Ghraphics Card Question

[IrischKapitan]

NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE

Total available graphics memory 382 MB

Dedicated graphics memory 128 MB

Dedicated system memory 0 MB

Shared system memory 254 MB

Display adapter driver version 7.15.11.5818

Primary monitor resolution 1280x1024

DirectX version 10


I also have 1gb of system ram, a core duo 1.8ghz processor.
As you can see this is not enough to operate SH4 smoothly, so I'm planning to upgrade the RAM to 2gb and the Video card.

I have a budget of about €150 to €200 for a decent DX10 and Vista card...

Any ideas? ;):hmm:

[FooFighters]

NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE

Total available graphics memory 382 MB

Dedicated graphics memory 128 MB

Dedicated system memory 0 MB

Shared system memory 254 MB

Display adapter driver version 7.15.11.5818

Primary monitor resolution 1280x1024

DirectX version 10


I also have 1gb of system ram, a core duo 1.8ghz processor.
As you can see this is not enough to operate SH4 smoothly, so I'm planning to upgrade the RAM to 2gb and the Video card.

I have a budget of about €150 to €200 for a decent DX10 and Vista card...

Any ideas? ;):hmm:

I also have kinda same problem..

I think I will buy a 8800 GTS 320mb, pricing holland aprox 260 euro
200 and below.. go for ATI X1900XT, 7900GS or 7950GT. But these are DX9 cards.
Don't buy an 8600 serie !

Check this thread
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=120070

and this one
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=119748

[The General]

I'm sorry my friend, there is no alternative but to buy a better computer. Lidl are doing one at the moment that is cheap and pretty high spec. Good luck.

[switch.dota]

@The General - SH IV can run just fine on a single core, age-old Athlon XP 1700+, with 768 RAM and a 6600 video card. And the video card is usually underused, too.

@IrischKapitan - For your system and limited budget, I'd recommend you shoot for a cheap 7900GS or x1950 Pro (as much as I love nvidia, an x1950Pro is cheaper and the cheap ATi models are usually better than cheap nvidia cards) and some extra RAM. Then aim for a better processor when the next upgrade comes around ;) 2 GB and one of the above mentioned video cards should last you a while.

[FooFighters]

@The General - SH IV can run just fine on a single core, age-old Athlon XP 1700+, with 768 RAM and a 6600 video card. And the video card is usually underused, too.

@IrischKapitan - For your system and limited budget, I'd recommend you shoot for a cheap 7900GS or x1950 Pro (as much as I love nvidia, an x1950Pro is cheaper and the cheap ATi models are usually better than cheap nvidia cards) and some extra RAM. Then aim for a better processor when the next upgrade comes around ;) 2 GB and one of the above mentioned video cards should last you a while.

I totally agree on both points..
Except he wants a card that is Vista and DX10..

I have a budget of about €150 to €200 for a decent DX10 and Vista card...

[seafarer]

I was given SH4 by my nephew as a gift (had not bought it myself as I figured my machine was too long in the tooth - althoug SH3 runs fine on it). It runs surprisingly well - certainly playable, although time compression can be a bit bizarre to use, and sure, the video is not as visually stunning as it could be.

My machine:

2.8GHz PIV
2.5GB RAM (2x1GB plus 2x256MB - PC2700 DDR, CAS=3)
Saphire ATI 9600XT 256MB AGP video

About the only upgrade I can really do is the video. So I should have my HIS ATI X1650 Pro IceQII 512MB card tomorrow (from newegg.com), and a new 460watt power supply (from different place) to replace my current 300watt. That should make the eye candy in Sh4 better.

But, it has been quite enjoyable with the machine as is, with a couple of exceptions. Cruising around Pearl does cause some sluggishness in mouse response, as does high time compression modes (above 2048x). I have no idea about frame rates, as I never pay any attention to them - I just go by how things look on screen to my eyes (fps, to my mind = who cares? as long as the viewing experience is acceptable/workable).

Certainly a newer, faster machine would be nicer, but running SH4 on older hardware is quite acceptable.

PS. running XP SP2, as I have no interest in buying Vista for this machine.

[rls669]

@The General - SH IV can run just fine on a single core, age-old Athlon XP 1700+, with 768 RAM and a 6600 video card. And the video card is usually underused, too.O RLY? How underused would a 6600 be playing at 1920 x 1440 with FSAA and AF cranked up? It would be totally underused under those conditions, because after one attempt you'd dropkick it into the nearest dumpster. It's hard to make a recommendation without knowing what someone's definition of "runs just fine" is :D

Personally, I wouldn't buy anything less than a GF7900GS or X1950 Pro. Both can be found at reasonable prices especially if you go rebate-hunting, and both are available in AGP if you're trying to extend the life of an older system. If budget constraints won't allow that, the GF7600 cards generally outperform the Radeon X1600. If you want DX10, nothing less than a GF8800 will do. The lesser cards might technically support DX10 features, but they don't have the performance to produce anything but a DX10 slideshow.

[NefariousKoel]

The 7300LE uses the 128MB on the graphics board but it will also share part of the system RAM to add extra to it. Since you only have 1GB of RAM in your system and the graphics card is also using 254MB of that, it leaves little for the actual game while it's running. Since you're using Windows Vista (DX10), it'll be even more pronounced because Vista is such a RAM hog.

Not to mention the 7300 isn't a speedy gfx card. I'd recommend getting a bigger vid card or, at least, doubling your RAM.

[AkbarGulag]

There is a setting in most MOBO bios's... Its called 'AGP Aperture'....(not sure what it is called on PCI-e slots, but im sure they have one) this controls how much on board ram the card can utilize. Most boards can set this as low as 64meg. May be of help for you for now.

I run a P4 2.8gig single core, 1gig ram, and an old Raedeon 9800XT. With most things ticked and all sliders up I run 25fps... very playable. (yes volumetric fog is 'ON', yes high res textures is 'ON')

[switch.dota]

@The General - SH IV can run just fine on a single core, age-old Athlon XP 1700+, with 768 RAM and a 6600 video card. And the video card is usually underused, too.O RLY? How underused would a 6600 be playing at 1920 x 1440 with FSAA and AF cranked up? It would be totally underused under those conditions, because after one attempt you'd dropkick it into the nearest dumpster. It's hard to make a recommendation without knowing what someone's definition of "runs just fine" is :D
I'm not talking about pointlessly huge resolutions and extreme eye-candy here, y'know...

[cali03boss]

It would be nice to know what 100 pounds equals?

[IrischKapitan]

The 7300LE uses the 128MB on the graphics board but it will also share part of the system RAM to add extra to it. Since you only have 1GB of RAM in your system and the graphics card is also using 254MB of that, it leaves little for the actual game while it's running. Since you're using Windows Vista (DX10), it'll be even more pronounced because Vista is such a RAM hog.

Not to mention the 7300 isn't a speedy gfx card. I'd recommend getting a bigger vid card or, at least, doubling your RAM.

I'd already figured that, plus I'm planning to upgrade my ram by 1gig and (see first post), I think I'll buy a GF7950GT (plus vista capaple), card as it offers the best comprimise between performance and value ($200 of tigerdirect, about €145 plus 1 gig of Corsair DDR2 ram for under €180! :smug::|\\)

The GF8800 is a bit out of my price range plus its a power hungry and air hungry card which requires more upgrading..... Maybe next time....

Thanks for all the useful info!!!

[NefariousKoel]

Sure thing!

I've been quite happy with my XFX 7900GS that I upgraded to months ago. You'll be more than fine with that 7950:up:

[GnarPow]

8800 For The Win! Hands down. Get the 640mb and dont waste money on any other 8 series unless its a GTX or Ultra :D

And for a little input: Me and my friend did a test the other day to see how the 8 series stacked up to the 7 series. We used Half Life: Lost Coast video test as our base and maxed out the settings. He had a E6600 and SLI OCd 7900GS's. I have a E6400 and a 640 OCd 8800GTS.

We turned the settings up and let the test run. Even with my crappier processor I destroyed him in the test. I got 108fps as a average and he got around 50 something. So for everyone who recommends 7 series. Just stop it, they arent worth it. They are already outdated because they cant play any of the newer games in DX10 and they dont post #s even close to the 8 series.

You might think your saving money now, but your wasting it in the long run.

Also no one even look at anything less than a 8800. THe other 8 series are crap.

My 2 cents

[NefariousKoel]

Well, sure, a 7 series won't support DX10 but some of us don't have $350+ to sink into a video card much less sink any money into one of the sh!tty low-end 8 series cards. Thanks!

[SilentOtto]

:doh: In a few select places in the world, like the USA, northern Europe, and such, $350 or 300€ may be a small sum of money (for some) to spend in a graphics card. In southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy) 300€ is more than half the legally minimum monthly salary. And let's not get started about eastern Europe, or the really really poor countries in our earth.

BTW back in topic I am thinking on a 7950gt for my upgrade, I've found one at 170€, passive cooler (my 3 last graphic cards all had cooler troubles, one died from that so I hate ventilators!) and I still think its crazy spending that much on a card. The cheapest 8800 here is around 270€, up to >500€. I find those numbers, for a component of a toy almost obscene.

I wish OPEN GL was more widely used for games, like IL2 Sturmovik, so we wouldnt have to worry about a single company decisions so as when to upgrade. Open standards and freedom, vs. pure business interests. I have a windows computer just to play games, and I hate needing XP just for that purpose. I hope to have some years before vista-only games show up, that's a train I dont want to take.

I too have my right to a nightly forum rant don't I?

[d@rk51d3]

I was given SH4 by my nephew as a gift (had not bought it myself as I figured my machine was too long in the tooth - althoug SH3 runs fine on it). It runs surprisingly well - certainly playable, although time compression can be a bit bizarre to use, and sure, the video is not as visually stunning as it could be.

My machine:

2.8GHz PIV
2.5GB RAM (2x1GB plus 2x256MB - PC2700 DDR, CAS=3)
Saphire ATI 9600XT 256MB AGP video

About the only upgrade I can really do is the video. So I should have my HIS ATI X1650 Pro IceQII 512MB card tomorrow (from newegg.com), and a new 460watt power supply (from different place) to replace my current 300watt. That should make the eye candy in Sh4 better.

But, it has been quite enjoyable with the machine as is, with a couple of exceptions. Cruising around Pearl does cause some sluggishness in mouse response, as does high time compression modes (above 2048x). I have no idea about frame rates, as I never pay any attention to them - I just go by how things look on screen to my eyes (fps, to my mind = who cares? as long as the viewing experience is acceptable/workable).

Certainly a newer, faster machine would be nicer, but running SH4 on older hardware is quite acceptable.

PS. running XP SP2, as I have no interest in buying Vista for this machine.

I have the same setup and the same dilemma. I am seriously considering that ATI card too. The 9600 works, but does struggle a bit, and there seems to be no point in DX10 compatiblity at the moment.

If you do get it, let me know how it goes.:up:

[Gh3ngis]

I have just bought an ATi X1950 pro. I have 2 gb RAM and an old P4 3.2 and runs SHIV no problems on decent settings (not the highest). IMHO you dont need to run SH on everything maxxed out as pointed out by somebody else as long as it looks half decent with some eye candy, gameplay is what its all about.

Decent card on a budget, I paid £115 for mine which is about $233 or 168 Euro.


Good luck

Gh3ngis

[Bezoomney]

I have just bought an ATi X1950 pro. I have 2 gb RAM and an old P4 3.2 and runs SHIV no problems on decent settings (not the highest). IMHO you dont need to run SH on everything maxxed out as pointed out by somebody else as long as it looks half decent with some eye candy, gameplay is what its all about.

Decent card on a budget, I paid £115 for mine which is about $233 or 168 Euro.


Good luck

Gh3ngis

Same here, P4 (s478) 3.0Ghz, 2gb ram, ATI 1950 pro (AGP x8). Just upgraded from ATI 9550 pro, it's a major improvement.
SH4 runs perfectly with all settings maxed out. :D
I recommend it!

[sniperdoc]

8800 For The Win! Hands down. Get the 640mb and dont waste money on any other 8 series unless its a GTX or Ultra :D

And for a little input: Me and my friend did a test the other day to see how the 8 series stacked up to the 7 series. We used Half Life: Lost Coast video test as our base and maxed out the settings. He had a E6600 and SLI OCd 7900GS's. I have a E6400 and a 640 OCd 8800GTS.

We turned the settings up and let the test run. Even with my crappier processor I destroyed him in the test. I got 108fps as a average and he got around 50 something. So for everyone who recommends 7 series. Just stop it, they arent worth it. They are already outdated because they cant play any of the newer games in DX10 and they dont post #s even close to the 8 series.

You might think your saving money now, but your wasting it in the long run.

Also no one even look at anything less than a 8800. THe other 8 series are crap.

My 2 cents

I must agree with this response. Wait a bit longer, save up the cash, and get an 8800 series card. It doesn't have to be the huge 8800GTX, but I highly recommend spending the money to at least get the 640MB version of the GTS...

By purchasing a 7000 series PCI-X card, you're wasting money in the long run. If you have an AGP based motherboard, I can only say that you really should invest in either a 650i or 680i SLI type board...

AGP still works very well for most of the games that everyone here seems to play (the old school crowd). But if there's any desire to play the next-gen games like Farcry 2, Crysis, etc... at DX10 levels, I highly recommend, can't stress the highly part, a card =>8800GTS 640MB.

By purchasing older hardware you'll have to upgrade sooner and thereby spend more money. I make it a habit of purchasing top of the line hardware, that way it'll last at LEAST 3 -4 years before becoming semi-obscolete. I was stuck in AGP until about a year ago, when I finally bit the bullet and upgraded to the system specs you see below.

Given that I have an SLI based motherboard, will mean that in the future, I'll at least be able to put another 8800GTX in my system and go SLI with a bit of a performance increase without having to purchase a major card... but I'm sure there'll be better technology out by then anyways. I won't go SLI until Vista sorts out their SLI driver issues or unless Crysis and Farcry 2 really need it.

[longam]

Pfft, I stopped the upgrade game years ago when I calculated the amount of money I was sinking into hardware every year. I try to space it out over 4 years now sometime more depending on the trend. DX10 and 64bit is still struggling to make a place in the market.

Still running the P4 w/7800gs on AGP with NP at all, spill some cash into it now and then for little extras, but I can wait 1 or 2 years until the $500 cards are $150.00 and the dual core mobo’s are in the bargain bin.

[sniperdoc]

Pfft, I stopped the upgrade game years ago when I calculated the amount of money I was sinking into hardware every year. I try to space it out over 4 years now sometime more depending on the trend. DX10 and 64bit is still struggling to make a place in the market.

Still running the P4 w/7800gs on AGP with NP at all, spill some cash into it now and then for little extras, but I can wait 1 or 2 years until the $500 cards are $150.00 and the dual core mobo’s are in the bargain bin.

:hmm: All depends on what type of games you enjoy and at was gfx options you can handle said games...:cool:

I have the 7800GS in my personal server (was my old system) and it definitely "extended" the AGP bus' life. But, it was definitely time to do the upgrade if I expected to see any of the newer games' eyecandy.

Is DX10 struggling to get a foothold... sure. Will it become a standard... no doubt about it.

Although, it's great to see people coding DX10 for XP (http://www.technospot.net/blogs/download-directx-10-for-windows-xp-from-alky-project/)... :sunny:

It took most countries more than 3 years to adopt XP from Windows 2000 or 98. I imagine that's how long it'll take to make the switch with Vista before it becomes a mainstream O.S. Same with Office 2007... it's so new and the new .docx, .xlsx, etc formats are so non-mainstream it'll take forever for that to take effect... Some of my staff are still using Office 2000 SR-1 on their Dell L150's :rock:

[IrischKapitan]

Office 97, I still use it in work.... :oops:


Since I have vista I'm planning to sink $180 in an extra gig of RAM and a XFX GeForce 8600GT XXX GDDR3 version, I've beign hearing good reviews about one :yep:

I hope that and my Core Duo Viiv processor, then SH4 will run smoothly... :D