Game runs sloooow

[Balmes Pavlov]

I know it has something to do with my computer specs because I don't meet all the recommended requirements. I'm willing to upgrade certain parts but I need to know what parts I need to upgrade first.

I have a Dell 8250
Intel P3 2.4 Ghz
256mb of RDram
Nvidia GeForce 4 MX 420 64mb

I was thinking about upgrading my ram, even though it's very costly but then I realized that each game is different. Some rely more on the video card than anything else in the computer, others rely heavily on the amount of ram available more so than the video card. What should I be looking to upgrade? I can't stand playing the game at such slow speeds. It's the worse feeling ever. Takes like 5 minutes to finish turns. Arggh!!!

Any suggestions?

 

[Zydor]

At what point are you getting the slow turns - eg 1600's or 1700's etc

any other symptoms like slow turn times, slow saves

Are the symptoms consistent ?

Anything else out of the ordinary ?

Regards
Zy

 

[Balmes Pavlov]

At what point are you getting the slow turns - eg 1600's or 1700's etc

any other symptoms like slow turn times, slow saves

Are the symptoms consistent ?

Anything else out of the ordinary ?

Regards
Zy

This is pretty consistent. It's happening all the time from the beginning of when I start a new game. The turns are slow. The saves are pretty slow. Even exiting to the desktop is damn slow. The game actually warned me in the beginning saying that because I meet minimum requirements only, not recommended, the game may not run as smooth (something to that extent anyways). And forget 1600s or 1700s because I haven't even gotten there. I'm still in the 1400s, and somehow through dedication and patience I've managed to get this far. My empire is looking mighty fine by the way. But getting back on point, that's about all I can say.

 

[Zydor]

Particularly with a P3, dont expect much performance with this one, its a memory hungry beast

You are close to below minimum, arguably you are. Apart from the slowness are you getting anything else - videoproblems - crash to desktop etc, or are you fairly stable albeit slow ?

 

[Balmes Pavlov]

Sorry that was a typo. I'm running a P4 not a P3. Don't know what I was thinking when I wrote that. Then again I never even heard of a p3 going at 2.4 Ghz that hasn't been overclocked.

Anyways though it seems like you're saying this game takes up a lot of memory. So I should be looking to upgrade my ram? I was thinking I MIGHT be able to pick up a graphics card as well but last time I had a video card on my motherboard I had all these issues that I had to go back to my original video card which I mentioned in my original thread.

 

[Zydor]

I will assume you have no other symptoms and - as such - its stable. Reluctant therefore to rip out drivers etc just yet.

There is a memory issue (as you discovered lol) in Civ IV - they know they will fix it. As it appears stable - as such - try this first

The slow symptoms do indicate the memory problem in your case. There is a very successfull User patch that addresses this. The thread has had 103,000 hits up to tonight.

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=146309

Look at post 1 - instructions there - the people on the thread are very helpful, so ask if problems with the Patch. Its a benign patch, easy to install / deinstall. Probably best to try this first as its quick and easy, and you seem to have the target symptoms for the patch anyway. Can always come back if it not work, and we delve deeper.

Regards
Zy

 

[Balmes Pavlov]

I will assume you have no other symptoms and - as such - its stable. Reluctant therefore to rip out drivers etc just yet.

There is a memory issue (as you discovered lol) in Civ IV - they know they will fix it. As it appears stable - as such - try this first

The slow symptoms do indicate the memory problem in your case. There is a very successfull User patch that addresses this. The thread has had 103,000 hits up to tonight.

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=146309

Look at post 1 - instructions there - the people on the thread are very helpful, so ask if problems with the Patch. Its a benign patch, easy to install / deinstall. Probably best to try this first as its quick and easy, and you seem to have the target symptoms for the patch anyway. Can always come back if it not work, and we delve deeper.

Regards
Zy

Thanks I'll try it out. Just one question though. Why hasn't the company addressed this issue yet a gamer has made an attempt to address it?

 

[Neon Deon]

Sorry that was a typo. I'm running a P4 not a P3. Don't know what I was thinking when I wrote that. Then again I never even heard of a p3 going at 2.4 Ghz that hasn't been overclocked.

Anyways though it seems like you're saying this game takes up a lot of memory. So I should be looking to upgrade my ram? I was thinking I MIGHT be able to pick up a graphics card as well but last time I had a video card on my motherboard I had all these issues that I had to go back to my original video card which I mentioned in my original thread.

Dell uses 250 and 300 watt power supplies which could cuase problems when adding extra equipment like graphics cards.

I wish video card mfgs would post recommended power supply requirements but then they might sell less cards if they did that .

 

[Zydor]

Re upgrading - dont rush out just yet - the memory issue, and the fix for it are known, and will result in speed improvements and reduced memory. Its true - for sure - you will benefit from an increase to say - 512 / 756 or 1Gb. Am aware of costs for your setup tho, maybe worth waiting for the patches before spending the dosh - your call really.

512Mb is the lowest practical RAM (really) as they indicate in the specs for the game

Regards
Zy

 

[Zydor]

They are addressing it - but to resolve the memory issues is a very wide ranging problem, dont get done by yesterday. There have been posts from Firaxis acknowledging the problem, they are working on it

Regards
Zy

 

[Balmes Pavlov]

I simply replaced the files with the patch files from that thread you linked me to. I'm definitely seeing improved speeds, a little lag here or there but it's soo much better than before. I suppose it could go faster if I actually understand the rest of the steps. I'll look it over later but I think right now I'm hooked. I'll see you guys later tonight. Time to work on my civilization.

 

[Zydor]

Great stuff - ask the guys on the thread re specific settings recommendations for you when you get the chance. The settings do make a lot of difference, well well worth checking with them. Please post a ty to Harky on that thread - he has worked his butt off doing it for 6 weeks .....

Happy World Domination

Regards
Zy