Computer Hope
Software => Computer games => Topic started by: Dilbert on August 05, 2005, 10:15:46 AM
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Hello all,
I love to play Star Wars games (I'm a real sucker for them.) I have played Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic on the minimum video card. It was an Nvidia GeForce MX with 64 MB of Video RAM. The graphics were poor, but framerate was OK. Now, I have another Nvidia, this one with 256 MB of Video RAM. Now, graphics are better, and frame rate is excellent.
EXCEPT...
SwKotor 1 players will surely recognize the planet Dantooine. Well, on this planet, I get frame rates so bad, the game is unplayable. But, since I installed the Video card after this point in the game, I know I get perfect play everywhere else. Why do I get worse framerate in one spot AFTER I upgrade!?! Is there anyone who can help me?
P.S. I've tried other games, and there aren't any problems on those games.
P.P.S. I've made sure I meet the Recommended requirements, and I've also contacted LucasArts.com.
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Why do I get worse framerate in one spot AFTER I upgrade!?! Is there anyone who can help me?
- Nvidia is pap
- You may try to play with settings that are too high for the videocard
The first is self explanatory, the second may be due to a change in the game enviroment. E.G: A lot of open space with smog or other effects that require a lot of processing power.
P.P.S. I've made sure I meet the Recommended requirements, and I've also contacted LucasArts.com.
If I were to contact technical support of each game that slowed down at a sudden point, they'd sue me for harassment.
Also, meeting the minimum requirements doesn't really mean a lot. It's great when you do, but that doesn't mean the game will not run without hickups.
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What is pap? I have an nVidia.
That's not good, is it?
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ATI rules. :D
The mainboard in the gamer computer next to me has an Nvidia chipset. Nothing but problems... The name Nvidia must be jinxed. :)
I prefer ATI over Nvidia. Probably because all the cards that I have bought/obtained lately are ATI. And they all deliver excellent performance.
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What is pap?
Depends on how you translate it... Pap = Poop, crap, junk, etc. ;)
That's not good, is it?
Bingo ;)
ATI rules. :D
Agreed :)
[glb]Flame[/glb]
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Hey,
I looked at ATI Radeons, but I don't have an AGP driver. I can only play PCI video cards. (AGP'S don't fit in my computer) :P
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Hey,
I looked at ATI Radeons, but I don't have an AGP driver. I can only play PCI video cards. (AGP'S don't fit in my computer) :P
That may also explain why you notice a drop in performance.
The AGP slot is entirely dedicated to videocards, and has twice the amount of bandwith as the PCI slot does.
Your computer is not very suitable for gaming if it does not have an AGP port or PCI-E port. You should not expect too much of it.
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But it worked fine with my smaller PCI Nvidia! At least the game was playable! Now, almost everything's perfect. It's this one spot that WAS playable, and now isn't. And this problem-having video card is DOUBLE the recommended system. (Recommended is 128 MB.)
By the way, I DO have an AGP slot, but it's the card that came with the computer, and cannot be removed, as far as I can tell. Also, does the brand name of a computer have anything to do with it? I have a rather... obscure name of computers. (It's an E-Machine.) I've invested $1,000 into this machine, so please don't tell me It's the brand name! (Unless that really is the problem.)
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But it worked fine with my smaller PCI Nvidia! At least the game was playable! Now, almost everything's perfect. It's this one spot that WAS playable, and now isn't. And this problem-having video card is DOUBLE the recommended system. (Recommended is 128 MB.)
A function may now be unlocked that your previous videocard was not capable of.
The function now unlocked may be too heavy for your current videocard or computer.
The amount of megabytes actually means very little when it comes to videocards. Having 256MB RAM video memory is nice, but if the videocard is too slow to make good use of it, it will still be a low-end card and the 256MB RAM will be in vain.
What is more important is the amount of pipelines, RAM and processing speed. These are often displayed on the box, but in very small letters or not at all. So that people will be mislead and think that their 256MB RAM card which only costed $ 50 will be better than the 128MB RAM card which costs $ 100.
By the way, I DO have an AGP slot, but it's the card that came with the computer, and cannot be removed, as far as I can tell. Also, does the brand name of a computer have anything to do with it? I have a rather... obscure name of computers. (It's an E-Machine.) I've invested $1,000 into this machine, so please don't tell me It's the brand name! (Unless that really is the problem.)
If it is onboard, you can only disable it.
If it is an expansion card, you can remove it whenever you feel like doing so.
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Hold on, I may have some jargon mixed up.
I am under the impression that the 256 MB was the video card. The memory chips I have are 512 MB. The 256 MB is with my card, and the 512 is the memory add-ons. I thought this was a great machine. So what can I do about this problem? Buy yet another video card? Or just go buy a new computer? :(
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Ok. Your video card is 256 MB, right? That's GREAT! Your system memory or RAM is 512... As long as your computer can handle more RAM, you can add more... Cheap too... Are you sure about how much memory you have here?
[glb]Flame[/glb]
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Hold on, I may have some jargon mixed up.
I am under the impression that the 256 MB was the video card. The memory chips I have are 512 MB. The 256 MB is with my card, and the 512 is the memory add-ons. I thought this was a great machine. So what can I do about this problem? Buy yet another video card? Or just go buy a new computer? :(
Now, how can you confuse RAM with video memory?
You have:
512MB RAM memory
256MB RAM videocard memory.
The videocard memory is dedicated entirely to the videocard. This can not be accessed by other applications. It will not add to or substract from the "mainboard" memory.
1. Buy yet another video card?
2. Or just go buy a new computer?
1. Only if you are dissapointed by the results of this videocard. Personally, I would return the videocard, demand a refund and choose a good AGP card in the same or higher price range. But then again, I would never have bought a PCI card if I had a free AGP slot. ;)
Can you list your system specifications and name of the videocard ? Perhaps it is best if you simply looking into finding the correct configuration for your game. We can help you with that.
2. Not quite necessary!
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Here are the requirements:
Computer: 100% DirectX 9.0b compatible computer
Operating Systems: Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP
CPU: Intel PIII 1 GHz or AMD Athlon 1 GHz required
Memory: 128 MB RAM required for Windows 98, 256 MB RAM required for Windows ME/2000/XP
Graphics Card: 32 MB OpenGL 1.4 compatible PCI or AGP 3D Hardware Accelerator with Hardware Transform and Lighting (T&L) Capability required
Sound Card: 100% DirectX 9.0b compatible Audio Device required
CD-ROM: Quad Speed CD-ROM drive required
Input Device: Keyboard and mouse required
DirectX: Microsoft DirectX 9.0b is included on this CD. NOTE: DirectX may require the "latest" drivers for your particular hardware.
Installation: 4.0 GB of free hard drive space required
Supported Chipsets at the time of release:
ATI Radeon 8500/9000/9200
ATI Radeon 9500/9600/9700/9800
NVIDIA GeForce 2/3/4 family
NVIDIA GeForceFX family
Additional Chipsets supported. For a complete list of supported 3D cards, please consult the Troubleshooting guide, or visit the Technical Support section of the LucasArts Website at www.lucasarts.com.
Recommended Specifications:
CPU: 1.6 GHZ AMD or Intel processor
Video Chipset: ATI Radeon 9200 or better, NVidia GeForce4 Ti or better
RAM: 512 MB RAM
I have an Nvidia GeForce FX with 256 MB Video memory, and 512 MB of RAM. Sadly, I originally DID buy an AGP card with 256 MB, but there are NO SLOTS for an AGP video card. Now, I am certainly thrilled by the difference between 64 MB and 256 MB, but are you saying that If I either
A) Bought an AGP-compatible computer, or
B) Had a computer tech install an AGP slot, and bought an AGP,
I would get proper performance? Because most of my games (all but this one) DO now have perfect performance. It's just this one spot on this one game that experiences about 3 Frames Per Second. (With a 64 MB card, I'd have about 19-20 FPS in this spot.) Now, Lucasarts.com told me that some ATI Radeons had a problem naturally in this spot (called the Dantooine courrtyard, for SwKotor fans) where there was a complete slowdown. Now, here are the settings I had the game on for each video card:
64 MB Nvidia
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640 X 480 Resolution
Texture level: LOW
Shadows: NONE
Grass: NONE
V-SYNC: OFF (Refresh rate 60 MhZ)
Frame Buffer effects: Off
Sound: Stereo
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Average FPS: 20-25
256 MB Nvidia
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1024X768 Res
Tex. Level: HIGH
Shadows: NONE
Grass: NONE
V-SYNC: OFF (Refresh rate 60 MhZ)
Frame Buffer Effects: On
Sound: EAX 2
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Average FPS: 28-37
EXCEPT DANTOOINE
Hope this helps. I need help (a shrink, by now) ;)
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I would get proper performance? Because most of my games (all but this one) DO now have perfect performance. It's just this one spot on this one game that experiences about 3 Frames Per Second. (With a 64 MB card, I'd have about 19-20 FPS in this spot.) Now, Lucasarts.com told me that some ATI Radeons had a problem naturally in this spot (called the Dantooine courrtyard, for SwKotor fans) where there was a complete slowdown. Now, here are the settings I had the game on for each video card:
Hello, Dilbert.
Based on the following statement:
Now, Lucasarts.com told me that some ATI Radeons had a problem naturally in this spot (called the Dantooine courrtyard, for SwKotor fans) where there was a complete slowdown.
and
ecause most of my games (all but this one) DO now have perfect performance. It's just this one spot on this one game that experiences about 3 Frames Per Second.
I would say that this is a bug which could affect all lower (and perhaps higher) end videocards. Apparantly, not just ATI.
The only thing that you can do about it is to make sure that the latest drivers and patches for both videocard and game are installed.
As for changing your hardware? Do not bother. It seems like your system meets your demands and expectations. However, I would not try to play games such as Battlefield 2 or more demanding on the computer as you could turn out to be very dissapointed.
Should you ever decide to upgrade, it may be wise to look directly into PCI-E and ignore AGP as it seems to become outdated rather rapidly.
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So, there's nothing I can do? Not what I wanted to hear...
Of course, If SwKotor has a bug, then I'll just not play it.
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So, there's nothing I can do? Not what I wanted to hear...
Of course, If SwKotor has a bug, then I'll just not play it.
The only thing that you can do about it is to make sure that the latest drivers and patches for both videocard and game are installed.
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http://www.starwarsknights.com/bugs.txt
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http://www.starwarsknights.com/bugs.txt
XBox Version Bug/Glitch FAQ
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Well, that made interesting reading (Taking notes... ;D) But one problem... I thought this was obvious...
I use a computer.
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Have you looked on the official website for the PC version?
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Yeah, I have. I didn't find anything but a patch (which I have and used before I upgraded my Video Card). As I've said, I've tried contacting LucasArts, but all they recommended was, [SnottyVoice] "You need to upgrade DirectX to 9.0c." [\SnottyVoice] Did that. It still doesn't work, though some other games got better performance (Or that may be my imagination). You know, if Merlin_2 or someone else could find the PC version of StarwarsKnights.com/bugs, I'd appreciate it. I'd love a workaround. [Mutter] Because I sure as heck don't want to switch video cards every 5 minutes. [\Mutter]
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You could try to reinstall the drivers.
Use the following tool to make certain that no remains stay behind:
Driver Cleaner (http://www.drivercleaner.net/)
-- Removes driver remains after the uninstallation thereof.
Then reinstall the latest drivers.
Follow the instructions to the letter or it will go wrong.
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http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/starwarsknightsoftor/news_6087458.html
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Well, that was good, but I already have V1.03, so I will do what Raptor said. (When I get home. I'm stuck away from home for another week.)
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Well, that was good, but I already have V1.03, so I will do what Raptor said. (When I get home. I'm stuck away from home for another week.)
You should use the program each time you remove videocard drivers.
But be very certain to follow the instructions to the letter otherwise it will go wrong! I know that from first hand experience. Ever since, I started to read ReadMe's first.
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"When all else fails, read the directions"
LOL. I will definately run the program when I get home. But, like I said, I'm stranded away from home for a week, so I can't do this just yet. But I will cross my fingers and hope that it works If I follow instructions to the letter. :D
By the way, why would anyone not follow instructions to the letter? Does it make some users paranoid about whether or not the program damages games?
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By the way, why would anyone not follow instructions to the letter? Does it make some users paranoid about whether or not the program damages games?
Because there are people who think that they do not need instructions. I used the program in its very early stage, and I thought it was rather straight forward. It wasn't at that time. :P
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Yeah, I think that way, sometimes. I think that since I've done installations since I was around 5 years old, I can do anything. Plus, I had the added hubris because my first Video Card (besides the on-board one) was installed without a hitch. So, when I can get back to my home, I'll do this first thing. :)
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Let me know if you need additional assistance. You may be able to remove the remains of the drivers from your previous videocards as well, for consistencies sake.
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Twaddle!
Do explain the foolish part about my post..
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Methinks Merlin_2 was trying to get the last word in...
;D
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Methinks Merlin_2 was trying to get the last word in...
;D
Woudln't surprise me. Most likely looking to increase his post count.
Have you removed the previous drivers and has everything gone as it should?
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And what exactly is twaddle, my friend? We are all entitled to an opinion and I would like to hear yours.
So far, you have only given opinions that are engineered to vex me. They contain no truth or facts.
How much longer am I going to have to endure your pathetic attempts? Please do tell me. Apparantly, ignoring you is not the key.
.so i will have a break for you to take over?
I knew this was the issue. As soon as I reached 7k posts, you become more active and hostile.
Do you think this is your backyard? I don't see any dogs barking when you tell 'm to.
This is a public forum, pal. Posting is a privilege, not a right and you certainly do not have to guard your throne. Not trying to be the king of the hill, if I were trying to, I would constantly doubt and seek arguments with everyone. Do I? No. Only with you because I very much doubt your so called "humble" advice.
Moan, moan, no such thing as an expert, we do not live long enough moan moan
If there is no such thing as a PC expert, why do you think I am trying to take your place? If we can not be experts, there is no reason for me to try to excel you.
By (trying to) start(ing) a discussion with you, I have allready excelled you. I sought correction, but did not find any for your can offer none!
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Just went to www.encarta.com. I found the definition of "Twaddle" Here it is:
twad·dle [ twódd'l ]
noun
Definitions:
nonsense: nonsensical or pretentious speech or writing ( informal )
Meaning merlin_2 is talking garbage talk, and is therefore a "twaddler".
BTW Raptor, as I've said, I'm hung up away from home for a week. (No, I didn't plan to be away from home. I've been trying to get help with my card for months, and wanted to be there.) I apologize for that. At least I can sit back and know that some "experts" are only experts at "twaddling" ;) ;) [Edit] Just learned that I will go home in 7-8 days. Good. I'm tired of being hung up when I get good advice after searching for months for the answer![/Edit]
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I can not guarantee that removing drivers or doing anything else will make the game run smooth at that certain point.
I play GTA:SA and there is one point in the game where the game becomes sluggish even though there is no noticeable difference in the environment.
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That is EXACTLY my problem!! It looks the same, but is impossible to play, because it seems to be .005 FPS.
Frame...
Frame...
Frame...
Quit Game!
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Yep, darn bugs. ;)
You can try using software such as 3DMark 2001 to determine if certain textures or features cause problems with your videocard or system.
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software problem.........not hardware......
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software problem.........not hardware......
Thanks for you input. Drivers are software. ::)
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OK. Where would I find different drivers that will be compatible with an NVidia, but aren't NVidia drivers themselves?
Thinking for a sec...I do believe it could be the texture. I had less severe problems near that area, like a black hole of framerate. ;D
You see, there are about 8-9 areas with the same texturing in that "world". The first is an "entrance" to the place with my biggest problem. As my character entered this "entrance", I noticed the same problem. However, my game allows me much freedom in rotating my Point Of View (POV, for any newbies out there). So, I can go the same direction even when looking at my character run toward or away from or to the side of my screen. So, I oriented my view so I could just look at a brick wall, and my character running and me seeing just his left side. Oh, joy. But at least my FPS was decent again.
So, I had that problem, but I could just change my POV. Now, I got near the spot I'm posting about, and the game's walls curve in like this: ) ( So, I see a dramatic improvement of my FPS. (Like false hopes, no?) So, I enter the trouble area, this first time without knowing there would be a problem...
Now, the game likes to "fade in from black" whenever I change what "area" I'm in. So, normally, it takes 4-5 seconds to regain control of my character as it smoothly fades in from black. This time, however, it is black for one second, then it slowly fades in, and definately NOT smooth. It is the choppiest I've ever seen any game. Finally, the area is revealed...
It is a WIDE, OPEN space, and there aren't any walls to look at. (Besides, there's dangerous creatures on these plains, and you do NOT ever turn your back to them if you want any chance at winning this game). When I move the mouse to change orientation and look around, the view "jerks" after a whole second, where it would normally take about 0.000002 seconds to do that. So, it's basically an area of wide plains textures, with a few poorly rendered trees. That's all I see.
So, that's my story. I haven't played that game in a month after that. So, yeah, it's the textures, and I hope a new driver can work (If i can find one)
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You can try using software such as 3DMark 2001 to determine if certain textures or features cause problems with your videocard or system.
Instead of reading my LONG story, just know that it is a 95% chance of it being a texture.
Frame...
Frame...
Frame...
Quit Game!
Posted by: Raptor Posted on: Aug 13th, 2005, 12:27pm
Yep, darn bugs
The "quit game" part was my choosing. The game would have been content to leave me in utter frustration, just so you know. The game didn't crash.
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There are tweaked drivers available for ATI video cards. Some fan boys must have done the same for nVidia videocards.
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But how do I find them? Do a Google Search for "Tweaked NVidia Drivers"? And how in the heck can I make sure they do what I want, and that none have viruses attached? I'll do what I have to (I didn't pay $49.99 for the game for nothing) but I want to make sure what I'm doing is right.
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I am not certain. I know that ATI tweaked drivers are called DNA or something similiar. I tried them once.
You should look on overclocking forums and ask there.