Stupid Computer Illiterate question

[wurm657]

I am in need of help...
I spoke with a rep at 2K and was told my computer was not properly running CIV IV because:
1.) I have a Nvidia Geforce2 MX 400 card, according to the person at 2K this is a lower functioning card than a GeForce2
2.) My computer runs sound with SB Live! Wave device and will not support the game. (I checked some other games I've played on my machine and some of them required a DirectX8.1 compatable sound card and they worked)

The game generally runs choppy, but I did kind of expect that. My game is locking up and crashing during "Wonders" movies starting around mid-game (the farther into the game the worse the quality of the movies). I have no sound problems other than during those crashes, in fact the sound is pretty cool.
Other problems I'm having all seem to jive up with what others are reporting and seem to be the kinds of things the Patches are working on.
I do know enough about computers to realize I'm at the very edge of the low end of the specs, but I am not knowledgeable enough to determine if what the 2K rep told me is correct.
Can anyone out there help?
Do I really now own a $50 coaster, or will I be ale to play the game?

 

[GIO888]

Run single units, set all graphics to low and disable wonder movies.

And save your gold for a new Puter!

 

[wurm657]

Thanks GIDS888!
Next stupid question: how do I disable those Wonder Movies? (I really am showing my lack of knowledge here)
Also, would adjusting my Virtual Memory settings before re-installing the game be a good idea? I've seen a lot of posts reguarding optimizing Virtual Memory settings in other threads.
As for a new computer: I don't even own this one!

 

[robaughjr]

Thanks GIDS888!
Next stupid question: how do I disable those Wonder Movies? (I really am showing my lack of knowledge here)
Also, would adjusting my Virtual Memory settings before re-installing the game be a good idea? I've seen a lot of posts reguarding optimizing Virtual Memory settings in other threads.
As for a new computer: I don't even own this one!

1) Go to the civ4.ini file (my docs>my games>civ4) look for a line that says "Set to 1 for no in-game movies
NoMovies = 0" change 0 to 1 and save.
2) Yes, set your minimum and makimum to the highest allowed settings, the game uses a bunch of your pf and will crash when it runs out of room.

 

[wurm657]

Geeze,
How cool are you guys!
Thanks a bunch robaughjr!

 

[robaughjr]

No problem, happy gaming

 

[wurm657]

One last question...
Would it be a good idea for me to empty the game cache on a regular basis?

 

[Zanmato]

I would only do it if I've changed a setting somewhere. I think holding down the 'shift' key when you launch it does the same, it does something anyway with the XML.

 

[Akhenaton]

1.) I have a Nvidia Geforce2 MX 400 card, according to the person at 2K this is a lower functioning card than a GeForce2

This catched my eye, because there is no such thing as "GeForce 2", never was. The first GeForce card after GeForce 256 (NV10) based on the NV15 core was GeForce 2 GTS.

The MSR states "GeForce 2 or better", not "GeForce 2 GTS or better". That means including GeForce 2 MX series down to GeForce 2 MX200 meets the MSR. If the support gives you different answers that 2K Games websites, then obviously either the support is wrong or there is false advertising going on.

 

[wurm657]

Well,
I have been running the game now for a few days with no problems as far as crashes or other serious errors. The graphics are choppy at their best, but I am playing up to 2 1/2 hrs at a time.
The card itself is identified by my system as a GeForce 2 MX/MX400.
I agree that there is a bit of mis-leading, if not false, advertising going on as the minimum specs listed for the game are about enough to load it and have it tell you that there is a problem.
To me, the entire thing looks as if it was all based on marketing decisions...get the game out for the '05 Holiday season, get it out in time to make all the Magazine's "Best of 2005" lists (wouldn't it be great if the reviewers tried playing games on machines that aren't top-of-the-line, latest generation, supported by a technical team computers?), and have a "Game of the Year" edition out and an expansion being talked about just in time to compete with Galactic Civilizations II.
I just purchased the game last week. I, literally; have taken a self-guided "crash course" in the inner workings of my computer just to get the game to play. I really have no right to complain because; as I said, I've managed to get the game running without crashing...but I really feel for those others who bought the game last year for above spec systems and STILL can't play.
I feel that even after the patches, the game at this point just barely reaches the level of a Beta version. Of course there is no way to foresee every possible problem on every available system...but judging by what I've been reading, the Developers didn't even try.
As always, if you are looking for technical advice come here to the community...you won't get correct info from the help lines.
It would be a real gesture of good faith on the part of 2K and Firaxis if, when the patches get the game working as advertised, we were all treated to some free gameplay enhancements like another Civ or two or some such.
(BTW: anyone else sick of posts from Guerilla Marketers obvioulsy working for the company telling everyone how wrong they are to complain or make any noise? )