Halo 1 & 2 for PC
This topic has moved here: Subject: Video Help for Halo PC.
  • Subject: Video Help for Halo PC.
Subject: Video Help for Halo PC.
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Alright guys, I have two questions for you.

1: Is the GeForce 6200 OC a good video card for PCI? My computer is a 2002 HP Pavilion, so it is only equipped with PCI slots. I won't be getting a new PC for about a year or two, so I need to at least get reasonable performance from this. Here are my current system specs (so you won't have to ask :P):

HP Pavilion 525w
512 MB RAM
Intel Pentium 4 Processor 2.4 GHz
3D Fuzion Gamers GeForce FX 5500 256 MB


As a side note, is this a low-, mid- or high-end system? Just out of curiousity. So the first question is: will the 6200 OC out-perform my FX 5500? Keep in mind that my budget is strictly limited to 100 dollars. There is no way that I will be able to spend more; I took two weeks convincing my dad to buy me this one.

Question #2: Do you guys have any general tips for increasing Halo's performance? Command lines are welcome here, even though I know a few. There's always the possibility that I've missed one. This has probably been asked before, but bear with me without flaming me.

Help is appreciated. But please, I mostly need question 1 answered, so prioritize accordingly, if you will. :)

  • 08.15.2006 7:07 PM PDT
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Welcome to the PCI Fanclub! (Well, no actually cause I got a soldered AGP slot on my mobo now) but yes I know how you feel. Actually, very recently, the Radeon X1300 Pro was ported out for PCI, making it the best PCI graphics out there. However its about $120 us. If your parents don't mind you spending an etra 10-20 bucks, then I'd highly recommend. The BFG Tech is okay too. About 2x the performance of the 5500 you have right now. I'm getting two of those, I'll tell you how it goes. Techincally that's a really crappy PC, but with the right parts, you will be able to crank it to do decent gaming. So yes if PCI is all you have then I say go for it.

For your second question, you could force the game to use a diffrent pixel pipeline. -use10 is use Shader Model 1.0, -use11 is 1.1 and use14 is 1.4. They will decrease the quality (shadows, shiny), but you will get better fps. Or you could always lower your settings :P

Finally, welcome to the Maw!

  • 08.15.2006 7:50 PM PDT
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Thanks, K121 Widowmaker. Very helpful information. In fact, I made my dad read it, and you -gasp!- convinced him to let me buy the X1300. Dude, you are my hero. Congratulations.

As for the graphics tips, I attempted the -use10, and well, that made the game look hideous. In fact, it looked worse than Mario 64. So I tried -use14 and it worked. My frame rate rocketed on the map Truth and Reconciliation from 15 average with medium settings to 40 with the same settings. Pretty awesome stuff.

Back to the vid card -- what kind of performance difference can be seen between the 6200 and the X1300 Pro? Because if it's not too extreme, I'd make my dad a happy man by saving some money. Even if it's only 10-20 dollars -- he's a cheapskate. :P Quick responses are valued, as the purchase will be made in four days.

Thanks again, dude.

  • 08.15.2006 8:11 PM PDT
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I can't be sure, as I haven't tried the cards, but the X1300 nowadays is considered a "mid-ranged card". Almost all cards for PCI are now obsoleet (super old and useless). I would expect the X1300 to be the equivalent of the Geforce 6600, so sorta better than the 6200.

  • 08.15.2006 8:15 PM PDT

you may know me as X[IGN]

Posted by: Iggwilv

*hands Kim a crowbar*
Here you will need this to help you get your foot out of the back of your throat, looks llike its in there pretty deep. And what is that on your face? Egg?! *hands Kim a washcloth*

actually when you compare a pci-e 6600 and a pci-e x1300, the 6600 is quite a bit better. but as it stands, it's probably the best on pci.

  • 08.15.2006 8:33 PM PDT
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It's a low-end system, when you get a new PC, get PCI-E. PCI bus FTL. PCI-E FTW.

Or if you're intending to just upgrade your PC, you can just add more RAM, get a better CPU, and a new GPU.

  • 08.16.2006 5:56 AM PDT
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Posted by: Master Kim
It's a low-end system, when you get a new PC, get PCI-E. PCI bus FTL. PCI-E FTW.

Or if you're intending to just upgrade your PC, you can just add more RAM, get a better CPU, and a new GPU.

Why does FTL have to be For The Loose? Why can't it be For The Leet?

  • 08.16.2006 8:34 AM PDT
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No, it has to be For The Lose. FT1 means For The 1337.

  • 08.16.2006 8:36 AM PDT