processors

I have an old computer with only a 233MHz Intel Pentium processor with MMX. Civ 3 won't run on my computer. I was wondering if you guys could tell me how much it would cost to upgrade my processor. I barely know anything about computers, so please if you give me information try to keep it simple. Please hurry before i get to frustrated and take the game back.

 

Newer processors don't fit on your motherboard, so you need a motherboard as well, and your old memory doesn't fit on the new motherboard, so you'll need new memory as well.

Memory (128MB) ~$15
Motherboard ~$100-$125
Processor ~$75-$100

And make sure everything fits together when you buy it

Also, if you buy an AMD set you might need a new powersupply.

 

I was in your boat too although I have a 300Mhz PII, and it actually runs OK on Win2k on small worlds, I am awaiting an upgrade. Don't buy a new CPU, it's not worth it as your mobo wont support any of the newer CPUS that are worth buying. I just put together this system for $290 including $30 shipping from newegg.com:

Shuttle AK31A motherboard K7 Via Apollo KT266a $85
Crucial 256MB 2100 DDR Ram $36 (oem)
AMD T'bird 1.0gig/266Mhz FSB CPU (retail) $96 with HSF
Enlight minitower with 300W PSU $47.

I am moving over my video card and Adaptec 2940U SCSI card and my USR 56k modem. The mobo has an onboard Audio chip so I might not need my old Soundblaster 32 on it.

So, I think it's a pretty good value now that AMD has Durons and XPs out, the t'bird line seems like a good price now.. and the RAM is so cheap, I'm kind of wondering if I should of gotten 512MB of RAM...

Jay

 

I have already updated my ram it's at 160 mb, and thanks for the help.

 

has any body tried playing civ3 on a over clocked intel 233mhz MMX processor

Shaolin what happened when you tried to play

thankx
t92300

 

It just wouldn't run. The installation was fine. But when I would double click on the shortcut the Civilization III screen would come up and then nothing. If you've heard any way to play the game with a 233MHz with MMX let me know.

 

tryied overclocking

 

There might be hope for you, :crazyeyes have you tried some things like using the latest DX or changing your display adapter to 1024*768@75Hz?

It's not like Civ3 detects what CPU you have and then shuts down if it's not fast enough, y'know!

Just don't give up that quick!

 

At 800x600 it's at 75Hz, but when I change it to 1026x768 it goes down to 60Hz, How do you change that?

 

I changed the settings to 1024x768, i tried to set the rfresh rate at 75hz but it's not compatible, but thanks for the ideas.

 

Thanks for trying to help me out, but after playing around with everything, the game still won't run, and I don't have the money right now to buy a new processor. So the game will go back and I'll buy it later. It kinda feels like I've just been kicked in the balls, but thanks again for the help.

 

Have you tried over clocking your 233mhz it might work

t92300

 

The minimum requirements for the game are a PII-300mhz, Direct X 8 video card at 1024x768 in 16 bit color mode. So you shouldn't feel ripped off or anything, your PC isn't at the minimum. Also, when you see minimum requirements, I'd always double that to be safe.

 

I think your problem may lie with the intro video (Bink) and resolution. There is a way to disable the introductory Bink video, I remember reading about that somewhere, that is not difficult to perform. I think it might be in the Civ ini files. If you can bypass the video, I am sure the game will run. Also, try lowering the video resolution, as mentioned in previous posts. Good luck with this! I had the same problem long ago with Ultima 9, and once I disabled the video, the program ran fine, albeit slowly. I have since upgraded to a PIII-733, but hopefully you will not have to do this to run this program.

 

Thanks for the idea, but i already returned the game , so unless anyone else is having trouble, i suggest the monitors close this thread and save people time so they don't post any more replies.

 

No, but I have played it on an underclocked 350 AMD (forgot to set them dang jumpers). It should run just fine in 233MMX mode from what I found, just turn off the music or face some serious problems!

 

I have a Pentium 166mmx, with a Rage II+ graphics card and an old Compaq 140 14" monitor....

...and I have no problems with running the game on this spec. Yeah it's very slow, but I'm used to that!

 

Is this Civ3? Did you say 133Mhz mmx
Could please tell me how

I might get civ3 if it would work on a 233Mhz mmx

t92300

 

Actually it's a p166mmx, with 256mb ram - so that's probably why it runs.

It *is* slow - but playing on a Standard size map with 8 other civs isn't *too* bad....

So, it *is* possible, if you can put up with the delays