Just to continue the conversation about video cards and wattage, I have an ATI AGP X1650 512MB video card and it needs a 500w power supply. I only have 450w and my computer is starting to wig out as a result (USB ports fail quite often, so much so that I'm forced to take the whole card out and use my onboard video just to get things done!). So I can't see how a newer card is going to work on a 240w power supply.
If you buy separate components for a new computer, you will need to check if the RAM matches it. For example, there are basically two types of desktop RAM right now: DDR2 (older) and DDR3 (newer). Some motherboards only support DDR3, while some motherboards support both DDR2 and DDR3, and some older ones will only support DDR2.
Don't confuse Desktop memory with Laptop memory. Laptop memory is smaller.
Don't confuse Desktop memory with Laptop memory. Laptop memory is smaller.
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Although I'm on a laptop right now and usually post from one, I play from a desktop computer, but I'll make sure I don't get the laptop type accidentally.
@MusicallyInspired
PCIe doesn't help you anything from the advantages of the interface. It just builds the basis for getting more modern and so faster cards but if you can get yourself a good (350W+XW) power supply and an ATI 3850, this will enable you playing S&MS3E1 at highest settings with a standard resolution like for instance 1024x768 and nice framerates. Maybe TTG will optimize their engine in the future as well so that the entry level will decrease again. If you need a lot more performance than that, it's time to say goodbye to your AGP system.
I'm only really concerned with being able to play the Devil's Playhouse on level 1. Mid-setting TMI is much higher than I'd aim for.
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Although I'm on a laptop right now and usually post from one, I play from a desktop computer, but I'll make sure I don't get the laptop type accidentally.
Why don't you try playing the demo of Sam&Max? That way, you can see if your PC supports it as is.
Thanks! So I don't need to take more measurements or anything, then?
Yeah, the fact that you're already up to 161W means you don't have much power headroom. If the 4550 doesn't work, then you'll have bigger upgrade problems.
The 4350 is the only other card I could recommend, but it's almost the same card as the 4550 (slightly less powerful and it draws about 5W less power) for about the same price.
Okay, I'm not sure if I'm supposed to try and do special stuff while using it. It shows 70 watts right now, and the highest it's been since I started the computer was 161. Should I do something in particular and see how high it gets or is that enough information already?
What we need is your power usage at maximum CPU load.
Download prime95 and run it. If you see a "welcome to gimps" window choose "just stress testing".
In the "run a torture Test" window just press ok.
Let the Test run, look at the Watts and post the maximum value. To stop it use "Test/Stop" in the Menu. Just closing the window would keep it running in the systray.
Oh, ok. It only went up to 160 that I saw, but I just checked the max ever and it is recorded as 170.
That's great. The 170 Watts is only what the PSU takes, because the efficiency is not 100% the actual components should take a bit less, something way below 150 Watts.
I would give a radeon 4550 or 4650 a try.
I'm the one with the AGP system not her. And I know my computer is far out of date. That's why I bought a 360 and a PS3.
As i wrote the 3850 is the best AGP solution out there, cheaper as a console and performing well in Sam&Max 3.
@avistew
A 4550 at least will enable you playing games like Solitaire but i wouldn't expect a lot fun out of it for more than very simple 3d games unless you're prepared for low settings, low resolutions and low framerates. That's an office and not a gaming card.
128MB DirectX 8.1-compliant video card
(256MB rec.)
1GB is higher than 128MB, and even higher than 256MB. As long as I can play the Devil's Playhouse on level one, and if possible several future telltale games, it's good enough for me.
It's not like I have non-telltale computer games to play, or a need/want to play on a higher setting than 1.
It's your decision but as i wrote already i would go for a 4650 or a new system. Whilst it's somehow fine playing at lowest settings/quality, a game can feel completely different on at least a reasonable settings level. I would rather go into a movie, buy some books and have something to eat instead of spending the money on such a low performing card.
It's your decision but as i wrote already i would go for a 4650 or a new system. Whilst it's somehow fine playing at lowest settings/quality, a game can feel completely different on at least a reasonable settings level.
Also, using my favourite price comparison site the cheapest 1GB cards with the 4550 and 4650 are, what, 8 EUR apart? That's really saving only peanuts for a worse game experience...
EDIT: Also, they list just a single 4550 card with 1GB which usually is an indicator that the extra 512 MB are mostly going to waste with such a low-powered GPU...
EDIT: Also, they list just a single 4550 card with 1GB which usually is an indicator that the extra 512 MB are mostly going to waste with such a low-powered GPU...
Then I guess I'll get the 500 something one instead? :P
I know lots of people are pretty into graphics, and I've played at friends' houses and seen the difference, but honestly as far as I'm concerned, the graphics in a game are like the type of paper in a book. As long as I can play/read and follow the story, it's good enough. I don't need it to be super-thick smooth shiny paper, it's the words I'm interested in.
Also, using my favourite price comparison site the cheapest 1GB cards with the 4550 and 4650 are, what, 8 EUR apart? That's really saving only peanuts for a worse game experience...
Yep, but maybe stubborn and stuttering fits together perfectly. ;O)
A 4550 at least will enable you playing games like Solitaire but i wouldn't expect a lot fun out of it for more than very simple 3d games unless you're prepared for low settings, low resolutions and low framerates. That's an office and not a gaming card.
Actually, it should work OK. JedExodus got really good results with ToMI:
I've an Radeon HD 4550 which is a really cheap card to pick up these days, I play it on quality 9 at 1360x768 and it runs grand. In 1920x1080 mouse lag becomes noticeable.
If she had more wattage headroom in that power supply, I'd definitely recommend the 4650, but it looks like a 4550 will work fine for her.
When you get to the point where upgrading an aging machine is more expensive than just buying a new one, but you're in the position where cost is a major issue:
Lenovo and Dell both have a little known outlet center on their websites. They are selling refurbished and returned desktops and laptops for a lot cheaper than new ones. Granted, often times it is hardware from one generation (or more) back, but for anyone upgrading from a 5-6 year old machine it won't matter much.
Thanks, Steve.
I think with the new card I should be good to go for a while. Next time I can't play a new Telltale game on graphic level 1, I'll get a new computer, and make sure to be careful that it's easily upgradeable.
I've an Radeon HD 4550 which is a really cheap card to pick up these days, I play it on quality 9 at 1360x768 and it runs grand. In 1920x1080 mouse lag becomes noticeable.
I don't think so, this sounds too much after some voodoo or very personal interpretation. It simply doesn't match with the underlying tech and restrictions. There are people who complain when a game falls with the framerate below 60fps as well as there are others who are fine with anything below 10 fps as well, so...
I don't think so, this sounds too much after some voodoo or very personal interpretation. It simply doesn't match with the underlying tech and restrictions. There are people who complain when a game falls with the framerate below 60fps as well as there are others who are find with anything below 10 fps as well, so...
PM sent to JedExodus. Hopefully he'll let us know how well it runs.
Incidentally, I can run the game OK on level 3 with a Mobility Radeon X300.
Thanks, no need to. I just hope that people who read this thread and are in a simliar postion don't get fooled and think that the 4550 is a card they should go for when wanting to play TTG adventures whilst there are more reasonale solutions with a much better performance/price ratio around which just fit a lot better.
If you have no idea of what a card is capable of and what not i often suggest googling for some benchmarks in order to get a rough idea.
Btw. your avatar, i always was wondering was this exactly is. Is it a baby rattle or...?
The net amongst others says "A Hand with a green living "thing" in it." If this would be the case, it reminds me a bit of the eXistenZ Metaflesh Game Pod.
I always thought it was something akin to a stress ball. Yknow, those things you squeeze and something pops out. In this case it's the "creature's" head/eyeballs, etc. A squish toy of some kind. I don't know.
I'm running Season 3 on a 4550, I have my resolution 1360x768 and I generally keep the graphics at quality 6. Once the real-time shadows are applied the frame rate takes far too much of a hit for my liking.
It'll probably run grand on lower resolutions so if you want me to check any other resolution then let me know
I would also recommend the 4650.
You can see a nice 4550 vs 4650 comparison here. There are various Memory details though to be aware of when buying (64 bit/128 bit, ddr2/ddr3).
Comments
Also:
Don't confuse Desktop memory with Laptop memory. Laptop memory is smaller.
I'm only really concerned with being able to play the Devil's Playhouse on level 1. Mid-setting TMI is much higher than I'd aim for.
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Although I'm on a laptop right now and usually post from one, I play from a desktop computer, but I'll make sure I don't get the laptop type accidentally.
PCIe doesn't help you anything from the advantages of the interface. It just builds the basis for getting more modern and so faster cards but if you can get yourself a good (350W+XW) power supply and an ATI 3850, this will enable you playing S&MS3E1 at highest settings with a standard resolution like for instance 1024x768 and nice framerates. Maybe TTG will optimize their engine in the future as well so that the entry level will decrease again. If you need a lot more performance than that, it's time to say goodbye to your AGP system.
I have the actual game and my computer cannot play it as is.
Based on your power load, the ATI 4550 cards recommended above would be your best bet. I don't think your power supply could handle anything more.
I'll look into these cards.
I've been looking online for a power supply of similar shape and greater output wattage, but I haven't found one yet.
The 4350 is the only other card I could recommend, but it's almost the same card as the 4550 (slightly less powerful and it draws about 5W less power) for about the same price.
What we need is your power usage at maximum CPU load.
Download prime95 and run it. If you see a "welcome to gimps" window choose "just stress testing".
In the "run a torture Test" window just press ok.
Let the Test run, look at the Watts and post the maximum value. To stop it use "Test/Stop" in the Menu. Just closing the window would keep it running in the systray.
It should go to max instantly.
Luckily despite being AGP and not that powerful, mine seems to handle most games just fine on a reasonable graphics setting.
Oh, ok. It only went up to 160 that I saw, but I just checked the max ever and it is recorded as 170.
That's great. The 170 Watts is only what the PSU takes, because the efficiency is not 100% the actual components should take a bit less, something way below 150 Watts.
I would give a radeon 4550 or 4650 a try.
@avistew
A 4550 at least will enable you playing games like Solitaire but i wouldn't expect a lot fun out of it for more than very simple 3d games unless you're prepared for low settings, low resolutions and low framerates. That's an office and not a gaming card.
1GB is higher than 128MB, and even higher than 256MB. As long as I can play the Devil's Playhouse on level one, and if possible several future telltale games, it's good enough for me.
It's not like I have non-telltale computer games to play, or a need/want to play on a higher setting than 1.
EDIT: Also, they list just a single 4550 card with 1GB which usually is an indicator that the extra 512 MB are mostly going to waste with such a low-powered GPU...
np: Nice Nice - See Waves (Extra Wow)
Then I guess I'll get the 500 something one instead? :P
I know lots of people are pretty into graphics, and I've played at friends' houses and seen the difference, but honestly as far as I'm concerned, the graphics in a game are like the type of paper in a book. As long as I can play/read and follow the story, it's good enough. I don't need it to be super-thick smooth shiny paper, it's the words I'm interested in.
Yep, but maybe stubborn and stuttering fits together perfectly. ;O)
If she had more wattage headroom in that power supply, I'd definitely recommend the 4650, but it looks like a 4550 will work fine for her.
Lenovo and Dell both have a little known outlet center on their websites. They are selling refurbished and returned desktops and laptops for a lot cheaper than new ones. Granted, often times it is hardware from one generation (or more) back, but for anyone upgrading from a 5-6 year old machine it won't matter much.
Lenovo's Outlet
Dell's Outlet
I think with the new card I should be good to go for a while. Next time I can't play a new Telltale game on graphic level 1, I'll get a new computer, and make sure to be careful that it's easily upgradeable.
Incidentally, I can run the game OK on level 3 with a Mobility Radeon X300.
If you have no idea of what a card is capable of and what not i often suggest googling for some benchmarks in order to get a rough idea.
Btw. your avatar, i always was wondering was this exactly is. Is it a baby rattle or...?
The net amongst others says "A Hand with a green living "thing" in it." If this would be the case, it reminds me a bit of the eXistenZ Metaflesh Game Pod.
I'm running Season 3 on a 4550, I have my resolution 1360x768 and I generally keep the graphics at quality 6. Once the real-time shadows are applied the frame rate takes far too much of a hit for my liking.
It'll probably run grand on lower resolutions so if you want me to check any other resolution then let me know
You can see a nice 4550 vs 4650 comparison here. There are various Memory details though to be aware of when buying (64 bit/128 bit, ddr2/ddr3).