like I said. Upgrading his card will yield higher framerates than just the RAM. This game is perfectly playable with 256MB but running a DX7 card is gonna cause a bottleneck.
A GF4 will blow away any new card in the $50 price range.
Dirkiess
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Originally Posted by MetalX
I'm gonna ignore that, been building computers for ten years btw. He asked our opinion so I gave mine, be a sport and don't attack me. K Thanks.
Search eBay for GeForce 4s. They're $35-45 like I said. Upgrading his card will yield higher framerates than just the RAM. This game is perfectly playable with 256MB but running a DX7 card is gonna cause a bottleneck. A GF4 will blow away any new card in the $50 price range. |
Ebay does have an ability to return faulty products, but only if the seller is friendly and not just selling junk and then doing a runner.
Night
Well, its my job or rather my weekend job (meaning not only I have beening building machines and working on them personnally some crazy person pays me to fix others :-). Luckily, my main job is development but thats another topic) so I can give the professional reponse or would you rather I give the personnal response? Forget it, I'll give both.
Professionally, I'd go with more RAM and get to a min. 512 MB with 1 GB being suggested. This is because at 256 MB and XP you are able to open 1 maybe 2 apps before the machine starts running like it is pushing through cottage cheese. So over all the increase in RAM will not only improve the game play but will improve overall performance of the machine.
Personnally, I'd go with RAM...again. I'd hit 512 MB as that's the minimum I need to run GW. Here's why. 1) 64 mb video card, although not the best and you will still lag (now I haven't looked at the specs of your card so it may actually do better) when you get thrown high level renderings, can handle it. Low RAM, no matter how big of a Video card you use, will still result in slow performance.
Professionally, I'd go with more RAM and get to a min. 512 MB with 1 GB being suggested. This is because at 256 MB and XP you are able to open 1 maybe 2 apps before the machine starts running like it is pushing through cottage cheese. So over all the increase in RAM will not only improve the game play but will improve overall performance of the machine.
Personnally, I'd go with RAM...again. I'd hit 512 MB as that's the minimum I need to run GW. Here's why. 1) 64 mb video card, although not the best and you will still lag (now I haven't looked at the specs of your card so it may actually do better) when you get thrown high level renderings, can handle it. Low RAM, no matter how big of a Video card you use, will still result in slow performance.
Old Dood
Yes....listen to WISDOM. Get more Ram first if that is all you can afford. The game will run smoother. You can dumb down the graphics in the game until you can get a better video card. I do this on my second computer P3 800Mhz w/512 ram(max) and a GeForce4 Ti4200 128meg card. The "card" can handle more. The P3 800 can not. In fact the Geforce4 Ti4200 is a far better card then the FX5200. But it is only DX8. I would stay away from the Nvidia FX series all together.
EDIT: Night makes a good point. 512 megs of ram is the minimum for XP. In fact it was not good enough for my system. I run with 1.5Gbs. I like to run allot of open applications and more ram is the key to that. So if you decide to get more ram, make sure you can upgrade the ram later as well to 1 GB. In other words don't fill up your slots with lower meg ram so you short yourself later when you need the space for more sticks. You have 2 slots. Get a 512 meg stick now so you can add another 512 meg later and have 1 GB.
EDIT: Night makes a good point. 512 megs of ram is the minimum for XP. In fact it was not good enough for my system. I run with 1.5Gbs. I like to run allot of open applications and more ram is the key to that. So if you decide to get more ram, make sure you can upgrade the ram later as well to 1 GB. In other words don't fill up your slots with lower meg ram so you short yourself later when you need the space for more sticks. You have 2 slots. Get a 512 meg stick now so you can add another 512 meg later and have 1 GB.
CtrlAltDel
always upgrade RAM before video/processor, always
Algren Cole
uhm....RAM
most important part of your computer is the Memory....do the video card after
most important part of your computer is the Memory....do the video card after
Diplo
Monitor your RAM and PageFile usage when playing GW. If you are constantly swapping to disk then more RAM will be of use. However, if you are rarely swapping then the video card should be upgraded.
You don't mention what CPU you have. If your problem is "everything running slow" then it's possible this may be the cause, depending on what you have. I suspect, however, that it's probably all three. Changing one won't reduce the other bottlenecks, so more maximum benefit you really need to do all of them together. On a budget, though, more RAM will be cheapest option.
You don't mention what CPU you have. If your problem is "everything running slow" then it's possible this may be the cause, depending on what you have. I suspect, however, that it's probably all three. Changing one won't reduce the other bottlenecks, so more maximum benefit you really need to do all of them together. On a budget, though, more RAM will be cheapest option.
Lunarbunny
Can you tell us what OS you're using and the make and speed of your processor?
P.S. http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/?t=...ate=2003-10-10
P.S. http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/?t=...ate=2003-10-10
Ikarii
I'm using Windows XP, and my processor speed is around 1.1 GHz.
I'm not really good with understanding computer parts, but from what you guys have suggested I take it that updating my RAM to 512 MBs or 1 GB will make the game run less choppy? If I update that first, do you think I could run the game with all the high settings and still have it run smoothly, even with my current video card? Or am I to keep in on low until I can update the video card? BTW Thank you guys for all your replies so far. ^-^
I'm not really good with understanding computer parts, but from what you guys have suggested I take it that updating my RAM to 512 MBs or 1 GB will make the game run less choppy? If I update that first, do you think I could run the game with all the high settings and still have it run smoothly, even with my current video card? Or am I to keep in on low until I can update the video card? BTW Thank you guys for all your replies so far. ^-^
Dirkiess
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Originally Posted by Ikarii
I'm using Windows XP, and my processor speed is around 1.1 GHz.
I'm not really good with understanding computer parts, but from what you guys have suggested I take it that updating my RAM to 512 MBs or 1 GB will make the game run less choppy? If I update that first, do you think I could run the game with all the high settings and still have it run smoothly, even with my current video card? Or am I to keep in on low until I can update the video card? BTW Thank you guys for all your replies so far. ^-^ |
With regards to the high detail, you will have to stick with low settings for now. The card just doesn't have what it takes to run in high detail if you want to be able to play the game. The easiest thing to do, when you get the memory, start in low settings and increase various optons gradually until you get a comfortable level that is both playable and good to look at.
Too high and it will jump around like everything is in slow motion. One minute the mob is far, next it's on top of you without the motion in between if you get my meaning.
Old Dood
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Originally Posted by Ikarii
I'm using Windows XP, and my processor speed is around 1.1 GHz.
I'm not really good with understanding computer parts, but from what you guys have suggested I take it that updating my RAM to 512 MBs or 1 GB will make the game run less choppy? If I update that first, do you think I could run the game with all the high settings and still have it run smoothly, even with my current video card? Or am I to keep in on low until I can update the video card? BTW Thank you guys for all your replies so far. ^-^ |
If that is the case I do not think you can go higher then 512 ram then. Also a Good GeForce4 card is all that system can handle. Anything more would be a waste of cash. The P3 could not keep up with it. I have a P3 800 and my GeForce 4 Ti 4200 vid card is a bit more then the system can keep up with. But better then the GeForce 2 card that came with it.
Loviatar
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Originally Posted by MetalX
The card dude the card. 256mb is ok for now, that 7200 probably shits bricks when you try to run the game. Get a used GeForce 4 or Radeon 8500 off eBay or some other used hardware source for $35-45 and avoid the mentioned 5200 like the plague, it's just a glorified GeForce 2.
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5200 is a direct x 9 card the GF2 are direct x 7 cards
buying used on ebay is the fastest way to lose your money
johnisme
I would upgrade the video card before getting more ram,even though you will be swapping more with hdd space the video card will vastly improve the game play,then get 512mb of ram after,its no use with fast loading time when the game will play like a slide show.
Dirkiess
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Originally Posted by johnisme
I would upgrade the video card before getting more ram,even though you will be swapping more with hdd space the video card will vastly improve the game play,then get 512mb of ram after,its no use with fast loading time when the game will play like a slide show.
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Going with the upgrade of memory on more occasions will drastically improve performance of everything on the machine, as loading times are greatly reduced.
Then setup the PC and game to go with what you have until the game is good to look at and smooth to run.
Then go for the upgrade in card.
And as he is running XP, without that extra Memory, the PC has to contend with Swapping out, not only XP usage but also game usage too and any other apps that are running in the background.
XP is resource hungry and probably gobbles up most of his memory as it is.
Vertical_Zer0
Given that you have just told us your CPU speed is only 1.1gHz, I would recommend upgrading that processor and motherboard. Can you tell us what kind of CPU it is? Pentium 3, Pentium 4, or AMD Duron? Does your motherboard have any AGP slots? With some more information, we can make some better upgrade ideas for you. It might be a better idea to get a new motherboard/CPU first because that in itself would help you out an awful lot.
Ikarii
It's a AMD Athlon 1.1 GHz Processor. Also, my computer's about 2 years old.
Gen0c1de
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Originally Posted by MetalX
The card dude the card. 256mb is ok for now, that 7200 probably shits bricks when you try to run the game. Get a used GeForce 4 or Radeon 8500 off eBay or some other used hardware source for $35-45 and avoid the mentioned 5200 like the plague, it's just a glorified GeForce 2.
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I should hope you will go get educated before you recommend anything to anyone if you don't know what you are talking about.
and just for the record, I have been working with computer for 17 years and gaming for the better part of a decade, so i know what i'm talking about.
Now depending on how much you have to spend you can pick up RAM pretty cheap right now, if you can afford upgrading to 512 at the very least. You might be able to afford a cheap video card, the FX5200 are pretty cheap as well if you can find a radeon 9600 for under 50$ you might be able to do the upgrade for 100$
Loviatar
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Originally Posted by Vertical_Zer0
Given that you have just told us your CPU speed is only 1.1gHz, I would recommend upgrading that processor and motherboard. .
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isnt it fun spending someone elses money?he said he has a very limited budget and you start out on the most expensive route
since it is win xp and the minimum ram recommended in the official game specs is 512 on the memory his first choice should be the ram
ON BUYING RAM
get the same ram as you already have (speed 2100,3200 etc) so the new will be most compatable with what you have
get 512 mb if you can instead of another 256 mb
get name brand (corsair, kingston, micron etc) as the cost is about the same as generic and if it goes poof you can send it back
anything you get FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
Old Dood
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Originally Posted by Loviatar
isnt it fun spending someone elses money?he said he has a very limited budget and you start out on the most expensive route since it is win xp and the minimum ram recommended in the official game specs is 512 on the memory his first choice should be the ram ON BUYING RAM get the same ram as you already have (speed 2100,3200 etc) so the new will be most compatable with what you have get 512 mb if you can instead of another 256 mb get name brand (corsair, kingston, micron etc) as the cost is about the same as generic and if it goes poof you can send it back anything you get FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS |
Ikarii
I will never mow someone's lawn. XD As long as it runs smoothly, even with all low settings, I will be happy for now. So before I tell my parents what I want and have them head out and get it, let me make sure, that updating the RAM to about 1 gig, if I can afford it, will make the game run better with the game settings all on low?
ElRey
what is your motherboard? Remember, some RAM is not compatible with some mobos. Always look on the manufacturers site for the mobo and check the RAM compatibilty list. It makes for less hassle, even if they may cost a little more
Loviatar
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Originally Posted by Ikarii
I updating the RAM to about 1 gig, if I can afford it, will make the game run better with the game settings all on low?
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check to see the maximum amount of ram that particular motherboard will take
some take as little as 512 mb max
check so you dont overbuy
dansamy
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Originally Posted by Ikarii
I will never mow someone's lawn.
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Social rant aside, you really need to give careful consideration to the cost effectiveness (or lack thereof) of upgrading a 2yr old system. A good new barebones setup is only a couple hundred dollars. If you get an allowance, it's time to start saving up. I personally would not upgrade a 2yr old PC.
Ikarii
Couple of hundreds, eh? Yeah, I should have that much in no time. o_O;
I'm 16 next week, so I should be getting a job this summer. The thing is, I don't want to keep the game idle until I can afford a whole set of proper parts. I'm guessing then, I'll be going with the RAM, although my dad is telling me to get a new Video Card instead.
I'm 16 next week, so I should be getting a job this summer. The thing is, I don't want to keep the game idle until I can afford a whole set of proper parts. I'm guessing then, I'll be going with the RAM, although my dad is telling me to get a new Video Card instead.
dansamy
1. It is summer. Applications should be filled in using proper grammar and spelling, preferably with a black ink pen.
2. Couple hundred is not hard to save up if you *gasp* stoop to actually working for it.
3. I didn't suggest keeping the game idle while you saved up. As suggested above, buy one stick of RAM for under $50 and make do until you have enough to upgrade the whole PC. OR you could continue to play it as is and simply deal with the frustration of laggish game play.
4. Does your dad build PCs? As a hobby or for a living? You asked a public forum for advice and have received sound reccomendations. The decision, of course, is still yours.
2. Couple hundred is not hard to save up if you *gasp* stoop to actually working for it.
3. I didn't suggest keeping the game idle while you saved up. As suggested above, buy one stick of RAM for under $50 and make do until you have enough to upgrade the whole PC. OR you could continue to play it as is and simply deal with the frustration of laggish game play.
4. Does your dad build PCs? As a hobby or for a living? You asked a public forum for advice and have received sound reccomendations. The decision, of course, is still yours.
Ikarii
dansamy, here's a few suggestions for you. Why the hell don't you mind your own buisness? I only asked for help for choosing between buying RAM or a Video Card, and as far as I am concerned, you have no input and how I'll run my life. I don't need you to be telling me that is it summer, because I am not and idiot and I am capable to recognizing that fact for myself. I also do not need your help in how to earn money or in whom I should ask for help, concerning PCs. Thanks.
dansamy
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Originally Posted by Ikarii
Why the hell don't you mind your own buisness?
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Ikarii
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Originally Posted by dansamy
Because you asked in a public forum for opinions.
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Anyhow though, to the rest of you, thank you for your advice. I'll try to use them to make my decision.
dansamy
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Originally Posted by Ikarii
I did, but I do not recall asking for advice on how to get a job or on which season it currently is. From my perspective your reply showed you to be an asswhole, and that angered me.
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Ikarii
I did say that I was getting a job this summer. And if you must know, I'm not interested in earning my own money at the moment because I have finals coming up in a week, at my school, which I must prepare for.
MetalX
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Originally Posted by Loviatar
wrong on all counts
5200 is a direct x 9 card the GF2 are direct x 7 cards buying used on ebay is the fastest way to lose your money |
Vertical_Zer0
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Originally Posted by Loviatar
isnt it fun spending someone elses money?he said he has a very limited budget and you start out on the most expensive route since it is win xp and the minimum ram recommended in the official game specs is 512 on the memory his first choice should be the ram ON BUYING RAM get the same ram as you already have (speed 2100,3200 etc) so the new will be most compatable with what you have get 512 mb if you can instead of another 256 mb get name brand (corsair, kingston, micron etc) as the cost is about the same as generic and if it goes poof you can send it back anything you get FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS |
Okay Ikarii, this thread has gone far enough. Get to work and buy whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.