Computer Specs

[Ahsekn]

What are you playing on?

I am getting a new computer within the next few months, so I want to be able to play the game smoothly with no problems... I also play some 3d games, so I want to be able to play those as well...

I was thinking... AMD 3800+, 1 or 2GB RAM, and some graphics with 512mb... but I don't know yet.

So let me see what you all got, and perhaps offer some advice for what I should be looking at.

 

[civ_god06]

Save some money and get the 3700+ instead of the 3800 as it has more l2 cache.

Better value for money imo

 

[Zanmato]

Tread carefully, even high-end spec machines still have some problems with Civ4. It mostly due to poor coding rather than the general spec of the machine. I would wait a few months at least and see if most of the issues are sorted.
Since you are getting a new system anyway, invest in PCI-e system as with 3D games it is mostly down to the video spec rather than the CPU speed or system RAM. Plus, it is a better investment in the long run switching to PCI-e. I guess nearly all new systems will be PCI-e now anyway. The game plays perfectly well on my current spec but that spec should last you a good couple of years at least. If it will play Civ4 smoothly or not is anybody's guess at the moment.

 

[Tae]

I am gaming on...
Socket A Semprom 2800+
1 GB of PC2700 Ram in 3 sticks (although I have 2 gb of PC3200 in 2 sticks on my desk ready to install).
Geoforce 6600GT 128mb

I have very few issues running the game on large maps...just some late game slow down which apparently even high-end systems get, but nothing annoying. I haven't tried huge maps(mainly because I prefer large maps), but I really think 2gb of memory and more Video Card memory than I have would be needed to keep late game playabilty on Huge maps at a decent level.

 

[mboza]

I have a AMD 3500+, with 1Gb RAM, and a 128mb Geforce 6600GT too, so the system that you are thinking about will be at least slightly faster than mine. I have no problem with standard maps, not even in late game. But I once started a huge map game with 18 civs, and there was a short but noticable pause between turns from the start. I suspect that this is a CPU problem rather than lack of RAM, and it happens right from the first turn, when there is not much to display. But if you are happy with slightly smaller maps, with say 7-10 opponents, you should be fine.

 

[eddiebluedevil]

i bought a new laptop for this game. went as cheap as i could and gott no slowdown on my first/ huge map game.

dell 6000d 1.7 centrino
only 40gb
1 gb ram
128mb ati x300

great value for a laptop. civ4 runs like a pro.