Stupid CPU Question

[Tariq]

Hey, this question may sound somewhat dumb, but I am going to ask it anyways cause I don't know the answer. My computer is 2 1/2 years old. I recently loaded CIV 3 and it runs fine. The problem is that it is very, very slow.

What can I do to remedy this? Memory isn't a problem, I don't believe.

Thanks

 

[CornMaster]

Well....First answer a few questions.

What OS are you using? (What version of windows)
What version of Directx?
How much memory?
Type and speed of processor?
HDD space?

If you don't know that...what model or type of system do you have?

 

[Tariq]

How do I apply the maps that people have offered in the creation forum? Do I add the map file to the scenario file in the game?

Thanks.

 

[Tariq]

I will have to wait until I go home Friday to figure out everything. I know I downloaded the DirectX that the game offered when I installed it. Windows 95 is what I am running. I will post when I find out more. Thanks for your help.

 

[catullus]

You know there are no stupid questions.
Just stupid people.

Haven't installed civ3 yet myself, but all home/budget PCs bought 2 1/2 years ago lack RAM. All of them. Add it now, you get 512MB quite cheap these days, although W95 might not be able to take full advantage of that much.

I would suggest an upgrade to Win98 Second Edition. Don't know if it's still possible to buy that, but it should not be impossible to borrow a copy. Best practice would be to do a full fdisk, format and install, not just upgrade. If you dare.

A third good option is to get a new video card, at least if it's stuff like map drawing/movement that is slow. Most non-custom PCs came with horrible video cards some years ago, low on video RAM, with terrible frame rates. For such an old PC, I wouldn't spend much, though. Buy the cheapest you can find, just be sure it has at least 8MB RAM. Newer PCs should have 64MB video RAM.

Answers to CornMaster's question would surely help finding a solution.

C.

 

[mage]

Originally posted by Tariq
Hey, this question may sound somewhat dumb, but I am going to ask it anyways cause I don't know the answer. My computer is 2 1/2 years old. I recently loaded CIV 3 and it runs fine. The problem is that it is very, very slow

CIV3 is a graphics-heavy game..translation-needs lottsa RAM.
It can be alleviated by increasing the memory on your video card.
Increasing HDD space to add more virtual memory. You could also try upgrading a processor..

The beauty of CIV3 is it's not real-time strategy, so you can afford the wait..

Hope i helped some way.

 

[damunzy]

Even if you only upgrade to Win98SE you will probably need new hardware. If you are not goign to get new hardware then stick with Win95 but try to get the RAM up to 128 (I believe this is the max 95 can effectively use, anymore and it could slow the computer down. 98 can handle more). If you are going to upgrade your hardware or even your whole system I would suggest a more stable OS than 9x. Go for 2k(ah, it can be found for free to cheap is you look hard enough) if you are upgrading the system yourself or XP if you are buying a new system. You will be amazed when your system goesfor days without crashing. I still have minor problems with CD-Burning and XP, but that is the only time my system has crashed.