Finally gave in

[Mikeyzig]

After trying to sort out my system and set up the memory etc correctly I just decided to get the biggest and most that my system would allow, so bought 4gb of ram in 4*1gb pieces, which runs at dual speed and I have to say that the game runs pretty much perfect now with everything at high.

The only concern I now have and the only thing left that I can do with my pc is the power supply. It is a Dell pc I have and it states on it 305W, Is this enough does anyone know??

[Tokus Pokus]

Re: Finally gave in

It would be benificial for you to get at least a 420w power supply.

[wrxlvr]

Re: Finally gave in

I'm running half that ram with all settings on high

P4 2.4
2gig RAM
XFX 6800GT 256 AGP 8X
350W Antec TruePower II

Powersupply is VERY important and not too expensive.

[Mikeyzig]

Re: Finally gave in

I think my psu will need to be replaced. I still get a few jerky moments while playing the game, though not really that bad, maybe 1 a minute, and onlt lasts about 1/4 of a second.

I am not sure what fps you should get but I am getting high 60s to mid 70s for the most part and it never drops below 40fps. I believe now that the psu is the problem and will be at the shop tomorrow to get one, only problem I have is to make sure that it is compatible with my Dell pc, not sure if anyone knows if I am likey to come across a problem with that??

[Tokus Pokus]

Re: Finally gave in

Local pc shops will rape you on the price for a power supply. If you are fairly competent with a simple installation, ordering one from an online retailer will save you about half the money. This power supply should be good enough for you. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...06#DetailSpecs

[Mikeyzig]

Re: Finally gave in

My local shop in Glasgow is pretyy decent I think, not sure how it is in USA so can't comment.

Can you have a look here and see what one you think would be good for me??

http://budgetcomputers.biz/catalog/index.php

cPath=56&osCsid=7b82d20815b2c27eb76a0491124ccb6f

Appreciate any help

[Tokus Pokus]

Re: Finally gave in

My local shop in Glasgow is pretyy decent I think, not sure how it is in USA so can't comment.

Can you have a look here and see what one you think would be good for me??

http://budgetcomputers.biz/catalog/index.php

cPath=56&osCsid=7b82d20815b2c27eb76a0491124ccb6f

Appreciate any help

The power supplies on that site seem to be generic. It's a good idea to stick with well-known, reputable equipment manufacturers, or you could have a bad piece in a few months.

[Mikeyzig]

Re: Finally gave in

Ok thanks I will check it out and make sure I get a well known brand.

I have now confused myself with the fps numbers on the screen and have posted for some help with that. I guess I have a lot to learn!!

[Mikeyzig]

Re: Finally gave in

Only problem is that I would not know a good brand from a bad one and being in UK cannot order from place you gave me. If you can be bothered could you have a lok here and recommend one for me. Maybe one day I can help you out!!

http://www.overclock.co.uk/customer/home.php?cat=726

[Tokus Pokus]

Re: Finally gave in

I would suggest this one...
http://www.overclock.co.uk/customer/...roductid=16881 although it isn't in stock.

If you were going to get one right now, you could get this one...
http://www.overclock.co.uk/customer/...roductid=18460

[Mikeyzig]

Re: Finally gave in

Excellent thanks for that, I will give them a call tomorrow and find out when the 1st one is coming back in, if too long I may well order the 2nd one.

I think it must be the psu that is the problem, the performance is not bad just an occasional judder, but I like things to be right and with 4gig of ram it cannot possibly be that!! The only other thing I can think of is the hd, but is sata 120gb with about half full so I thought this should be ok I feel.

[BeanyOnline]

Re: Finally gave in

You got an AV software running in the background scanning away?

Might be upsetting the game files when it scans them, or somethign bonkers like that.

Other than that I'd agree with the above, a generic 350W PSU isnt relaly going to cut it with a P4 and a Geforce 6800. An Antec, Akasa, or Tagan PSU are generally OK [don't hold me to the Tagan actually I'm going by memory here] as they can actually pump out stable voltages and wattages even when under full load.


Cheap PSUs fluctuate when loaded up [typically the max stable loading of a 350W 'peak' generic PSU is more like 220-250W - beyond that current draw you get fluctuations] whereas good quality ones will generally stay stable even with up to 330W loads.

Have seen people splash out £100 on components for their PC and spend £30 on a PSU and skimp on a surge protector - you tell them not to do it, and they ignore you.

Well, until the mobo gets fried under high load, and everything attached to it. Apart from the keyboard and mouse - which were wireless...

[Brick Hit House]

Re: Finally gave in

I've just helped someone upgrade a dell psu & also had to change the mainboard due to some unique dell connections (some dells seem to have these types of connections, some are apparently standard). Also had to change the case due to the fact that the dell case fitted only a few psu's. We tried very hard to get a beefy dell-spec psu in the UK. Even tried Scotland, but no joy.

I strongly suggest that you check this dell forum site before buying http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums

[BeanyOnline]

Re: Finally gave in

Yeah - Dells are shocking for this sort of thing. Compaq used to be bad for it too but have sorted it out now that they are part of HP.

I performed a good few heart transplants of the ilk Brick Hit House descrives for exactly that reason when I was working at PCW - nasty, scabby gits that Dells designers are.

[amstyle]

Re: Finally gave in

My 500w psu is outside my HP case. I have a ouuse fan blowing on the video card.