D
...D.
This message is crossposted to 3 newsgroups I just subscribed to:
-microsoft.public.games.discussion-, -alt.comp.periphs.videocards.ati-, &
-alt.comp.periphs.videocards.nvidia-
I have several questions. I have become hooked on computing in a big way,
restarting with a computer over a year ago. (I used to compute back in the
mid 90s, but nothing like now, and not as devoted as I have become.)
I need some overall advice. I want to know if my computer is even worth
upgrading to get into some of the newer more CPU & video card demanding
games. . I've gotten into everthing else computer-wise in the last year,
and now am ready to get in some gaming. I used to have video game
consoles, but got away from it. Getting a bit older = perhaps a more
sopphisticated game I can get into.
I have an Athalon 3200+ computer, 160 BG HD, DVD read & write, and a
separate CD read.. 758 MBs RAM (a 256 & a 512 MB sticks, & are pc2700).
The 3200+ is an AMD processor. These processors are poor-mans P4s - they
run at what are considered to be slow speed.GHz-wise, but are supposed to
work differently than a P4. The 3200+ runs at 2.2 GHz, but because of the
way they handle things, are supposed to run comparable to a P4 at the
speed you see - so, a 3200+ should = a P4 @ 3.2 GHz (non hyperthreading).
I think they fudge some, but anyway, this mimicking of speed applies to
"most regular programs". I think I have read that Athlons handle games
well.
Now with the above set-up,.I was just wondering what you gamers and video
card gurus have to say about this.. Am I going to be able to run some of
the demanding games that are out or are coming out? If so, I'll need to
upgrade my video capabilites.
Video - I also know my 64 nVidia GeForce on-motherboard chipset that
steals 64 MBs of RAM, is not very good for the more advanced games. I
want to know first - is my computer worth investing in a good video card?
OK - if it is worth it, can my computer take advantage of a very good
video card, like the Raidons I see? Or should I invest in a cheaper
nVidia 256 MB card ( I see for less than $100), because my computer won't
be able to utilize the real good one? Any recommendations about this
please - and recommendations of a good $200 card vs a good $350 card?
Don't want to get up to $500.
And.. hey, not done - if all is Ok and I do buy a video card - are they
all DVI capable - and if so - does it make a big difference to have a DVI
capable monitor rather than a regular anlaog monitor? I have a 21 inch
Dell trinitron P110 - an oldie but a goodie - .24 dp, flat square face.
If it matters, I will sell it and buy a similar model Sony model that has
a DVI input - if it matters. (they made one DVI capable model I think).
----------------
Finally, but a completely different thread - anyone have any experience
with EA's Madden 2005? I just bought this, along with a 20 USB gamepad
with the two extra little thumb-joysticks built-in that it recommended. I
have yet to play it - but I have fired it up and let it run like a movie.
I noticed a bit of choppyness here and there as it played - I think
because it is reading from the CD - which brings me to this - are the new
games all wanting to have to insert the CD-1 in the CD to be able to play
the damned thing?
This inserting an un-copyable CD (I tried) is like the old days of
copy-protection. Got away from it, because a lot of complaints, and also
copy protection breaking programs and what-not.. Sucks. The 3 CD game
loads a couple of gigs on my hard drive.. I have room on my hard drive to
load the whole game - all 3 CDs. Can I do this? I just hate having to
insert a CD to play. It sure seems that the game reading from the CD is
holding back - at least in movie mode. I believe my computer is fast
enough for this game..
EA pisses me off for not giving me the option of loading the whole game on
board. I hope the new lawsuit gets to them (overworking game programmers
without compensation).
Any and all comments will be read by me. Thanks.
...D.
...D.
-microsoft.public.games.discussion-, -alt.comp.periphs.videocards.ati-, &
-alt.comp.periphs.videocards.nvidia-
I have several questions. I have become hooked on computing in a big way,
restarting with a computer over a year ago. (I used to compute back in the
mid 90s, but nothing like now, and not as devoted as I have become.)
I need some overall advice. I want to know if my computer is even worth
upgrading to get into some of the newer more CPU & video card demanding
games. . I've gotten into everthing else computer-wise in the last year,
and now am ready to get in some gaming. I used to have video game
consoles, but got away from it. Getting a bit older = perhaps a more
sopphisticated game I can get into.
I have an Athalon 3200+ computer, 160 BG HD, DVD read & write, and a
separate CD read.. 758 MBs RAM (a 256 & a 512 MB sticks, & are pc2700).
The 3200+ is an AMD processor. These processors are poor-mans P4s - they
run at what are considered to be slow speed.GHz-wise, but are supposed to
work differently than a P4. The 3200+ runs at 2.2 GHz, but because of the
way they handle things, are supposed to run comparable to a P4 at the
speed you see - so, a 3200+ should = a P4 @ 3.2 GHz (non hyperthreading).
I think they fudge some, but anyway, this mimicking of speed applies to
"most regular programs". I think I have read that Athlons handle games
well.
Now with the above set-up,.I was just wondering what you gamers and video
card gurus have to say about this.. Am I going to be able to run some of
the demanding games that are out or are coming out? If so, I'll need to
upgrade my video capabilites.
Video - I also know my 64 nVidia GeForce on-motherboard chipset that
steals 64 MBs of RAM, is not very good for the more advanced games. I
want to know first - is my computer worth investing in a good video card?
OK - if it is worth it, can my computer take advantage of a very good
video card, like the Raidons I see? Or should I invest in a cheaper
nVidia 256 MB card ( I see for less than $100), because my computer won't
be able to utilize the real good one? Any recommendations about this
please - and recommendations of a good $200 card vs a good $350 card?
Don't want to get up to $500.
And.. hey, not done - if all is Ok and I do buy a video card - are they
all DVI capable - and if so - does it make a big difference to have a DVI
capable monitor rather than a regular anlaog monitor? I have a 21 inch
Dell trinitron P110 - an oldie but a goodie - .24 dp, flat square face.
If it matters, I will sell it and buy a similar model Sony model that has
a DVI input - if it matters. (they made one DVI capable model I think).
----------------
Finally, but a completely different thread - anyone have any experience
with EA's Madden 2005? I just bought this, along with a 20 USB gamepad
with the two extra little thumb-joysticks built-in that it recommended. I
have yet to play it - but I have fired it up and let it run like a movie.
I noticed a bit of choppyness here and there as it played - I think
because it is reading from the CD - which brings me to this - are the new
games all wanting to have to insert the CD-1 in the CD to be able to play
the damned thing?
This inserting an un-copyable CD (I tried) is like the old days of
copy-protection. Got away from it, because a lot of complaints, and also
copy protection breaking programs and what-not.. Sucks. The 3 CD game
loads a couple of gigs on my hard drive.. I have room on my hard drive to
load the whole game - all 3 CDs. Can I do this? I just hate having to
insert a CD to play. It sure seems that the game reading from the CD is
holding back - at least in movie mode. I believe my computer is fast
enough for this game..
EA pisses me off for not giving me the option of loading the whole game on
board. I hope the new lawsuit gets to them (overworking game programmers
without compensation).
Any and all comments will be read by me. Thanks.
...D.
...D.