Civ 4 running slow help please

[Carthage Barca]

Hi, this is my first post here. I'm looking for some advice. I'm not very computer savy so I was hoping someone here could help me out. When I try to run Civ 4 and start a new game it takes forever to start out, half the time I never get past the green loading bar, and when I do and can start a game it runs horribly slow. Sometimes while playing I get a message that says "Windows Virtual Memory is too low" and the game exits out and I lose all my hard work. Now here I'm thinking what could help run the game faster? Would getting more RAM for my computer be a good thing to do?
Here's some of the thing's I'm currently running on

1.5 GHz Pentium 4 Processor
256 MB RAM (I'm thinking maybe adding 256 or 512 more RAM would help?)
Windows XP

My sound card and video card are fine, any suggestions would be greatly appriciated thank you.

 

[uglyduck]

Windows XP is using all your RAM just to keep itself going.

 

[Carthage Barca]

So I should get more RAM for my Computer then?

 

[bugmenot17]

So I should get more RAM for my Computer then?

You should get a new computer, but more RAM never hurts.

 

[Tyrole]

Yes, more memory would probably solve the problem. You could also try closing all other programs that are running in the background.

 

[Stealthrunner]

Definitely more memory, any idea what make and model of computer you have?

As cheap as memory is these days, I would get a 512 or 1 gb chip. Memory will definitely help your computer run much better.

My gaming computer is down right now, so I played CIv 4 on a 1.2 ghz AMD last night. But I have a 1 gig and 256 mb chips in it for a total of 1.25 gigs of memory and it ran just fine. My video card is also a ATI Radeon 9600 128 mb so that helps also.

But your problem is related to memory in your computer.

 

[Carthage Barca]

My computer is a HP Pavilion 7955 it's around 4 years old

 

[bugmenot17]

My computer is a HP Pavilion 7955 it's around 4 years old

Welcome to the Technologically Backward club. Thanks, Firaxis.

 

[Stealthrunner]

http://www.crucial.com/store/listpa...Compaq&tabid=AM&model=Pavilion+7955&submit=Go

Here is a paste of the link in case it doesn't work. Crucial is one of the best memory chips out there. Due to the age of your computer, I would not spend too much money on it.

512MB CT260499 S SDRAM, PC133 • CL=2 • Unbuffered • Non-parity • 133MHz • 3.3V • 64Meg x 64
What does this mean? US $129.54
Get Sale Price
512MB CT233759 S SDRAM, PC133 • CL=3 • Unbuffered • Non-parity • 133MHz • 3.3V • 64Meg x 64
What does this mean? US $129.54
Get Sale Price
256MB CT263721 SDRAM, PC133 • CL=2 • Unbuffered • Non-parity • 133MHz • 3.3V • 32Meg x 64
What does this mean? US $70.94
128MB CT263722 SDRAM, PC133 • CL=2 • Unbuffered • Non-parity • 133MHz • 3.3V • 16Meg x 64
What does this mean? US $39.06





I would buy either a 256mb or 512mb chip depending on how long you want the computer to last.

Another thing to consider, how many empty chip slots do you have for memory? You may have to remove a smaller chip to add a larger one, so take that into account when ordering more memory.

 

[Stealthrunner]

Wanted to add, that if you don't want to buy this memory, you can print off this thread and take it to your local computer store, where that memory will list the important information on what type of memory you need.

SDRAM PC133 Memory