Ideal system to play civ 4.

[Gumbolt]

Hi all

Not posted in a few months. Not played civ 4 game lately due to memory leakage issues causing game to slow to a halt.

I was running laptop on board graphics radeon mobility 9700 128mb. with 512mb 400mhz ram p4 3.2ghz CPU 60 gb hard drive.

I need a new system to beat this memory leaking issue and slow game play.

I was considering

Core 2 duo processor e4300 or e6600 or q6600 (q6600 comes down in price 22nd July around release time of beyond the sword ))
P35 Motherboard maybe MSI. Support 1333fsb.
2-3gb ddr 667 ram
8600gts or 8800gts graphics
500 gb hard drive
dvd rw
500 watt power supply.

My question is this. What part of the old system held back game performance and caused the lag due to memory leakage and game grinding to a constant slow play. By slow i mean. Slow movement of units across the screen. scrolling of screen would be delayed when dragging mouse across screen. Battle sequence would be delayed. Everything would be slow. This would be the case around 2000bc-3000bc. Its not as though i got far into the game. I still think the warlord patch might have started these issues.

Its a great game but i need a system to play it on.

Are there any graphic issues with nvida latest chips? Is a better CPU going to help with game freezing or game speed? Is difference in memory speed going to help memory leakage. ie ddr2 533 2gb to ddr 667 2gb or ddr2 800 2gb. Whats the best point for ram on civ 4? 1gb? 2gb? 3gb? Where do you stop noticing the difference.

I thought i would get a comparison on a dell system.I managed to barter a package on dell for £441. E520 Dimension. You wont find this package on dell.co.uk I used http://www.dmxdimension.com/ and bartered up from their base e value codes from last months deals. I have not ordered this yet.


core 2 duo e4300 cpu
2gb 533 speed ram
250 gb hard drive
media accelerator 3000
22 inch wide screen monitor
windows vista home premium

I have emailed dell about adding a 8600gts to this. Although im informed there psu / motherboard wont support this by reading other forums.

So whats my best bet? Will this cheap dell system do the job? Should i go the specialised route and what changes to spec would you include?

If anyone has a system built on above spec please let me know any issues you have. I wanna play the game grrrrrrrr.

ttfn all

 

[Soneji]

No point in Quad.

Civ doesn't even used 2.

 

[Gumbolt]

dxdiag.txt- Seen a few of these reports on forum today. How do i run this?

 

[Psyringe]

Not posted in a few months. Not played civ 4 game lately due to memory leakage issues causing game to slow to a halt.

I don't think it was a memory leak - the game just *did* need lots of memory in the late game, even without a leak. But that wasn't your question, so ...

My question is this. What part of the old system held back game performance and caused the lag due to memory leakage and game grinding to a constant slow play. By slow i mean. Slow movement of units across the screen. scrolling of screen would be delayed when dragging mouse across screen. Battle sequence would be delayed. Everything would be slow. This would be the case around 2000bc-3000bc. Its not as though i got far into the game. I still think the warlord patch might have started these issues.

Most likely the memory. 512 MB is too little, although it deoends on other things too - map size, graphics details, Operating system (Windows 2000 user like me can get away with less RAM because Win2k needs less memory for itself than WinXP). I had the same issues when I ran the game on 256 MB, and all of them disappeared when I upgraded to 1 GB.

Both system you're considering should be able to even run huge maps in the late game without much lag. If you take the Dell system, you should really add a graphics card though. Civ4 doesn't need a fast graphics card, but it has lots of textures (especially in the later game), which need video memory. I wouldn't get Vista though, currently it's a resource hog and has a lot of driver and compatibility issues.

Are there any graphic issues with nvida latest chips? Is a better CPU going to help with game freezing or game speed? Is difference in memory speed going to help memory leakage. ie ddr2 533 2gb to ddr 667 2gb or ddr2 800 2gb. Whats the best point for ram on civ 4? 1gb? 2gb? 3gb? Where do you stop noticing the difference.

No nvidia graphics issues I know of. Better CPU will help reducing the time between turns, when the AI is processing. Memory *speed* is unlikely to make a noticeable difference, it's memory *size* that counts (at least for CIv4). The best point for RAM is difficult to determine, basically it's the more the better, but lately I've heard that a single application cannot access more than 2 GB of RAM anyway (unless some OS settings are changed). It would probably help if we knew what kind of games you intend to play (,ap size, number of players, which mods etc.)

 

[Gumbolt]

Okay dxdiag is a run command on Windows. Found that information elsewhere. Here is a post of my results.

 

[Gumbolt]

I mainly play civ 4/ warcraft 3/ age of empires 3/ seven kingdoms and other such games running winxp prof. screen setting 1280 by 1024 at present. I did try updating laptop to 1gb ram but i had serious compatibility issues. Tried the usual route using crucial memory tester on site.

Yes i have read vista is a memory hog. Im told it uses a huge amount of ram with the system in idle by a friend who installed it. I have read 32bit vista home premium will only use up to 4gb ram but wont use all of it. I was reading a discussion on techreprt.com website forum. Im guessing 2-3gb should do job.

I suspect Dell will not add the 8600gts to the e520 system i was quoted (on my quote) as it is the budget range.

Keep your thoughts coming.

 

[DNK]

I got a new laptop thankfully right before the switch, and it plays the game well. The onboard, but miserable, graphics card doesn't have problems with the game really, although I've set the graphics to low quality (but kept animations, etc, just the textures got bumped down). Still, I play at 1280x800 just fine on standard and large maps. I got 2GB RAM and a 2GHz Core2Duo processor, I think. My older computer had a 6800ultra and a 2.4GHz old AMD with 1 GB and plays the late game considerably slower (grinding halt comes to mind). So I assume the real issue is in the processor/memory combo, not the graphics, and as I stated just about any run of the mill graphics chip should manage the game fine, although nicer textures would be a plus...

 

[T.A JONES]

Hi all



My question is this. What part of the old system held back game performance and caused the lag due to memory leakage and game grinding to a constant slow play.

Yes Sorry but your 32 bit processer is quite a lil panzy ass --up against CIv4 HUGE maps or any LARGE late game that is.

Other games your rig would rock the house but CIv4 was flawed in design. Please spend more money and come again. I rec a used single core 3.2 64 bit Athlon X2 or better FX!. With only 1 gi of ram and the rest coming from a 256 V card.

When you have 64bit you don't need silly amounts of ram, whats the point when 32bit lets bottlenecks halt things halfway?

This model could come to you rather cheaply and perfom better then new expensive dualcore. the myth revealed with most dual cores? they will run a dvd and a few other services, while your still waiting for your turn on huge maps. You have to convet them to single core to maximise strengh anyway so whats the point. ANy single core can multi task just as good when Civ4s' flawed software isn';t rippin it up. So if you can save money that way(skip fancy dual pitch) go for it

 

[Gumbolt]

I tried playing civ 3 lately. Even that was not as fast as i would like although not as nearly as bad as civ 4 play was. I think my problems lie with lack of memory and perhaps lacking a more powerful cpu. Having a good graphics card wont harm me for newer games.

Still a big decision on xp or vista home premium. Familiarity vs the unknown void that could hold compatibility issues with drivers and old software. I do think civ 4 should work on vista though.

Did anyone read the dxdiag report?

I will keep you posted on what i do and how the system performs.

 

[Gumbolt]

Other games your rig would rock the house but CIv4 was flawed in design. Please spend more money and come again. I rec a used single core 3.2 64 bit Athlon X2 or better FX!. With only 1 gi of ram and the rest coming from a 256 V card.

I agree the pentiun 4 chip was a poor chip. I was waiting for AMD new AM2+ (Agena) chips this October before upgrading. Having read the news from Computex 2007 trade show (ran last week) it doesnt sound like it will be out by Christmas with all the delays. New civ 4 add on game in July. Im not waiting for 5 months. Even if the new Agena AM2+ chips can slot in a AM2 board with just a bios upgrade.

Dont get me wrong AMD did a great job on the dual core X2 chips. They are now dirt cheap and going cheaper on July 9th so various tech news sites say.

http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/search.aspx?q=x2

£130 can buy you a 3ghz x2 6000. About £140 gets you the e6600 2.4ghz intel chip. I just think Intel chips have the edge at mo in terms of performance. Although price/performance is another matter and AMD may win there in the budget market.

I cut corners on performance on my last upgrade. I wont make that mistake again.

 

[GVBN]

Are there any graphic issues with nvida latest chips? Is a better CPU going to help with game freezing or game speed? Is difference in memory speed going to help memory leakage. ie ddr2 533 2gb to ddr 667 2gb or ddr2 800 2gb. Whats the best point for ram on civ 4? 1gb? 2gb? 3gb? Where do you stop noticing the difference.

I think I have read about some issues with Geforce 8 series but I'm not sure

Don't bother with quad core processors (expensive and civ4 doesn't support multithreading) or E6300 (obsolete, get E6320 instead)

RAM frequency shouldn't have any noticeable differences. 667mhz is enough

2gb is enough

P35 Motherboard maybe MSI. Support 1333fsb.

Get ASUS P5K
http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=11&l3=534&l4=0&model=1637&modelmenu=1

 

[Gumbolt]

I think the way my laptop is going my choice of processors will be limited anyway. I think the Asus mb looks good. It did well on the p965 chipset.

Might get a system through Komplett. They have a good configure engine and you get the parts you want and easier upgrade options. They dont throw in freebies and monitors so cheaply. Getting a quote from a local firm too. Probably wont be competitive. Some of the part prices quoted wernt so cheap over phone.

I was playing a video on pc last night. Tried to load a second video on top of it. The system almost slowed to a lagging halt. After closing both windows and restarting the film the movie was playing in slow mode for no reason.

Had the same issue with firefox a week ago. (only had 1-2 windows open) The browser freezed on loading webpages. Looking at task manager it showed progs like msn, yahoo, firefox using nearly 100% of cpu with system almost idle. This is on a 8mb broadband speed. Websites should load in seconds. Bit bizarre as i only had 23 or so processes running. I had scanned for spyware and viruses. Checked msconfig for progs in startup.

I would add this problem started a week or so ago and i have not tried civ 4 since this.

I will let you know what i purchase in next few weeks.

 

[Gumbolt]

I have had a call back from Dell.

New offer.
dell 9200 dinmension
375 watt psu
E6600 Intel CPU
2gb 667 mhz ram.
p965 mboard
8600gts Nvida graphics
22 inch monitor
500gb hard drive
Windows Vista Home premium
Price 719 including monitor. I may yet get 5% off this if i order two systems

The guy started at £825 with a 20 inch monitor (special deal). He then agreed £725 without a monitor after talking to his manager agreeing another special deal. (i did laugh)

I then mentioned the Evalue code i found online. offering similar system with 20 inch monitor at 719 with vista business. He initially said that price didnt include vat or shipping but soon changed his mind.

He then agreed £699 with vista home premium and 500gb Hard drive and a 20 inch monitor. (Did he just offer me a monitor free of charge and a lower price?)

By end of conversation he agreed to upgrade to 22 inch monitor for £20ish. Thats all around £720 including shipping and vat.

Not yet had quote in email. Im informed the E520 model only has a 305watt psu and cant take above x1300 graphics. I think the quote will be competitive.

Your thoughts?

 

[Gumbolt]

Latest update.

My friend has now hijacked this deal and is ordering a system too. He has bartered deal to 4gb ram on each system and firewire support. Price per system is now £800. Thats another £23 argued off each system. Based on upgrade costs on site. So 71 quid for firewire and 2gb ram.

I think the 2 system will be ordered tomorrow pending any other issues. I cannot find a cheaper spec system anywhere on web so far in UK.

 

[T.A JONES]

I have had a call back from Dell.

New offer.
dell 9200 dinmension
375 watt psu
E6600 Intel CPU
2gb 667 mhz ram.
p965 mboard
8600gts Nvida graphics
22 inch monitor
500gb hard drive
Windows Vista Home premium

Hi man. Good to see your doing some shrewd deals. My old system was Dell Dimension 4500 2.0 Ghz 768 ram. V card 128mb 9550 Radeon. My bro works for Company lisenced for sale and service of their products. He pounded out the sale n still acts as service rep for huge logging mill up here (North Ontario) He gets awesome deals! I could've gotcha the hook up man !
Oh well, you've done good anyways Im sure and mine was a very good system for its time I bet yours will be awesome. Without havin to call him, Id like to know how far they evolved and Im not with the lingo anymore. (I have labour job )

Can you tell me how to translate processor power in amount of Ghz like what its rates in Ghz and bit strengh (how they used to be catigorized).
I don't see that anywhere!. I see things like watts and figure all that says is whether plugging in to some home recepticals is not a good idea any more

Thanks It used to be so easy for me but the new processors are divided into so many ways for upgrades. I think its cuz they knew they coudn't keep up with the same pace of general advancment (or didn't want to) and so they broke it down by upgrading new features they indroduced, taking turns upgrading these parts while holding others steady to slow the advance but still sound like things are advancing steadily like before. Truth mybe some of the upgrades arn't so neccesary anymore.

Anyway ya that lil bit if you can explain will make it a lot easier to decipher whats what these days

 

[GoodGame]

512mb is too light. I don't use laptops, but at least 2GB would be the way to go . No experience with 64bit chips.

You can disable the auto-save (Ctrl+shift+S or Ctrl+alt+s I forget which). That should help some.

EDIT: Is Civ4 Vista compatible?

 

[GVBN]

Can you tell me how to translate processor power in amount of Ghz like what its rates in Ghz and bit strengh

E6600 runs at 2.4Ghz

 

[T.A JONES]

E6600 runs at 2.4Ghz

Great thanks!
Thats not bad for a laptop (means really good if you heard my tone). I wonder what Dells highest Ghz processor is for desktop single core these days-I may just do the search. IM thinkin aT least there you could bang around a 64 bit. I guess some like the portablility though especially since they fixed the glare problem receantly

 

[GVBN]

Great thanks!
Thats not bad for a laptop (means really good if you heard my tone).

He's buying a desktop

I wonder what Dells highest Ghz processor is for desktop single core these days-I may just do the search.

Most likely nothing, single core processors are obsolete "these days" and just about every new desktop computer has a dual core cpu

 

[T.A JONES]

Thats strange why would they quit making single core but still make 2.8 Ghz for dual cores desktops? Isn't that kinda tame for todays standards?

64 bit gave me by far the best performance with Civ3 Mega huge. It broke throe a baririer I though was there for ever. This computer I use, It came with only 512mb and Ive had no need to upgrade more The processor drives this baby to perfection in turn times no lag, where everyone else says they have to read books just to get by on( 200x200 and up).

I coudn't see anywhere on his specs sheet that say if he has 32bit or 64bit . I mean isn't that the only thing that matters when you investing in a new system? Ram is cheap and easy to toss on anything! and with Civ4 t it solves nothing for huge maps anyway. Bottlenecks will occur when the processor isn't super sized

I figure 2.8 dosn't cut it and dual core dosn't do anything to help so THis example has to a 64. I just can't see where he states that.

btw thanks for info pertaining to all this receantly. I guess I won't sound like such a noob talkin shop with my bro when I decide to get a second system for my camp this summer