Q: Upgrading my Graphics for MTW 2, etc

**Shieldmaiden** · 11-13-2006, 13:30

Ok, I'm not 100% certain this is the place to ask, but its kind of TW related...

I recently purchased a PC and I'm NOT happy with its gaming potential due to the crap GFX card (I can't return it, despite complaining "multipurpose PC for media and games" my ass).

Anyway, I'd appreciate some advice on improving this PC, I'm thinking of replacing the PCI-E XFX GeForce 7300 LE (LE is the bit they didn't mention on the specs, bah) in it with a better GeForce - for RTW and MTW2 in particular.

A few questions then, if nobody minds.

1) Could anybody recommend a good model/brand of PCI-E GeForce? I'd be looking about UK £100 max, it doesn't have to be top-of-the-line, just a worthwhile investment for games.

2) Will I need to buy a cooling system seperately or do most cards have adequate cooling built in? And how much difference with physical size and power consumption does there tend to be..?

3) Is it possible to find out how beefy my PC's Power Unit is without opening it and invalidating my warranty? (I'd like to be very certain about things 1st).

Thanks for your time!

Oops, current PC:

XFX GeForce 7300 LE 256Mb, Intel Core 2 Duo E6300, Foxconn 946 7MA Series M/B, 1024Mb DDR Ram, Realtek HD Audio, Windows XP Home Edition

**DarKorg** · 11-13-2006, 13:46

You can only find out your power supplies details by opening the side of your case, and reading the specs on the label on the side of the power supply.

I'd say a 7600GT. Will run on max > http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=412319

**Shieldmaiden** · 11-13-2006, 14:24

Ah right, thanks.

Hmm, it just hit me that I'd have no idea what to look for with the Power Unit.

Update: Thanks again, I'm going to phone the PC manufacturer and ask them what PSU my model has to get round opening it :P

I found a decent 7600 here, under £100 which is nice:

http://www.savastore.com/productinfo...id=44&rstrat=0

**LeftEyeNine** · 11-14-2006, 00:48

Boys are back from polo -I'm sure they'll help you a lot here in Hard- Software section.

**Shieldmaiden** · 11-14-2006, 12:46

Oops, sorry.

Well, looks like my PSU is only 250w, so thats my upgrade screwed

**DukeofSerbia** · 11-14-2006, 12:58

GeForce 7600GT without any doubts.

What PSU you have? Manufacturer and model.

**Shieldmaiden** · 11-14-2006, 13:22

Sorry I don't know the Manu/Model, only that its 250w - I had to phone the PC supplier (Higrade) to find that out, cos its still under warranty and I'm putting off invalidating it :/

I know Nvidia says at least a 350w is required for their 7600 and higher, its on their website :(

**DukeofSerbia** · 11-14-2006, 13:25

When you find it, then post it here. Many barebone systems have 250W PSU and they can handle some serious power hunger components, but it depend on manufacturer and model.

Cheers.

**Shieldmaiden** · 11-14-2006, 13:43

I've e-mailed Higrade to ask the specifics (phone tech support guys a bit useless, meh), I'll update this reply with the info when/if it comes :/

Your helps appreciated

**gunslinger** · 11-14-2006, 20:55

I tried to run and x1300 series vid card with my 250W psu from Gateway, and the computer wouldn't even boot up. I upgraded to a 430 Watt psu from antec, and it took right off (although the vid card sucks and will be returned).

Check out the "will my pc run MTW2" thread where some stern warnings against trying to stretch the limits of your psu are posted.

**Dutch_guy** · 11-14-2006, 21:15

My new 7600GT runs great on my standard Dell 250 W PSU device.

Further more, I'd recommend this card. Runs al current game maxed out.

**Shieldmaiden** · 11-15-2006, 11:43

Got a e-mail back from Higrade, phone tech support guy got it wrong, pfft.

ISO-switch power supply
Model ISO 400pp
Max power output 300w

GeForce 7300 LE is powered via the PCI-E slot only.

**DukeofSerbia** · 11-15-2006, 12:55

It should be enough for 7600GT even support guy say basicly nothing. 300W means nothing without manufacturer and model. I guess it's not the some cheap Chinese PSU...

**AussieGiant** · 11-15-2006, 16:37

Hi Dutch Guy and Duke of Serbia. As the resident experts (as far as I can tell) I have the following problem which is freaking me out so I have posted a few versions. One on the main page, one in the tech area and here.

I just installed the game on my new XPS 700 from Dell.

After looking at the default setting that were choosen by the game I thought....bollocks...its a new machine...I'm gonna max this puppy out and do a few hisotrical battles....so I did.

2.66 Dual Core
Nvidia 1G RAM 7950 GX2
2 GIG's of 667HZ RAM
2 x 150 Gig HHD on a RAID 0 stripe.

Running at 1280*1024 on a nice Samsung SyncMaster P193

I loaded up Agincourt and god was I unhappy!! The intro scene looked like a camera was being used to take pictures.

2 Questions:

1) What is the difference between configuring video settings using the Nvidia Control Panel on the desktop and/or doing the same thing in the video settings in the actual game? Which one is being used? Can someone provide accurate advise?

2) Can some people please provide their settings for best performance on a similar systems.

On a side note I'm going to 3DMark 06 my machine to check that all is well there as I removed the DELL XP Home build and reinstalled a fresh copy. However once this is done I would expect this game to run as smooth as you can imagine on this set up with just about everything on max.

Is there a possibility of a step by step check that some expert could list for me. I certainly can think logically and determine if it is my machine set up or the game.

Can anyone please help.

**Shieldmaiden** · 11-15-2006, 19:12

DukeOfSerbia - I have e-mailed and this is the reply:

Hi,

The brand name is: ISO-switch power supply and the manufacturer code is:
ISO 400pp.

We checked these on the PSU it self and there are no other codes.

**Big King Sanctaphrax** · 11-15-2006, 19:12

Try knocking shadows to medium or low, or even turning them off. This is the big performance killer for most people.

**DukeofSerbia** · 11-15-2006, 20:14

Originally Posted by Big King Sanctaphrax

Try knocking shadows to medium or low, or even turning them off. This is the big performance killer for most people.

No it's not the problem. AussieGiant has powerful beast.

@Shieldmaiden

That means nothing. ISO is standard as you probably know. Are you from USA. If you are then we can find what manufacturer is.

@AussieGiant

It can be drivers, but it's not 100% sure. Try with the newest drivers. I have ATI, but next week I will transit to nVidia so I don't know how things work with GeForce cards.

**Shieldmaiden** · 11-15-2006, 20:54

I know, its a rather useless tech support at Higrade IMHO.

I'm in the UK.

**AussieGiant** · 11-16-2006, 14:41

Originally Posted by DukeofSerbia

No it's not the problem. AussieGiant has powerful beast.

@Shieldmaiden

That means nothing. ISO is standard as you probably know. Are you from USA. If you are then we can find what manufacturer is.

@AussieGiant

It can be drivers, but it's not 100% sure. Try with the newest drivers. I have ATI, but next week I will transit to nVidia so I don't know how things work with GeForce cards.

Hey DoS,

Thanks for getting back to me. Let me know how it goes once you migrate.

There are so many in game options PLUS Nvidia Graphic settings to choose from in the Nvidia control panel, that if you know what you are doing you could make a big difference.

I just did a 3DMark 06 and came out at Just over 8100 which is about right. It seems my machine in it's current config is performing as expected. I have updated and check all Drivers and I am "Good to Go" on that front.

If you have any tips DoS let me know.

Cheers AG.

**Dutch_guy** · 11-16-2006, 16:48

Well, I know it isn't exactly the same problem, but the game did tend to crash a lot on my rig. Which isn't an exceptionally good one, but good enough. Anyway, the option I found which helped a lot was to turn off combined writing, this made my A7600GT run almost everything at High, with shadows off.

Just in case you wish to give it a try, you can turn this off by right clicking desktop properties, display properties, advanced troubleshooting.

Just try it, the problems differ, but maybe the solution's the same ?

PS: Happy birthday by the way

**AussieGiant** · 11-16-2006, 17:53

Originally Posted by Big King Sanctaphrax

Try knocking shadows to medium or low, or even turning them off. This is the big performance killer for most people.

I forgot to say thanks for the tip BKS. It is a performance killer but I want to leave it on or on high. My machine should handle this with ease.

**AussieGiant** · 11-16-2006, 17:55

Originally Posted by Dutch_guy

Well, I know it isn't exactly the same problem, but the game did tend to crash a lot on my rig. Which isn't an exceptionally good one, but good enough. Anyway, the option I found which helped a lot was to turn off combined writing, this made my A7600GT run almost everything at High, with shadows off.

Just in case you wish to give it a try, you can turn this off by right clicking desktop properties, display properties, advanced troubleshooting.

Just try it, the problems differ, but maybe the solution's the same ?

PS: Happy birthday by the way

Hi Dutchguy,

Thanks for the Birthday wishes

I'll give you idea a shot. What is "combined writing"?

**Dutch_guy** · 11-16-2006, 20:06