Running PR on an older System - New Graphic Card?

[Chicago]

Hi Guys,

I hope this has not been posted too often... didn't find something that helped me along.
I am a long time Project Reality player from the beginning until today.

But somehow it seems to me that PR has become quite a bit challenging lately when it comes to hardware issues. In my case that means that I cannot even play the newer maps (just freaked out on Gaza Beach because I just could not play it... even with everything set on "low" or "off")
Since my system does quite well for its age (about 6-7 years now...) and PR is actually the only game I play, I wont spend a thousand bugs on a new PC just to play PR... hope that makes sense
So I just wanted to know if it would make sense just to buy a new Graphic Card for around 100€.

My System so far:

- WinXP
- CPU: 3 GHz (no Dual Core... ops: )
- Graphic: ATI Radeon X1650, AGP, 256MB
- RAM: 3GB

I'm okay so far with the RAM and I'm sure that it's enough for PR. 100€ for new Graphic hardware would also be acceptable but if the CPU is a helpless case and slows down the game nomatter what graphic hardware I have, it wouldnt make sense to spend the money.

If a new Graphic Card would help, I thought of something like cheaper ATI or NVIDIA with 512 or 1024MB... comment on that?

I'm begging for help! I want to play PR again!

[SnipingCoward]

I am afraid you will not find a cheap AGP card that suffices the PR requirements
to get a decent performance i figured i had to go PCI-E but that still didn't quite work out

you might get a few frames more (possibly up to 20 fps) but i am afraid it will still have significant FPS drops

i'd like to mention that its quite hard to give you an actual forecast - in the end you will have to see yourself how good your pc will actually handle it - its highly individual imho

keep in mind that parts of an 6-7 year old pc are already above their live expectancies and you should be aware that its only a matter of time untill the first part doesn't pass the "smoke test"
finding a replacement especially in a short time is going to be quite hard and expensive as the parts are out of production and became rare

I wont spend a thousand bugs on a new PC just to play PR... hope that makes sense

actually that doesn't make sense to me - i am going to buy a new 1.5k€ PC to get mainly PR going
but the reason you don't play any other games than PR is probably because your PC can't handle any other games ... -> get a new PC and you can play pr fine and also start playing other games

[bazza_1964]

I've got a P4 2.8 ( oc'd to 3.15 at the moment) 2gb RAM(DDR 400), and an (ATI) ASUS HD3650 Silent 512 DDR2 AGP....and I have far less problems than most of those in our range of computing, lol....the card made a HUGE difference, and cost me (Cndn dollars) about $100...however my motherboard supports something called "hyper-threading", a variant of which I think may be in use in the i5 and i7 chips as well, but in my case, it "hyper-threads" my system RAM, causing my system to "see" 2 CPUs. Whether or not this is a factor you can explore with regards to your system's motherboard, it may help you determine a good card...and also, check and see that your RAM sticks are all the same speed....512 mb DDR 2 for my viddy card helped me enormously!

cheers, good luck,

bazazzazazazazaza

[Chicago]

Thank you for the answers so far.

I am afraid you will not find a cheap AGP card that suffices the PR requirements

I thought the "ATI Radeon HD4650" (1024MB Cache, 128 Bit - ~100&#8364 could meet the requirements.

What puzzles me a bit is that PR actually ran absolutely fluently in the last version (0.874), however on rather "medium" settings (textures and filtering on high, rest off, low or medium).

I actually dont play games regulary any more... that time seems to be over for me. But PR has always been always a good alternative for "evening action" and I really dont want to miss it...
I will deffinately buy a new PC but I guess not before september this year (Birthday ).
I do a lot of 2D work on my PC (Photoshop), listen to music, watch movies and do a lot of surfing... so actually no need for a system that runs much faster, except the PR Problem.
So I saw the two alternatives: 700-1500€ for a new System or 100€ for a new GPU.

Of course a new system would be the rather persistent decision but I assume even if I get to buy a new PC, it's going to be more like a laptop or something... so also not a "high level gaming system", since I actually really dont need one.

Refering to the old system: I played COD6 a few weeks ago and it worked out well...
The HDD, RAM and GPU have already been changed over the years.

I really dont get why PR stopped working well since 0.9...

But I get your point that the Pentium 4 wont do the trick anymore anyway... too sad, just thought that a boost of 768MB of GPU memory would possibly bring me back to combat.

[Darkpowder]

I would say a new gfx card would benefit you even with a single core and 3GB of RAM, so long as you optimise your OS, and drivers across the board, perhaps entertain some overclocking.

For comparison, your gfx card does appear in this 2008 chart of HL2 settings on toms hardware.
Charts, benchmarks Gaming Graphics Charts Q3/2008, Half Life 2 Episode 2

It is certainly not necessary to spend a thousand dollars on a PC for good PR gameplay even with the current version.

You might consider one of the X850 variants or a 7800GS if you can get either of these second hand. It would not be a vast improvement, but i think you would notice it.

It is worthwhile investing in getting this machine workable for PR in my opinion, then when you eventually replace it, you will have a 2nd workstation so your friends can come round and play alongside you.
For casual evening gaming now and again, i don't really see a need for a brand new rig.

[Nobomaun]

Hello Folks,

I have also been playing PR for a while now. Recently, I had some problems and it turned out that my Dell Mobo was severely out of date. So, I spent some money on a new barebones rig on Newegg and used some of the parts of my old PC (i.e. Nvidia GeForce GTX260, Soundblaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio, etc...).

Here are my current specs:

Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E7500 @ 2.93GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: Patriot 4096MB, PC6400 RAM
Hard Drive: 500 GB
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260
Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster T220/T220G, SyncMaster Magic T220/T220G(Digital)
Sound Card: Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio
Speakers/Headphones: Altec Lansing Expressionist BASS / Logitech Premium Notebook Headset
Keyboard: Logitech Illuminated Keyboard
Mouse: Logitech G3/MX518 Optical Mouse
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090804-1435)
Motherboard: Gigabyte G41M-ES2L Intel G41 Socket 775
Computer Case: Apex SK-503 ATX Black Mid-T case

I installed everything that I had before on this new rig, including Windows XP, BF2, and Project Reality.

Approximately last week or so, I started getting CTD or some times complete crashes (meaning I can't even tab out or get my task manager to open). I also play Total War Games. I recently played Rome:Total War and Empire:Total War on my current rig, set on high settings and they were working fine.

So, I uninstalled and re-installed BF2, including the patches. Now, it seems, that regular BF2 seems to crash on me too. Even on single player. I am able to get int the game, join the server and so on. Then intermittently between 2 minutes to about 5 minutes into the game, it crashes.

Before I think Hardware problems, I sense that I may have some type of software problem? I've gone over and did some of the fixes that I've seen on the forums and nothing seems to work.

Below are what I've done to name a few:

1. Defrag
2. Disk Clean-up
3. BF2 Cleaner
4. Punkbuster update
5. Video and Audio set on default
6. Video and Audio set on default
7. Updated all my drivers (VGA, Mobo, Sound, Monitor...)
8. Searched for updates on Windows XP to no avail. All up to date
9. Went to Task Manager and disabled unnecessary programs, including Anti-virus
10. ScanDisk
11. Regcure scan and fix
12. CCleaner scan and fix
13. SUPERAntispyware

Are or would there be any software conflicts that BF2 would have? I even uninstalled EA Donwload Manager, just to see what happens. Even if I have my own install disks. I used to use Widescreen Fixer because of my Widescreen and I didn't realize that the patch has 1680:1050 resolution already. I didn't use that anymore.

Any suggestions? I don't think I've mentioned all the things that I've done, so please feel free to ask what else I've done in hopes of reminding me about it.

Thanks,

Nobomaun

[PLODDITHANLEY]

I had the same here is what I did:

Ploddits tale of woe - Reality Teamwork

All I have done that you haven't is increase the page file/virtual memory, but when I was reloading I tested VBF before installing PR.

[SnipingCoward]

how much Watts does your PSU supply?
did you check if the system is overheating?
what is you current gfx driver version number?

[Darkpowder]

Looks like you have tested many of the software issues Nobomaun. There are known issues with some of the newer driver versions (if you are using the latest Forceware). Do a search online for driver issues, issues with the 3D vision subsystems to find a stable one. Revert back to older drivers, and its always worth making notes where you store your old driver files on how stable they are.

Check Powersupply, (AND the age of the PSU) - if you are on the limit of your machine's capability bear in mind that your PSU will drop its ability to deliver power as it gets older, how old is the PSU (assuming the machine is subject to daily (or even more important 24 hr use).

Finally check for a bad memory stick, using memtest86, or by removing some/one of the sticks and replicating.
the video memory stress test tool (which will check your GFX card) - i assume you have an old one to try to quickly eliminate this (the vmt.exe tool will simply identify whether you have grounds to RMA it).
OCCTPT3.0.0.exe is a good tool also for testing gfx cards. (i don't have the URLs to hand but i found them on a search).

HWMonitor should be able to check if your system is overheating.

On the whole i would be thinking GFX drivers, or more likely hardware failure, but if one game crashes only, you are looking at drivers or the software, not hardware issues. Do other heavy 3d rendering games also crash.. COD? STALKER?, FARCRY2?

[Nobomaun]

Ploddit, Thanks and what is VBF? As sar as changing my Virtual Memory, the number should be twice what I currently have right? (i.e. If I have a 4096, I should put the max at 8192)?

Snipingcoward, I have a 650 Watt PSU. How do I check if whether or not my system is overheating? I have 4 x 80mm fans (2 out and 2 in). The only way I know to check is feeling one of my exhaust fans... I don't feel any type of heat at all. Scratching my head My current VGA driver version number is 6.14.11.9621.

Darkpowder, I'm not sure if I'm using Forceware. How do I find out? My 650 Watt PSU is about 5-6 years old I think. When I checked Newegg with their PSU Calculator Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more! it showed that I would need about 456 Watts. These Memory sticks are the newest parts of my new system. I'll check memtest86 out and see. How do I check Video Memory Stress Test? I bought my VGA Card around 1-2 years ago. What is RMA? As for other games... My next Video stressing game is Empire:Total War set on High. With that, it works just fine.

So, I'm thinking it's a software problem. I mean, with my current rig, I should be able to play regular BF2 on single player easily right? Sadly, it's not working and just crashing. I even get crashes on that.

Thanks for the suggestions gents!!! I'll work on these and give you feedback. Keep the recommendations coming.

BTW... I noticed that when I went on Task Manager that my CPU usage goes up to approximately 80% or higher. MY PF usage goes up to 2 Gb. Under processes, I see that it goes to around 1 Million to 1 Million and a half. Would that help in determining the cause? Is that what everyone is going through? I have a Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 @ 2.93 Ghz, Socket 775. I'm wondering it might be my CPU?

Nobo

[Nobomaun]

So... Here's the deal Dark.

I went on memtest86 and couldn't install it. It asked for a CD to burn onto. So, I placed a Rewriteable disk in drive and attempted to burn using Nero. It said that it needed a CD ROM and not a DVD ROM. So, no go on that.

I can't seem to find the vmt.exe tool. Is that a Windows program or something else? Neither could I find the OCCTPT3.0.0.exe tool. I spoke to my friends and I ended up installing PC Wizard ( I assume it's the same thing). It shows that my system is not overheating. On the drivers, I'm getting mixed reviews on this card. Some say it's bad and some say it's good. As for the drivers, I don't even know where to begin. Not exactly computer savvy. I learn as I go.

Now, here's another problem. I thought that maybe my saved patches might have been the problem. Seeing that I copied and saved it between my old drive, portable drive and back again to my new Hard Drive. I am, at this moment, re-donwloading Patches 1.41 and 1.5.

Then, I did another complete uninstall of BF2 and re-installed it. I figure, I start using the process of elimination. I played single player on my first installation of BF2 (without the patches). Guess what happened?! I CRASHED TO DESKTOP!!! ...

Seeing this, I'm leaning more towards being convinced that it might be the driver? Thing is... I say this again... I play Empire Total War on high settings, and I suspect that this game requires more than regular BF2. Empire Total War works great on HIGH SETTINGS.

So, what do I do now? Where would the problem lie? I even went on line to download Direct X9.0c. I figured that that might help. Nope, it didn't work. How do I find a stable 3D Vision Subsystem driver? I checked on line on some forums and it says that Nvidia made another driver with Driver Version 196.21. When I check my driver on Device Manager, the number shows 6.14.11.9621. Which one should I have. Obviously, I have a whole lot more researching to do to get BF2 and PR going again. Keep the help and advice coming boys. I really appreciate it.

I'm sorry for the frustration guys. I am just dumbfounded...


Nobo

[SnipingCoward]

last time i had problems with my ram i used this to confirm it (no need for a cd)
kfsone's MemTest Home

use MD5 check sums to determain whether your downloads are corrupted - and personally I suggest you start using a download manager too

[Darkpowder]

So... Here's the deal Dark.

I went on memtest86 and couldn't install it. It asked for a CD to burn onto. So, I placed a Rewriteable disk in drive and attempted to burn using Nero. It said that it needed a CD ROM and not a DVD ROM. So, no go on that.

Yes you do have to burn it onto CD, its a very useful tool, worth the effort.
If you need any of those tools, PM me, and i can send em to you.

[Darkpowder]

.

Darkpowder, I'm not sure if I'm using Forceware. How do I find out? My 650 Watt PSU is about 5-6 years old I think.

If you have a NVIDIA card, you are using forceware. go to nvidia.com to download the drivers correct for your Operating System.

5-6 years old PSU, that is very old 650W when its new down to needing 456 to run it, you might be on the limit but that would be a big drop in capacity even in 5 years, so it isn't certainly that.

Try installing a new GFX card (old spare one or a friends card) with all the up to date drivers.
(don't forget to uninstall your old drivers first.) (only remove the gfx drivers not your network or system drivers though).