New computer specs

[fox456]

OK guys. I am finally getting a new computer. My favorite game is Civ 4, and C2C is my favorite mod. I haven't been able to come close to finishing a game because my computer is too old. I want to be able to play a "normal" game without CTD's due to memory problems or turns that last 3 minutes. It will be nice to have a game with more than one opponent -- LOL!

I have been reading through older threads to try to find out the optimum hardware to include in my computer. But they haven't been very thorough and may be outdated. I found this information:

Minimum System Requirements
4+ GB of RAM Recommended
1024 x 768 Resolution
256 MB Graphics Card (1GB Highly Recommended)

However, I would like your additional opinions/suggestions, especially regarding processor, video card, RAM and anything else you feel is pertinent (e.g., motherboard).

Along with the usual stuff, I use my computer to do some video editing, but I'm not into first person shooter games if that helps.

Thanks!

 

[Nimek]

4 or 8 thread processor (64 bit)
8 GB RAM
1 GB graphic memory

This is optimal i think.

 

[strategyonly]

All really depends on what you can afford.

I went almost all out when i bought the last 2 PC's, infact, right now i have 4 PC's. One an XP, then a Vista, then a Win 7, and now a Win 8.

First off i thought by buying a Win 7 it would make a difference, well actually it was a HUGE difference from XP, but now with my ATI Raedon 7970, 2 GB dedicated memory, its nothing, and lightning fast. Infact it out performs the Win 7 4700 series card, by at least 5-8 times faster.
I have a Intel 3930k, CPU@ 3.2GHz, 3201 MHz, 6 cores, 12 Logical Processors,
PCI Express 3.0, GDDR5, Memory Clock 1375 MHz, 16 GB Physical Memory, 120 GB SSD with a 2TB harddrive. BUT it would be nothing if it wasn't for being a x64 bit processor.
Mine was $2200.00, but after jewing them down to 1900, i took it.

 

[fox456]

Thanks Nimek and strategyonly. I am planning on buying the components on Thursday. Your input has helped!

@strategyonly:

Do you think there is much difference in the Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems themselves (as far as Civ game performance goes)?

 

[khh]

Do you think there is much difference in the Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems themselves (as far as Civ game performance goes)?

I'll answer, even if I'm not SO. No, not really. You probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference. You should instead base your choice on personal preference.

 

[fox456]

Thanks khh. From what I've read, Windows 7 will suit me better.

 

[Snofru1]

First off i thought by buying a Win 7 it would make a difference, well actually it was a HUGE difference from XP, but now with my ATI Raedon 7970, 2 GB dedicated memory, its nothing, and lightning fast. Infact it out performs the Win 7 4700 series card, by at least 5-8 times faster.

Do you mean that by using a better graphics card C2C runs faster?

 

[Nimek]

Note that on windows 8 there was some troubles with C2C. I dont know maybe now they are solved.

 

[strategyonly]

Do you mean that by using a better graphics card C2C runs faster?

Heck yes, like i said, from the ATI 4700 series to the 7900 series is like night and day.

Note that on windows 8 there was some troubles with C2C. I dont know maybe now they are solved.

Nope haven't resolved it yet, but i believe they plan to next year sometime, they are going to put stuff back like Win 7 was running again, but i cant be too sure, it might be a year from now though,

 

[JosEPh_II]

Do you mean that by using a better graphics card C2C runs faster?

Most definitely. 1GB minimal, 2GB recommend, and more optimal.

JosEPh

 

[MMX5000]

I would highly suggest you look into an SSD. The difference in load times is like night and day. If you cannot afford an expensive SSD, you can always buy a smaller SSD and pair it with a conventional HDD for storage. Of all the changes I made to my computer, this was probably the biggest difference I saw for C2C.

 

[strategyonly]

I would highly suggest you look into an SSD. The difference in load times is like night and day. If you cannot afford an expensive SSD, you can always buy a smaller SSD and pair it with a conventional HDD for storage. Of all the changes I made to my computer, this was probably the biggest difference I saw for C2C.

A huge heck YES!

 

[fox456]

Guys, I got my new computer. Here are the specs:

Intel 4770K processor, 3.5 GHz
256 GB SSD
2 TB HDD
8 GB RAM
ATI Raedon 7970
Windows 7

I might have gone a little overboard in spots, but I wanted to do it right. Thanks for everyone's comments.

I was wondering: Should I install ALL of Civ 4 (as well as the mods) on the SSD or should some of it go on the HDD?

 

[Azurian]

Guys, I got my new computer. Here are the specs:

Intel 4770K processor, 3.5 GHz
256 GB SSD
2 TB HDD
8 GB RAM
ATI Raedon 7970
Windows 7

I might have gone a little overboard in spots, but I wanted to do it right. Thanks for everyone's comments.

I was wondering: Should I install ALL of Civ 4 (as well as the mods) on the SSD or should some of it go on the HDD?

I would put everything of CiV4 in SSD, it shouldn't take more than 5-7 GBs for Civ 4 and C2C.

 

[fox456]

Thanks for the quick reply. I wasn't sure since my Civ 4 folder on my old computer is 14.3 GB! But then, I have several mods in there....

 

[Azurian]

Thanks for the quick reply. I wasn't sure since my Civ 4 folder on my old computer is 14.3 GB! But then, I have several mods in there....

I'm just saying, if you got a new Computer to play CIV4 then put it in SSD lol.

 

[fox456]

Amen to that! I'm installing now.

EDIT: I installed vanilla Civ 4 and when I try to test it out, the computer says that there are known compatibility issues. When I check online to resolve them, it says to go to the Firaxis game website. I didn't find any helpful information there.

Obviously, I know many people are playing Civ 4 with Windows 7. Did you guys use these instructions? http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=408537

If so, I'll need to uninstall the program and reinstall it in a "Games" folder because I just used the default of: Program Files (x86)\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 4

 

[strategyonly]

Guys, I got my new computer. Here are the specs:

Intel 4770K processor, 3.5 GHz
256 GB SSD
2 TB HDD
8 GB RAM
ATI Raedon 7970
Windows 7

I might have gone a little overboard in spots, but I wanted to do it right. Thanks for everyone's comments.

I was wondering: Should I install ALL of Civ 4 (as well as the mods) on the SSD or should some of it go on the HDD?

Fandamntastic specs

You will be a dramatic difference in what you had to this, definitely waaaaaaay faster. You will be surprised how that 7970 is super fast.

Only put everyday stuff you really don't want to be FAST on the HD, put everything else in the SSD, especially ALL games.

 

[Thunderbrd]

Amen to that! I'm installing now.

EDIT: I installed vanilla Civ 4 and when I try to test it out, the computer says that there are known compatibility issues. When I check online to resolve them, it says to go to the Firaxis game website. I didn't find any helpful information there.

Obviously, I know many people are playing Civ 4 with Windows 7. Did you guys use these instructions? http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=408537

If so, I'll need to uninstall the program and reinstall it in a "Games" folder because I just used the default of: Program Files (x86)\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 4

I'm using win 7 and put mine in the default. You'll have to run the game as an administrator though so it might be good for a c2c player to turn that on permanentlike... that's how I've got my system and I haven't had trouble.

 

[Snofru1]

You'll have to run the game as an administrator though so it might be good for a c2c player to turn that on permanentlike... that's how I've got my system and I haven't had trouble.

That´s all I did with my Win7 installation: Have Beyond the Sword permanently run as administrator and everything runs fine, no other adjustments are needed.