Graphic Scaleback Tools for slower computers?

[Arithmomaniac]

Are there any mods, scripts, or other such options that reduce the graphics quality BEYOND what you can do without any extra tinkering? Are there any threads that have already discussed this?

I bought Civ 4 a month ago to run on my Presario 2200 (1.4 GHz Centrino M, 64 MB Intel® 82852/82855 graphics (half shared), 448 MB non-shared regular memory) and the game performs about as well as internet lag, even when I turn off the rest of the options on my computer. I don't want to sell the game back to a store and lose $10-20, and I can't afford to upgrade my computer.

Any ideas?

 

[auldian]

CivScale may be a tool that will help.
Implement any of the applicable bullet points in the Fix-It List sticky as well.

 

[Arithmomaniac]

Thanks.

By the way, for future posters, the tech specs were meant to illustrate the problem. Please don't try to use them to solve the problem - I'm looking for software solutions.

 

[netbjarne]

the blue marble mod actually helped a bit on performance on my 1500 mhz celeron notebook with intel "graphics" - especially when zooming out to world view ...

 

[crunch]

I've got a laptop with the same specs. Are you sure you've used up all the "tinkering" already included in the game options and ini file? E.g.:
NoIntroMovie = 1
PlayMusic = 0
AllowScreenShots = 0
EnableVoice = 0
SetMaxFrameRate = 60
NoTechSplash = 1
NoMovies = 1
AudioEnable = 0

1024 x 768; 0; low low low
low res textures, animations frozen, single unit graphics, no combat zoom, effects disabled; no movies

Another idea would be to get a nocd crack.

But back to your questions: I don't know such mods

 

[Arithmomaniac]

Thanks. Right now, I'm actually reinstalling the game so I can reset my INI file.

For future posters, CivScale does not help significantly.

Are there any other tweakable INI settings? And where would I get a No CD Crack?

 

[crunch]

1. this is not the place to talk about where to get a no cd crack, sorry
2. afaik for 1.61 it is not yet available

 

[auldian]

Thanks. Right now, I'm actually reinstalling the game so I can reset my INI file.

You can delete the the *.ini and *.ini.bak in the \my games\Civ folder safely. The game will create new default *.ini files the next time it's run. Sometimes, of course, a reinstall is best.
Obsolete data can be stored in the Sid Meier's Civilization 4\cache folder, a hidden folder in c:\documents and settings\ ... It's probably prudent to be certain this is emptied or deleted now and then, if troubleshooting is necessary. The program will always recreate this when run again.
There will be a point where you can't "lean" out the settings further. To keep the game playable, some suggest smaller maps and fewer opponents. You can still have a challenging distraction for a good few hours at a crack that way.
Be well.

 

[Arithmomaniac]

1. this is not the place to talk about where to get a no cd crack, sorry
2. afaik for 1.61 it is not yet available

Thanks.

Also, does the CivI terrain mod help?

Soon, I think I have enough tips that I will be able to run the game even though my videocard is not compatible. However, I'd like to keep this thread open after that for future users, and I will come back with reviews of each option and more questions, if I ahve public support.

Thanks,
Arithmomaniac