Upgrading for Civ4

[Custodian]

I've a four-year-old PC and it is underpowered for Civ4.

As a result it I probably need to upgrade or replace my PC.

Can anyone recommend how I can get a print-out of my machine's specification, work out what I need to upgrade and then work out whether an upgrading is possible? Any chance that someone knows of freeware that might hep me work through this.

The alternative is to replace the core box.

My degree is in Computer Science but I'm not one who studies the bleeding edge of PC components.

Guy

 

[Zanmato]

I guess the easiest way would be to post a DxDiag log. Goto 'Start' > 'Run...' > Type 'dxdiag' then 'save all info'. Then find the text file generated and attach it to your next post.

 

[Custodian]

OK, I've read through and attatched the file.

According to the recommmended system requirements I have the right chip, enough memory but not enough memory on the video card.

I've already upgraded the video card driver and this did allow me to see the city annotation, allowing me to find out more easily then names of enemy cities. However it looks like I'll need a new video card at the very least.

Can anyone recommend a video card that works well with Civ4 and would probably work ok with my system?

Guy

 

[automator]

What graphics interface do you have? (PCI, PCI-E, ATG ?)

I'm running a similar computer, but with a slightly faster processor and half the RAM, and I'm doing just great with a Radeon 9250 256MB vid card.

 

[Zanmato]

The system look good apart from the video card. I would go with a GeForce 6 or higher either 128 or 256mb VRAM (personally I choose the 256 option) if you want to stick with nvidia. A 6600 would be a good card to get in my opinion. At least, that way you can use the latest driver v81.98 which has better support for DX9.

 

[tekjunkie]

sounds like u have an integrated AGP chip. and probably with no AGP slot. i would try a cheap mobo and processor from newegg.com amd preferded, and a ok vid card, 6600 or greater or ati x700pro. u can get all that for $800 or less.

 

[Russe]

sounds like u have an integrated AGP chip. and probably with no AGP slot

Geforce 2MX is not an integrated video card so there is an AGP slot and it is possible to upgrade video card easily. However, CPU is slow and there is no point of buying fast video card. Personally i would recommend Radeon 9550 or Geforce 6200 128MB. You will be able to play the game, but performance wont be very good ( especially on larger maps ) because of the slow CPU.

 

[Custodian]

I have been getting quite slow performance and with my tendency to play larger maps it certainly gets quite noticeable at the later stages of the game. Given my system's ample memory I guess it probably is the CPU.

If I was to bite the bullet and buy a new PC, what specification is the REAL recommended spec for Civ4?

At the end of the day I may not upgrade as Civ4 is really a means to keep my mind active and is definitely not an end in itself. However if there is a simple, cost-effective upgrade I'll seek it out.

Guy

 

[Russe]

If I was to bite the bullet and buy a new PC, what specification is the REAL recommended spec for Civ4?

REAL? Something like Athlon 64 3500+ or higher + 1GB ( or more...) of RAM + something like Radeon X800GTO or Geforce 6800GS.