Decreased Graphic Requirements
- Thread starter Defiant47
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Refar
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Most mods actually add more graphics 
You should be able to cut the grafical porcessing to a minimum by using single unit grafic, frozen animation (Animation need a lot od redraws, i.e. on video cards that are weaker anyway and do not support shaders), low render quality and low res textures (tho this goes to memory more than to processing) and effects disabled.
I dont think there are mods to get you lower than this.
You should be able to cut the grafical porcessing to a minimum by using single unit grafic, frozen animation (Animation need a lot od redraws, i.e. on video cards that are weaker anyway and do not support shaders), low render quality and low res textures (tho this goes to memory more than to processing) and effects disabled.
I dont think there are mods to get you lower than this.
Wolfshanze
CFC Historian
Pretty sure every mod either keeps the same or adds more graphic stress to your system... I know of know "less then default" graphical mods. Also, stick to default Civ4... playing an expansion like BtS will only cause more stress to your system.
Simply listen to Refar's suggestions at boosting performance (also use a lower screen resolution).
Simply listen to Refar's suggestions at boosting performance (also use a lower screen resolution).
Indeed, I have done all of the above. Too bad resolution can't go any lower than 1024. My laptop still overheats.
Hey! I resent that!
My video card is actually very good, on par with my desktop's video card (which I bought high-end a few months ago). The issue is that my laptop has such garbage ventillation, that my video card reaches 110 degrees Celsius (which I know thanks to Speedfan, an application). I've even installed a cooling pad, but it still gets hot (the CPU also almost reaches 100 degrees).
Hey! I resent that!
My video card is actually very good, on par with my desktop's video card (which I bought high-end a few months ago). The issue is that my laptop has such garbage ventillation, that my video card reaches 110 degrees Celsius (which I know thanks to Speedfan, an application). I've even installed a cooling pad, but it still gets hot (the CPU also almost reaches 100 degrees).
Shiggs713
Immortal
sorry to burst your bubble but I doubt your graphics card is that good. About 6 months ago, I purchased a nvidia 8600gt 512mb, and I play just about any mod I want with absolutely every setting at highest quality, and it runs quite smoothly actually.
Regarding the changing the desktop resolution, will that break anything? I'm kind of shy about changing things in the game that weren't technically possible originally (such as a lower resolution).
Sorry, but I have a GeForce 6100. My desktop has a nearly identical video card (GeForce 6200), and it can play at the highest graphics possible no problem. In fact, the laptop can also run it at the highest graphics possible and it all looks smooth and nice (not choppy), yet after a while, it overheats.
I can guarantee you that if you take my exact type of video card and put it in a desktop computer (or at least a laptop that doesn't have such atrocious cooling mechanisms), I'll be able to play everything I can already play, but not overheat after 10 minutes of use.
Sorry, but I have a GeForce 6100. My desktop has a nearly identical video card (GeForce 6200), and it can play at the highest graphics possible no problem. In fact, the laptop can also run it at the highest graphics possible and it all looks smooth and nice (not choppy), yet after a while, it overheats.
I can guarantee you that if you take my exact type of video card and put it in a desktop computer (or at least a laptop that doesn't have such atrocious cooling mechanisms), I'll be able to play everything I can already play, but not overheat after 10 minutes of use.
Refar
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I did not try it myself.
It shouldnt break nothing - the worst thing that can happen is - the game wont start up at all in the low resolution - just keep a copy of the ini file, so you can revert to it.
It will most porbably make some of the game screens look odd. But it should be playable.
It shouldnt break nothing - the worst thing that can happen is - the game wont start up at all in the low resolution - just keep a copy of the ini file, so you can revert to it.
It will most porbably make some of the game screens look odd. But it should be playable.
ManUnited4Ever
Chieftain
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Have you ever considered to simply open the window?
I'll give it a try... Which ini BTW?
Even better! I've put one of those ice packs (with the blue gel inside that freezes and is good at staying cold) right underneath the video card location. This significantly prolongs the time it takes until overheating, about 1 hour instead of 10 minutes, but eventually it still overheats, and I take away the ice pack to realize that it is by now very warm.
Refar
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Its called Civilization4.ini
The default location is MyDocuments\MyGames\BeyondTheSword
Edit:
Out of curiosity i have tried it myself. The good news is - nothing terrible happened...
The bad - apparently any values lower than 1024 just get ignored
Sorry.
The default location is MyDocuments\MyGames\BeyondTheSword
Edit:
Out of curiosity i have tried it myself. The good news is - nothing terrible happened...
The bad - apparently any values lower than 1024 just get ignored
Sorry.
Shiggs713
Immortal
it sounds like your desktop may be similar to mine. It formerly had a 6200 in it. The new 8600gt is fairly disgusting... with 512mb, PCIe, and a cooling fan so large, I had to disconnect one of the other PCI slots, and cannot use it any longer.
I would suggest either upgrading your desktop graphics card, or try using a fan on the laptop. perhaps even opening any compartments on your laptop that you can. If you look at pcConnection.com or similar places, you can find a really nice gfx card for like 125 bucks.
it makes a world of difference, at least it did for me, since formerly my gfx card was the worst part of my system.
You may also consider checking out the power supply. When I did some research of my own, and basically tearing my computer apart and putting it back together, I came to realize that HP sold me a desktop with a power supply that was inadequate for the number of components I have. So basically they sell you computers, with incorrect voltage and amperage going to the components, then they eventually fry out and intel, HP ect., keep taking your money.
just my .02
Shiggs
I would suggest either upgrading your desktop graphics card, or try using a fan on the laptop. perhaps even opening any compartments on your laptop that you can. If you look at pcConnection.com or similar places, you can find a really nice gfx card for like 125 bucks.
it makes a world of difference, at least it did for me, since formerly my gfx card was the worst part of my system.
You may also consider checking out the power supply. When I did some research of my own, and basically tearing my computer apart and putting it back together, I came to realize that HP sold me a desktop with a power supply that was inadequate for the number of components I have. So basically they sell you computers, with incorrect voltage and amperage going to the components, then they eventually fry out and intel, HP ect., keep taking your money.
just my .02
Shiggs
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