A Question about My Computer

[Oldgamer48]

Hello again, my friends!

A few weeks ago, I posted some problems with lag that I was having with my new computer (HP p6533w Paviliion), and the ultimate problem turned out to be the integrated graphics adapter, which had only 256mb of dedicated video RAM.

I've installed a new adapter ... an nVidia N8400GS ... which has 512mb of video RAM. I was still having problems, though, so I ran the test on my system. It indicated that my grapics driver was too low (v. 131), and so I downloaded the latest nVidia driver for my card, the 266.58.

However, the test still indicates that the version is 131, and I tried out the game, and I'm getting a ridiculous framerate of 5-7, meaning that nothing has happened.

My computer ought to be able to handle SH5 properly, now. Is there something ridiculously simple that I have missed? If anyone wants it, I will run the dxdiag for you.

Thanks.

[Oldgamer48]

Sorry for the double post, but I need to subsribe to my own thead! :D

[TheDarkWraith]

Sorry for the double post, but I need to subsribe to my own thead! :D

Have you set all the graphics sliders to the lowest setting and ran the game to see what's happening? Any mods installed? What screen res? Try descreasing screen res and see what happens.

[GT182]

nVidia 8800 graphics cards are the minimum to run SH5 properly. Your 8400 I'm sorry to say, and as you've found out, won't do the job unless you turn down the controls for it to it's minimums.

Go on www.pricewatch.com and check the video card section for some great deals. I've bought graphics cards thru there and have no complaints. Also go to CompUSA and see what they might have. Their prices will be higher but it's the convienence of them being close at hand... if you have one of their stores close by.

I'm running an 8800GT 1GB DDR3 nVidia card and it's working fine. But I have more memory in it than you have in yours.

[Oldgamer48]

Thanks for the quick replies!

I bought the 8400 because it was cheap and available, and had 512mb of RAM. Also, the computer's power source is only 250w, and I tried to save a little more money there.

For 2 cents, I would load up SH3 and GWX. Unfortunately, the game won't work on my system!

I've cut way back on the features, and the game looks good, and I've even sank the occasional British merchie, with it. The game looks very good, inside the boat, and seems to run faster, there.

Looks like it's time to spend some more money ... :hmmm:

[GT182]

To use a good graphics card you're going to need at least a 400 watt power supply.

That's the trouble with 'store bought' computers, they come with such a small PSU. And some of them are proprietary and won't let you change out to a larger PSU. It's one reason I got away from Compaq computers and started building my own. You can actually build a better computer with less money than what you'll pay for one out of a store....usually depending on what you want for a CPU. That and you put into it what you want, not what the manufacturers wants. The computer I just built and am running now cost me under 800 bucks but is equal to at least a 1500.00 computer you'd buy in a store.

[Church SUBSIM]

The power supply is often overlooked as a critical piece of hardware in a system. Not only is it about the amount of power the device offers, it's about the steady, reliable stream of power it offers.

It really is worth reading some reviews on them.

A few sites I would recommend:

http://www.anandtech.com/ (http://www.anandtech.com/)
(very smart guy that has been around for a while and had proven to be reliable)

http://www.tomshardware.com (http://www.tomshardware.com)
(Again, another that has proven the test of time with valuable info)

You will also get some good reveiws on video cards at these sites.

Best of luck!

[Drewcifer]

Agreed.. I build gaming systems alot.. for myself and friends and family..etc.. and I have to say if I was building a 'gaming' system right now I'd push you to run with a 600 watt power supply.

Is it required? No.. note I said 'gaming' system and I'm just trying to keep your system viable for whatever you want to do down the road. You start playing around with crossfire/dual GPUs and the like your talking alot of power, then cooling units and the like there really is never too much power when building these things.

lol.. but i'd also like to add one more cylinder to every engine.. ever.. but I guess the V9 just isn't as popular as the V8.

[pants_marshall]

As a avid overclocker\PC builder the PSU is THE most important piece of hardware in your PC - after all it has to power everything.

I recommend you spend at least £100 on a half decent PSU, or expect a lot of BSOD or worse.

[TheDarkWraith]

As a avid overclocker\PC builder the PSU is THE most important piece of hardware in your PC - after all it has to power everything.

I recommend you spend at least £100 on a half decent PSU, or expect a lot of BSOD or worse.

:agree: The power supply is the most important item in a custom computer build. I spare no expense on it and buy what I know works. Been using Evo Galaxy PSs in my custom builds (1.0-1.2kW) and have never had any issues with them (they run about $350 US). They are modular, can supply the needed amperage for any graphics card from any rail, and are pretty efficient power wise :yep:

[Drewcifer]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371036&cm_re=1000_watt_power_supply-_-17-371-036-_-Product

I'm running this, its alot less then 300 dollars and it will power everything you need and more. and frankly 1000 watts is overkill for your average gamer anyways. Nobody needs to spend over 200 US on a PSU... but if you do its not exactly unwise.. the more power the better. always.

[GT182]

For less money this is an excellent power supply.... 600 watts
http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4362114&Sku=O261-2017