SHIV Frame Rate Problem

[Hazelwood]

Ahoy all

Just received my special edition in the steel box and glad I took this option. I have played SHIII ever since it came out, written many of my own missions and thoroughly enjoyed the sim. I am no newcomer to simming.

The problem I am having with SH IV is abysmally poor performance. I am guessing about 5 fps and the cursor moves so slowly it is almost unusable. I have fiddled with all the graphics settings but no dice. Here's a summary of my system:

P4 2.8 GHz / 2 GB fast RAM / Radeon 9550 256 MB video. I have shut down all unnecessary tasks such as spyware monitors, etc. This system runs everything else I have (including SH III) smooth as silk so am guessing I have overlooked something otherwise obvious.

Any hints most appreciated;-)

best wishes,

Cpt. J. Hazelwood

[Dowly]

Radeon 9550 256 MB



I´d say this is the problem. Not too familiar with ATI cards but isnt 9550 older than 9800? And 9800 is already ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooold. ;)

[StandingCow]

Yea, your graphics card is kinda old :(

[darkfin]

Same problem here. P4 3.0 with 4 gigs ram. ATI x1600 512 meg video. Slooow mouse and not too great frame rate. I have all the goodies in the sim disabled.
:-?

[THE_MASK]

You have my problem my friend , your system is crap . I tell it like it is .

[waste gate]

Yea, your graphics card is kinda old :(

I think the spex state that the ATI 9500 series is not supported.

[Hazelwood]

Same problem here. P4 3.0 with 4 gigs ram. ATI x1600 512 meg video. Slooow mouse and not too great frame rate. I have all the goodies in the sim disabled.
:-?

Hi Darkfin,

Well, it is a bit odd. The consensus around here is my system is "crap" as someone suggests but it plays everything else smooth as silk (latest Quake, Falcon 4, SH III, Call of Duty, HL2 etc.). It's only money so will probably try the latest video card if all else fails. I have another system with a 9800 video card explicitly supported so will have a go on that first and see if it makes a difference.

System specs for the sim are quite onerous so, perhaps, the "crap" accusation is warranted. I can take it;-)

When I find what works will post the results here.

best wishes,

Cpt J. Hazelwood

[gonzlor]

(latest Quake, Falcon 4, SH III, Call of Duty, HL2 etc.)

I understand, these games though are years old now, and the video cards to play them are (by todays standards) old and slow.

People are not always aware of just how quickly games and video cards move along, give your mid range card 6-12 months and It will be too slow to handle new titles with cutting edge graphics (I'd say SH4 falls into this, It looks absolutely unreal).

As I work in a computer sales environment I often get people who are confused and amazed their 4 year old computer can't run the latest game they decided to buy for their kids.

[USS Sea Tiger]

Hello

and I have a Gforce 73000 with 256 kb memory, unshared, and still the frame rate is poor.

maybe something within,, But the graphics are good

[Onkel Neal]

Same problem here. P4 3.0 with 4 gigs ram. ATI x1600 512 meg video. Slooow mouse and not too great frame rate. I have all the goodies in the sim disabled.
:-?

Hi Darkfin,

Well, it is a bit odd. The consensus around here is my system is "crap" as someone suggests but it plays everything else smooth as silk (latest Quake, Falcon 4, SH III, Call of Duty, HL2 etc.). It's only money so will probably try the latest video card if all else fails. I have another system with a 9800 video card explicitly supported so will have a go on that first and see if it makes a difference.

System specs for the sim are quite onerous so, perhaps, the "crap" accusation is warranted. I can take it;-)

When I find what works will post the results here.

best wishes,

Cpt J. Hazelwood

Hi Hazelwood,

don't let the remark get to you, my system is crap too :cool:
I have a 4 year old Gateway, P2.4 with 1GB ram and a Radeon X1650 pro 512 MB. I also played the game on the same PC with a Geforce 6600GT. It ran a little sluggish on the 6600 so I picked up the Radeon fro $120 at Circuit city a few weeks ago, and it runs fine. Here's a vid I made, you can see how it runs on my crap: Subsim Silent Hunter 4 Attack 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EoyadhXrVI&mode=related&search=)

It does slow down a little briefly when there are a lot of ships and one is exploding.

hope that helps,
Neal

[Hazelwood]

[quote=Hazelwood][quote=darkfin]Same problem here. P4 3.0 with 4 gigs ram. ATI x1600 512 meg video. Slooow mouse and not too great frame rate. I have all the goodies in the sim disabled.
:-?

Hi Neal,

Thanks for that. Believe me I am tough-skinned and if someone wants to call my machine crap there is no offense taken. I have other machines and just installed SH IV on my "SYSTEM 2" which has a Radeon 9800 Pro (128 MB). This is also a P4 2.7 GHz with 2 GB RAM. The sim runs just fine now with just a bit of "drag" in the pointer but not so much as to be a problem. Evidently it was the 9550 at the heart of the problem. I have not checked availability of anything better in the 9800 line but will do so now if it will go in an AGP slot. My machines are all PCI which is bit of a bummer these days. Time to get PCX for gaming I guess.

best wishes,
Cpt J. Hazelwood

[THE_MASK]

Hazelwood i apologise for calling your comp crap . Mine however is crap .

[partyboy]

It should be playable with your other hardware, but the video card is really old. If you replace that it should be ok.

[Seeadler]

On the SHIV DVD is a new version of DirectX9c (version Dez. 2006), it is different to other versions of DirectX9c (Microsoft updates their DX every two month in some parts). If this new DX was not selected in the install process of SHIV it can be installed afterwards separately from the SHIV DVD.

[CrocodileDundee]

Athlon X2 4200, 2GB RAM, dual Seagate RAID SATA (2x 160GB), dual Gforce 6800 (SLI).

Performance good at 1024x768; choppy at 1280x1024 (during attacks, explosions, etc).

Weird thing though, it seems it does use both cores, and I seriously doubt the devs used multithreading (since 85% of the target audience doesn't use multi core CPUs)

I guess fine tuning your machine (updating video drivers is not necessarily the BEST idea) might solve some problems.

PS:Silent Hunter 3 worked very smoothly on this rig, but even SH3 had a significant framerate drop when multiple explosions occured at the same time (or oil_on_fire animation).

[Hazelwood]

Ahoy, Crocodile and All,

Much thanks to everyone who responded to my whining over frame-rate. Taking to heart the cruel recommendation my system is "crap" I installed SH IV on my other system (used mainly for business) which has a 9800 Pro and it was fine except for some mouse-lag and occasional jerkiness. Hmmmm. Close but no cigar after crusing around awhile and trying all the features.

Today I went to the stores and purchased the Radeon X1650 (512 MB) for my gaming machine (replacing the much besmeared - in this forum - ATI 9550) and this is the charm. This purchase was pocket change but even with all graphics options enabled I get schmooooooooth results even before trying the tweaks. Too good. A couple of engagements with explosions, fires, etc. confirmed this was the fix. I ought to spend more time keeping up with hardware advances. I came to this forum for help and I got it even though some of it was tough love.

I'll be back;)

best wishes,

Cpt. J. Hazelwood

[stabiz]

:rotfl:We are usually all charm, just wait until the last patch is out. It will be a hug-fest.

Those who intend to upgrade need to find out how much they are willing to spend, and its no use in getting a 8800GTX if you have a P4 3ghz. The rest have to match, or you`ll get bottlenecks. In your case it was the card, and now the sun shines extra brightly, right? Computer problems that get solved is the best. (I`m in a good mood since I fixed my own today:rotfl:)

[bert8for3]

I am going to print and frame this thread and hang it on my wall.

As a proud c**p system owner with specs very similar to Neal's and Hazelwood's (in particular a 9550 card like Hazelwood), I was on the edge of despair ... well not quite, but disappointed when I learned the vidcard wouldn't run the game and my laptop runs it but so sluggishly it's unplayable.

So my spirit is lifted and my hat off to Neal and Hazelwood and all who gave advice. :up: I will rush out to get a new vidcard as soon as I can figure out how to get the $$$ out of the cookie jar without She Who Must Be Obeyed finding out. :rock:

[nuggetz]

Dont feel bad. After reading that the patch was released I rushed straight out to my local gamestop and picked up the only copy they had. Came home, installed it, and low and behold, I can't play the game! My crap system wont run it. Mouse lags, sound stutters, etc. If I'm going to turn off all the effects then I may as well play SH3 which runs smooth as silk like you say. That way I wont have to mess around with the goofy interface we have in SH4. Maybe if I was getting 100FPS I'd have the patience to learn the new one :-) I'm about to build a new system so this should only be temporary. Back to SH3 for now.

[Hazelwood]

[QUOTE=bert8for3]I am going to print and frame this thread and hang it on my wall.

As a proud c**p system owner with specs very similar to Neal's and Hazelwood's (in particular a 9550 card like Hazelwood), I was on the edge of despair >>

Hi Bert8for3,

I am in Canada and the ATI X1650 solved all my video performance problems relating to SH IV. It cost me only C$200. The "She" who scrutinizes my expenditures is vastly entertained by my tall tales of adventures in computer gaming and my exploits on the high seas in particular. I promote myself in this area, of course, but that depends on your situation. In any event I have my old age pension on the side which can fund most of what I need.

All systems are different but in my case it was purely the video card. I could not be more pleased with results. ATI X1650 rocks for us folks with older machines. Absolutely smooth under all circumstances. Not a glitch anywhere and all enhancements enabled. The visuals are absolutely stunning.

It embarasses me to have been such a cranky whiner in my initial posting but the cruel critics in here brought me to my senses in regard to video performance.

I could overclock my P4 from 2.8 GHz to 3 GHz or more (it works well) but can see no need for this. This system is water-cooled so can take a lot of heat should I ever have to turn it up.

Hint: When looking for upgrades for hardware find a store with unconditional returns policy. When I bought the X1650 at London Drugs this morning (my preferred computer store) I explained my problem and the sales guy reminded me "If your sim still does not perform the way you expect, just come back for a full refund within 15 days".

best wishes,
Cpt. J. Hazelwood

[siffert]

Hmmm.....I have a 3.4 ghz Northwood, MSI 6800 GT AGP and 512 MB (have dual boot
Win98 and XP and my Win98 doesnt like 1GB of Ram) in my Dell 4600 so I guess I may be out of luck on my recently aquired Collectors Edition. But no problem, if no tickee, no washee for UBI. I still got my Compaq DeskPro 66M (as in 486-they built those like brick S*** Houses to last Forever) and MPS's Silent Service II runs just terrific on that:up: ...and a great sub sim as well.

[geetrue]

That's a great testimony Hazelwood ... I read and I read and I read while waiting for SH4 and then your success story comes along.

You made my day a whole lot brighter :sunny:

[bert8for3]

[quote=bert8for3]I am going to print and frame this thread and hang it on my wall.

As a proud c**p system owner with specs very similar to Neal's and Hazelwood's (in particular a 9550 card like Hazelwood), I was on the edge of despair >>

Hi Bert8for3,

I am in Canada and the ATI X1650 solved all my video performance problems relating to SH IV. It cost me only C$200. (...) Hint: When looking for upgrades for hardware find a store with unconditional returns policy. When I bought the X1650 at London Drugs this morning (my preferred computer store) I explained my problem and the sales guy reminded me "If your sim still does not perform the way you expect, just come back for a full refund within 15 days".

best wishes,
Cpt. J. Hazelwood

Tks much again. My spin will be an upcoming birthday in the next few weeks ... oughta work :yep: . Enjoy your X1650.

[Hazelwood]

That's a great testimony Hazelwood ... I read and I read and I read while waiting for SH4 and then your success story comes along.

>>You made my day a whole lot brighter :sunny:

I am pleased my remarks were helpful. That's what these places are for. What solved my problem was someone calling my system "crap" and getting me to take a hard look at what I had rather than just whining. Cruel but ... if the shoe fits, wear it.

My systems are actually pretty good and not "crap" at all but my video cards were old. The Radeon 9800 Pro used to be the name on everyone's lips but you can't afford to get sleepy. The 9550 is history. I am embarassed I listed it in my specs;-)

I have no frame rate problems at all with the X1650 and it was essentially pocket-change.

This is a superb sim. Best enjoyment means a good video processor. Any P4 at 2.8 GHz or thereabouts is good enough so long as you have a gig of RAM.

best wishes,

Cpt. J. Hazelwood

[Kapitan_Phillips]

I have to say, your writing style makes me smile.


"(replacing the much besmeared - in this forum - ATI 9550)"



Legend :rotfl:

[hachiman]

Definately would'ny say his system or Computer is crap.
Just the graphics card that needs replaced and thats all.

[bert8for3]

Aaarghhh! My c**p system saga continues. One thing leads to another ... just picking up on this, I now have a question about power supplies. I'd appreciate some advice.

So having picked up an X1650, justifying it on the basis of an early birthday present, I eagerly unpacked my new vidcard, anticipating th2.0e moment when I would reboot into glorious graphics and (fingers-crossed) be able to run SH4 (irrelevant aside: although plan to stay mainly with SH3 for now, but new vidcard will improve that).

On the verge of yanking out the old card to put the new one in, it dawns on me (having just then decided that it might be a good idea to read the box) that the specs for the X1650 are requiring a minimum 350-watt power supply, mine being a 200. No problem say I and head out to get a new power supply. Naturally, it turns out that the "form factor" (... why can't they just say "size") of your basic power supply changed like the day after I bought my comp from ver 1.3 to 2.0 . Thank you pc makers. To make a long story short "modern" ATX PSU's are slightly bigger and won't fit my case (last time I buy a proprietary pc!).

So to make a long story short again, I'm looking to see if there's such a thing as a 350-watt power supply that will fit my case. The genius at the comp store could only roll his eyes and express the view that it would be easier to move the nearest mountain. He undertook to make inquiries of their suppliers, but I'm thinking I can expect to hear something about as much as I can expect to be able to move that mountain.

So I'm looking on my own (although I'll go to another store as soon as I can ... maybe next year). So far, I'm working through tigerdirect's website looking at the PSU's. Some don't say the size, some do, but I notice others say things like "compatible ATX ver 2.03 and ATX ver 1.1". This seems to be referring to the form factor???? And it seems to be saying it's compatible with both??????

If anyone can shed light on this, would appreciate. [edit: sorry for the ramble btw]

[NefariousKoel]

Bert, if you have a Micro-ATX case, I know they make 380 Watt power supplies for them. Lemme check around and see what the biggest is.

[NefariousKoel]

Bert...

The biggest I see is 400W (if it's Micro-ATX anyway) and I would recommend at least that much for gaming these days.

The minimum I look for on a regular ATX size lately is 550W and most importantly at least a 20 Amp rating on the 12v rail.

That 400W should do for your current situation.;)

[bert8for3]

Bert...

The biggest I see is 400W (if it's Micro-ATX anyway) and I would recommend at least that much for gaming these days.

The minimum I look for on a regular ATX size lately is 550W and most importantly at least a 20 Amp rating on the 12v rail.

That 400W should do for your current situation.;)

Thanks for that. To be honest, I'm not sure if I have a micro-ATX case ... maybe I do. It's an HP Pavilion 754n. But I'll look for Micro-ATX ... where did you see that?

[DaMaGe007]

Bert...

The biggest I see is 400W (if it's Micro-ATX anyway) and I would recommend at least that much for gaming these days.

The minimum I look for on a regular ATX size lately is 550W and most importantly at least a 20 Amp rating on the 12v rail.

That 400W should do for your current situation.;)

Thanks for that. To be honest, I'm not sure if I have a micro-ATX case ... maybe I do. It's an HP Pavilion 754n. But I'll look for Micro-ATX ... where did you see that?

HP may be different altogether, you might have to contact them and see if they have larger wattage psu's for that model or at least ask HP if its Micro atx...

[bert8for3]

Bert...

The biggest I see is 400W (if it's Micro-ATX anyway) and I would recommend at least that much for gaming these days.

The minimum I look for on a regular ATX size lately is 550W and most importantly at least a 20 Amp rating on the 12v rail.

That 400W should do for your current situation.;)

Thanks for that. To be honest, I'm not sure if I have a micro-ATX case ... maybe I do. It's an HP Pavilion 754n. But I'll look for Micro-ATX ... where did you see that?

HP may be different altogether, you might have to contact them and see if they have larger wattage psu's for that model or at least ask HP if its Micro atx...

Tks for that also. I was just online with an HP tech (btw, I should be less cynical, he was very helpful). It is microATX, so I just have to figure out where I should go. He suggested I contact local HP parts office or reseller, so I'll do that too.

[DaMaGe007]

If it is micro atx I would probably buy it elsewhere, I would think HP would charge extra, shop around :)

[bert8for3]

If it is micro atx I would probably buy it elsewhere, I would think HP would charge extra, shop around :)

Good point, I will. Tks again.

[NefariousKoel]

If it is micro atx I would probably buy it elsewhere, I would think HP would charge extra, shop around :)
Yes, they'll rape you Bert.

I buy all my parts from Newegg. Fast shipping and great service! Not sure what is entailed with their Canada shipping but that's where I saw the 400W ones after I narrowed it down. They always have tons of user reviews there too - some great, some uninformed but a bit of a majority know what they're talking about.