Performance

[Doutreligne]

Okay, so I'm gonna get this game pretty soon, and I've been wondering about this for a while. I know I meet the minimum-reqs for the game, but how far would I be able to take my system? These are my stats;

Windows XP professional, service pack 2
Intel Pentium 4
512 MB RAM
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200

So am I going to be able to play it at a resolution higher than 800x600 and reasonable graphics? I'm kind of worried something will be wrong, since I know MS will somehow screw me over and get me pissed 'cause somethings BOUND to go wrong...

So, thanks for the help in advance and I'll see you in FFXI in two or three weeks

[neighbortaru]

Re: Performance

you graphics card will be your weakest link. i doubt you'll be able to go higher than 800x600 and maintain good framerates. i have a gf4mx (roughly same power as 5200) in my backup machine and it manages at 800x600 only if i turn off sounds.

[pantherball]

Re: Performance

ummm i have Nvidia e-GeFORCE FX 5200 light version ... and everything on the game works great no problems at all .... that sounds pretty much the same thing as urs so it sounds like u shouldn't have any problems and i have changed my resolution without problems as well ... sooo i dunno i think u should be fine

[Doutreligne]

Re: Performance

Good, but keep in mind that I don't necessarily need to turn all the options to max. I'm easily satisfied with medium settings, it's just that the only reason I didn't get the PS2 version is because I don't want to play at 800x600... Or 640x840 for that matter... But keep the responses and opinions pouring in! You're being very helpful!

[DigitalisAkujin]

Re: Performance

Um..... this game is CPU intensive not GPU intensive.

GPU being weakest link may be so but it won't slow him down simply cause as far as FFXI goes the GPU already maxes out. the CPU will probably cap out with 10 FPS in Lower Jeuno.

I think thats a fair estimate with 1024x768.

[Doutreligne]

Re: Performance

So in actual English (I'm not really that much of a computer wiz), I'd be able to play with medium graphics on 1024x768, but crappy FPS in crowded areas?

[neighbortaru]

Re: Performance

Um..... this game is CPU intensive not GPU intensive.

GPU being weakest link may be so but it won't slow him down simply cause as far as FFXI goes the GPU already maxes out. the CPU will probably cap out with 10 FPS in Lower Jeuno.

I think thats a fair estimate with 1024x768.

while the game is more cpu limited than gpu, that doesn't mean a crappy gfx card will play as well as a good one.

the game was programmed around the GF4. anything faster than that would be just icing. however, anything slower than that you will see some performance hits.

the 5200 sits on the bottom of the barrel (along with my gf4mx) beneath the GF4. if you can get 1024x768 in most places, more power to you. from personal experience (with my gf4mx, 1.8ghz Athlon, 512MB DDR2100) I could not get stutter-free framerates in crowded zones or partying at anything above 800x600.

[Doutreligne]

Re: Performance

Even with most settings on medium? Damn... That's a bummer...

[Intensity]

Re: Performance

I'm buying a new budget gfx card shortly. If you're looking for a good price but solid performance, I'd suggest either of these. I'm probably going with the MSI even though I prefer Nvidia over ATI normally.

ATI: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814127153

Nvidia: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814145076

Either of those cards, or a comparable card will run the game at 1024/768 and as long as you have a fair amount of RAM (I'd say a gig to be safe but meh, 512 would work) and a solid CPU (Which P4 are you running?) your FPS should be fine.

[neighbortaru]

Re: Performance

the 9550 is a good recommendation. can't say the same about the fx5500. those fx series of cards are just crappy imho.

[Intensity]

Re: Performance

Yeah, that's why I think I'm gonna go with the MSI card. I had a 5500 before and it had issues. It'll run the game fine though.

EDIT: Plus, he's got the 5200 which I believe is only 128mb. 5500 is 256mb. As we've pointed out, the FX series cards had their issues, but for the price it's not so bad.

[Doutreligne]

Re: Performance

Yea, ok, you totally lost me. I'm pretty new to this Hardware stuff, so I don't understand most of you just said. But it doesn't matter, since I don't have money to buy new stuff for my PC. So if we could please stick to performance rates with my current setup, please? Thank you very much, you may continue...

[sevenpointflaw]

Re: Performance

Ok, with that setup you should be fine if:

You are willing to deal with potentially low FPS in Lower Jeuno
You are willing to turn on in-battle effects filters.

Basicly, when you have 200+ people standing in one place in lower jeuno, its going to be slow (on most systems, not just yours.) I don't remember exactly where your video card stands on the evolutionary line, but you -may- expereince a slower FPS if you are in battle, with all effects turned on, possibly only if you are currently experience intense weather (like sand storms). All of those "ifs" are adjustable in game though, so you can avoid the slow FPS and still play at 1024x768.

[Intensity]

Re: Performance

I'd say depending on the Processor, you should be able to run with THAT setup in the OP @ 800x600, medium settings at best. 800x600 with everything else besides resolution turned to low at worst.

[Doutreligne]

Re: Performance

Oh, okay. Thanks for all the help guys! Appreciate it... Really do.