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[melsrvec]

Hello all,
I love Civiliztion and haven't been able to play Civ IV for the few weeks I've had the game. Everytime I start it up, I get the following.

"Initialize renderer failed. Check Direct X installation, Latest Graphics Drivers, and Graphics Setting perameters."

width 1024
height 768
flags oxc
hwnd ox40120
adaptrid 0
deviceid 3
Error:"


I downloaded the update (v 1.52) from the official site, but still nothing works.

I have an AMD Athlon Computer XP + 1600 with 504MB Ram at 1.41 GhZ.

I'm not too computer literate, but I read the minuimum requirements and my computer seems to meet it. I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Zydor]

Thats one of the early problems the game had, however, first check your hardware against the game requirements below

http://www.2kgames.com/civ4/support_msr.htm

With 504Mb ram I have a feeling you might have on-board integrated graphics, if so, then the hardware will not support the game.

Please post your dxdiag file as an attachment using the 'go advanced' button below, so we can check your setup before going further.
Dxdiag : Start Button - click - select run - type dxdiag - press enter - wait a min - select "save all information" (remember where you saved it on the disc) - then post it

Regards
Zy

 

[melsrvec]

Thats one of the early problems the game had, however, first check your hardware against the game requirements below

http://www.2kgames.com/civ4/support_msr.htm

With 504Mb ram I have a feeling you might have on-board integrated graphics, if so, then the hardware will not support the game.

Please post your dxdiag file as an attachment using the 'go advanced' button below, so we can check your setup before going further.
Dxdiag : Start Button - click - select run - type dxdiag - press enter - wait a min - select "save all information" (remember where you saved it on the disc) - then post it

Regards
Zy

Thanks for the advice, I'm hopefully attaching the info as a txt file.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Zydor]

Card name: S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
Display Memory: 8.0 MB

Thats your main problem - no way will Civ IV run on that graphics setup - sorry ....

In addition although your processor is just inside min specs, that in itself will cause issues.

Civ IV min hardware specs
http://www.2kgames.com/civ4/support_msr.htm

The dreaded time for PC/Laptop upgrade has arrived in terms of games such as Civ IV

Regards
Zy

 

[melsrvec]

Thanks for the advice. I was hoping an upgrade wasn't necessary. SO I'm assuming the game is much more taxing on the system than Civ III. Is the game play that good? I hope so, I just want to play now.

Don't know if it's worth an upgrade or waiting for a new computer. Any idea if your typical, out-of-the box inexpensive new system can handle it? Or would an upgrade be necessary to that as well.

Thanks for the input,

Matt

 

[Zydor]

I would go for a mid-range beastie, yours is difficult to upgrade.

Kind of a cheaky question on my part .... but ... its the old story whats the budget. There is an irreducible minimum below which you cant go in terms of hardware spec, and above that it then increases quality of use and "satisfaction". Other factors are also what is it's main use in the home (almost retorical question, but some do have uses other than gaming - strange folks ).

Your general guide is the hardware specs

http://www.2kgames.com/civ4/support_msr.htm

Tempared by common sense, as with cars, PCs at the so called bargin end can be real "dogs" and be trouble for life. The bright side is that the "standard" mid-level supplier machines would usually be fine. The choice of supplier can be difficult when your not at or approaching 'geek' level - they need to be available and nearby (Return to Base warrenty is well and good, sometimes the only option, but its always good to be able to get your hands round their throats sometimes ).

If you want to float a couple of system here or PM me with budget and overall use, we could helpout, ultimately posting the system thoughts (not the budget) for people to disect and give suggestions on. PM me if you feel it more appropriate.

It need not be a huge behemouth, but you do need to see past the Sales Spin - the CivFans on the Board will help with the latter if you ultimately post a spec, you could not get a better bunch of second opinons ....

Regards
Zy

 

[melsrvec]

Yes it always comes down to money.

I'm hoping for the cheapest option. I don't play any other games, except fro Civ, so I've never had a need for a gaming rig. My computer worked fine for Civ III, but I guess IV is much more evolved.

All I really need is a home computer for Microsoft Office, Internet, Occasional Photo Editing with Photoshop Elements, and the ability to play Civ IV.

DO you think a video card would be worth investing in? I'm not sure if my sysytem would even be up for it. I'm ideally hoping to get a new system in a year or so, but was hoping to spend under $500 US.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Zydor]

A Videocard is essential - and needs carefull thought. Civ IV is a fullblown 3D game from bottom up. Thats a very big change in hardware terms as people are finding out. "Standard" mid-range PCs on todays market will run it - but - you do need to pause for thought on the Video card. The standard offerings for home use do not lay emphasis on gaming, and the video solution is often weak. Easily sorted, just specify a higher spec card than what they offered.

EDIT: Dont forget there are plenty of suppliers who will sellyou just a box - no point buying a monitor as well - that'll help keep the price down. Take a look at specs when searching to see if it includes a monitor, and what they offer as a price without one

You may be able to stick in a Video card, but its an old machine - you would need to contact the supplier / maker - I doubt it will

Re $500 - I am in UK, therefore not up to US prices etc, hopefully some kind soul in the US will pick this up and offer guidence

Can any US member reading this offer help ?

Regards
Zy

 

[melsrvec]

I was doubting the video card would work, just a hope. So do you think the average mid-range computer would handle it without a video card? Or do the mid range ones usually have one included?

I had my current system built about 3 years ago. I could reuse my case, power supply, CD drive, etc, which would help defray costs. I guess then I'd be looking at motherboard, processor, ram, video card, and a few other things. The question is if it still might be cheaper to go out-of-the-box than paying by the piece.

Matt

 

[melsrvec]

Hello,
can someone tell me if upgrading to the video card at this link http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=335350&pfp=BROWSE
(or something similarly priced will work? I'd likely upgrade to one gig of ram as well. My dx log is listed above.
Thanks,
Matt

 

[Archbob]

I have a similiar videcard the Radeon 9250(256mb) and it works so I assume the Ge-Force 5200FX will work. You can get a Kingston 1GB stick from www.zipzoomfly.com for about $80 with free 2nd day shipping.

 

[melsrvec]

Thanks! I appreciate it.
Matt