Halo 1 & 2 for PC
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Subject: What determines framerate?/Recommend Video Card

Steam: RageRunner32 | StarCraft II: RageRunner | Lets play Pc sometime :)

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My first question is what determines framerate? I've heard people say it's RAM, others CPU, and others GPU.

I ask because I just had a birthday and I'm thinking about upgrading my machine's RAM and Video Card. (I want to run the Half-Life 2 Episodes and upcoming games mainly)

Here's my specs
3.0 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 processor
512 RAM
64-bit integrated Intel Graphics Card >.<
80 Gb Hard Drive
5 Open Pci slots (yeah I know, limited options) (oh, and I've heard of this SLi? is that where I combine 2 video cards?)

I've got my eye on either a GeForce Fx 5200 or 5500 Pci. Edit: After searching, I'm pretty set on This x1300 (feedback would be wonderful)

Thanx for any comments and help, you guys are great :)

[Edited on 10/3/2006]

  • 10.01.2006 5:48 PM PDT
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all of them determine framerate.
you have a fine system there, except for your graphics. You're going to want to get a dedicated graphics card, but there are very few cards that will run the newest games (they'll run halo fine though).

  • 10.01.2006 5:52 PM PDT

I wonder if the Wolf thinks the Moon listens when he howls at it.

pretty much your proccessor speed, memory, and video card a little bit.

  • 10.01.2006 5:53 PM PDT
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Dude, a FX5200 for 64 dollars, and a FX5500 for 84 dollars?!?!?! In one month, I'm getting my FX5500 for only 50 dollars at CompUSA, and you can get the FX5200 for only 31 dollars at newegg.com.

Remember to always compare prices from other stores and websites as well.

And framerate is based off of how much RAM you have, and with your 512 RAM, you'll do just fine in your framerates. =D

  • 10.01.2006 5:55 PM PDT

I wonder if the Wolf thinks the Moon listens when he howls at it.

Posted by: lpjuunin
Dude, a FX5200 for 64 dollars, and a FX5500 for 84 dollars?!?!?! In one month, I'm getting my FX5500 for only 50 dollars at CompUSA, and you can get the FX5200 for only 31 dollars at newegg.com.

and a 6200 for 25$!!!(that i got)

  • 10.01.2006 5:57 PM PDT

Steam: RageRunner32 | StarCraft II: RageRunner | Lets play Pc sometime :)

<3

So it's not just one componant that determines it? Cause I'm having trouble with the framerate in Half-Life 2: Ep1. I get an average of 10-15 and single digits when alot is happening.

And for the moment I'm just looking for a video card that can run the Source engine and the Half-Life episodes smoothly. From what I've researched on the net, the 5200/5500 will do that.

Any suggestions?

  • 10.01.2006 5:59 PM PDT
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Posted by: Apoc the stunter
Posted by: lpjuunin
Dude, a FX5200 for 64 dollars, and a FX5500 for 84 dollars?!?!?! In one month, I'm getting my FX5500 for only 50 dollars at CompUSA, and you can get the FX5200 for only 31 dollars at newegg.com.

and a 6200 for 25$!!!(that i got)


A 6200 for 25 dollars?! Whoa, wait is it for PCI? If it's for PCI, that 6200 is so mine. xD (Although I think it's for AGP...=/ )

And for the moment I'm just looking for a video card that can run the Source engine and the Half-Life episodes smoothly. From what I've researched on the net, the 5200/5500 will do that.


Yes, but don't buy them at tigerdirect. Oh and don't buy from Best Buy either. Stick with newegg or CompUSA.

[Edited on 10/1/2006]

  • 10.01.2006 5:59 PM PDT

I wonder if the Wolf thinks the Moon listens when he howls at it.

Posted by: lpjuunin
Posted by: Apoc the stunter
Posted by: lpjuunin
Dude, a FX5200 for 64 dollars, and a FX5500 for 84 dollars?!?!?! In one month, I'm getting my FX5500 for only 50 dollars at CompUSA, and you can get the FX5200 for only 31 dollars at newegg.com.

and a 6200 for 25$!!!(that i got)


A 6200 for 25 dollars?! Whoa, wait is it for PCI? If it's for PCI, that 6200 is so mine. xD (Although I think it's for AGP...=/ )
agp, wait is pci usually more expensive because i dont pay attention to pci stuff.

  • 10.01.2006 6:00 PM PDT

Steam: RageRunner32 | StarCraft II: RageRunner | Lets play Pc sometime :)

<3

Posted by: lpjuunin
Posted by: Apoc the stunter
Posted by: lpjuunin
Dude, a FX5200 for 64 dollars, and a FX5500 for 84 dollars?!?!?! In one month, I'm getting my FX5500 for only 50 dollars at CompUSA, and you can get the FX5200 for only 31 dollars at newegg.com.

and a 6200 for 25$!!!(that i got)


A 6200 for 25 dollars?! Whoa, wait is it for PCI? If it's for PCI, that 6200 is so mine. xD (Although I think it's for AGP...=/ )

The page of cards I posted are all 256 memory Pci cards.

  • 10.01.2006 6:01 PM PDT
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for newer games (like half life 2) you're going to need more ram and a good graphics card. For halo though, you'll do fine with 512 ram and a good graphics.

  • 10.01.2006 6:01 PM PDT
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It really depends on what kind of game you are playing. An RTS, for example, places more strain & data on the Processor and RAM, respectively, than the Video card. Therefore, the most-likely deciding factor for framerates is going to be the Processor.

Halo PC is processor and video card dependant. Im not sure about Half-Life 2/EP1, but I bet since it runs Havok physics that it places strain mainly on the Processor and GPU (please correct me if I am wrong).

  • 10.01.2006 6:02 PM PDT
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Posted by: Apoc the stunter
Posted by: lpjuunin
Posted by: Apoc the stunter
Posted by: lpjuunin
Dude, a FX5200 for 64 dollars, and a FX5500 for 84 dollars?!?!?! In one month, I'm getting my FX5500 for only 50 dollars at CompUSA, and you can get the FX5200 for only 31 dollars at newegg.com.

and a 6200 for 25$!!!(that i got)


A 6200 for 25 dollars?! Whoa, wait is it for PCI? If it's for PCI, that 6200 is so mine. xD (Although I think it's for AGP...=/ )
agp, wait is pci usually more expensive because i dont pay attention to pci stuff.


Order from least to greatest:

PCI
AGP
PCI-E (Express)

  • 10.01.2006 6:06 PM PDT
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Decent specs but I would strongly suggest picking up another gig or RAM just to make the computer run smoooter.

Now about the graphics card...DON'T BUY ONE YET AND SAVE UP SOME MONEY.

Wait for DX10 and pick a video card that will pwn all the others. I've heard the prices on some of the DX10 cards might be a little high but you might be able to pick up a lower end one for less.

However, in this case cost should match quality and that's why I'm waiting for DX10.

Also I would suggest Newegg.com...they tend to be a little cheaper than Tigerdirect.

[Edited on 10/1/2006]

  • 10.01.2006 6:07 PM PDT
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Posted by: Demigod333
Decent specs but I would strongly suggest picking up another gig or RAM just to make the computer run smoooter.

Now about the graphics card...DON'T BUY ONE YET AND SAVE UP SOME MONEY.

Wait for DX10 and pick a video card that will pwn all the others. I've heard the prices on some of the DX10 cards might be a little high but you might be able to pick up a lower end one for less.

However, in this case cost should match quality and that's why I'm waiting for DX10.

Also I would suggest Newegg.com...they tend to be a little cheaper than Tigerdirect.


By the time DX10/Vista/Halo2 Vista comes out, he won't have hardly anyone to play with in Halo PC, even with good graphics. It's better to just buy a decent one now, enjoy the graphics until HaloPC dies or something (God forbid), and enjoy the framerates. Also, the FX5200 on newegg is only 31 dollars, so deducting 31 from a whopping 90-100 dollar DX10 card is not a great burden.

  • 10.01.2006 6:11 PM PDT

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They probably won't make a DX10 PCI card so theres no point in him waiting.

  • 10.01.2006 6:21 PM PDT
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Posted by: Iggwilv
They probably won't make a DX10 PCI card so theres no point in him waiting.


Speaking of that, is there a way to switch my PCI slot with a PCI-E slot, or hell, even an AGP slot? Or do I have to get a new motherboard or something...

  • 10.01.2006 6:25 PM PDT
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nope, you need a completely new mobo. unless youre a leet moder and your mobo has an empty spot for a agp/pci-e, that mobo is as good as dead.

so, just take your time, run over to newegg, and look up what you need and post what your think is good.

  • 10.01.2006 6:44 PM PDT
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Aw man...I'm definitely not even a nub modder...xD

Ah well, thanks anyway Boo_Didly.

  • 10.01.2006 6:53 PM PDT

Steam: RageRunner32 | StarCraft II: RageRunner | Lets play Pc sometime :)

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Well after alot of research I believe I found the most powerful PCI card for those of us stuck with it.

Clicky

It's pricey, but
a.) I don't plan on doing this again (buying a video card)
b.) I doubt they're even going to make anymore PCI cards
c.) Why wait for DX10 (even though I really want it) when they probly won't make a DX10 PCI card. (btw did I mention this is for my comp in my room, I can just go run over to my family comp if I want DX10 and Vista)

d.) I just had a birthday, I'm loaded :D!

  • 10.03.2006 2:15 PM PDT

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Wow it even has a DVI connector. BTW I don't think they are planning to make AGP DX10 cards either. I think it will be PCIe only.

  • 10.03.2006 2:18 PM PDT
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for framerate what you want is a good card. that is primary.

  • 10.03.2006 2:26 PM PDT
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Posted by: Iggwilv
Wow it even has a DVI connector. BTW I don't think they are planning to make AGP DX10 cards either. I think it will be PCIe only.


On the nose.

  • 10.03.2006 2:27 PM PDT

Steam: RageRunner32 | StarCraft II: RageRunner | Lets play Pc sometime :)

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Yeah I'm definately getting the x1300 now. I just wanna know if anyone out there knows a great deal about video cards and can tell me If this is a good card or not (or if there's an even better one out there).

And if anyone actually has this card feedback would be wonderful

And thanx for all your help guys :)

[Edited on 10/3/2006]

  • 10.03.2006 2:35 PM PDT
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Posted by: Çäspër
Yeah I'm definately getting the x1300 now. I just wanna know if anyone out there knows a great deal about video cards and can tell me If this is a good card or not (or if there's an even better one out there).

And if anyone actually has this card feedback would be wonderful

And thanx for all your help guys :)


Good choice.

The ATI Radeon X1300 is the most powerful card out there for PCI slot users, well at least in mine and others opinions. I would get it, but it's too expensive for me...

  • 10.03.2006 3:50 PM PDT
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It uses PS3, which just blows everyother PCI card out of the water. Its not great, its not going to run HL2 at full specs. Its a billion times better than integrated though.

  • 10.03.2006 3:58 PM PDT

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