The Giga Wars

[SantaFebuff]

Okay, I have Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 32-Bit. I installed TRS2006 + SP1 with that not knowing I only have 1GB of RAM! So, I would have Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 fighting Trainz in "The Giga Wars", obviously my Trainz experience suffers a bit. For that reason, I've searched down 1 more GB for my computer. Since Compaq says it can only take 2GB. :hehe: Werid, since the computer has 2 ports for memory, but hey, we didn't get any of the extra upgrades with it so that might have an impact. So 1GB add-on it is. For $29.99+tax.

Would this help my gaming experience? I used to load CSX Saginaw Sub, and without doing a thing, it would be a slideshow, very poor FPS.

Here are my specs:

Graphics: Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family <Integrated>
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium SP1
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) D 915
CPU: 2.80GHz
Memory RAM: 1.00 GB (MAX: 2 GB; Speed: PC2-5300 MB/sec)
System Type: 32-Bit
Modem: 56K bps date/fax modem
Computer: Compaq Presario SR5233WM Desktop PC
Full Memory: 250GB

Cheers,
Joshua

 

[cascaderailroad]

A factory video card can make Trainz stutter, especially on a Vista 1Gb PC...an $80+ Nvidia Video card, or the likes, will help, somewhat.

Trainz runs fairly well on a 1Gb Vista laptop...but it does stutter alot.

You can add Ram boards easily to a desktop PC.

 

[EdrickV]

According to specs online, your motherboard should be able to accept a PCI-Express video card, so that's something you should think about. Upgrading the memory and the video card could both provide better performance. The graphics card might provide a bigger boost, but upgrading both would be better. That system is old enough you don't need a top of the line video card, but the better the video card the less likely you'd need to replace it if you do a major upgrade in the not too distant future. However you should check your power supply rating before any video card upgrades. PSUs that come with off the shelf systems may not provide enough power for high end video cards. (Even older high end video cards.)

Not sure exactly how the ratings go with the 2xx series of Nvidia cards, (though I assume higher is still better) but with the older cards the last 3 numbers determine the performance level of the card within that generation. (So a 7600 is a 7 series x600 which is a midrange card. The x800's were the high end cards.)

 

[SantaFebuff]

So, would this work with my computer?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4111742&CatId=1558

I want to know what I need to know in order to make judgement calls on the best I can get for my setup. You said power may be a problem. Would this be something I would adjust with the computer power management, or the actual power outlet or the red switch on the back of the CPU?

I am new to this, but I am determined to learn.

Cheers,
Joshua

 

[Gandalf0444]

So, would this work with my computer?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4111742&CatId=1558

I want to know what I need to know in order to make judgement calls on the best I can get for my setup. You said power may be a problem. Would this be something I would adjust with the computer power management, or the actual power outlet or the red switch on the back of the CPU?

I am new to this, but I am determined to learn.

Cheers,
Joshua

You would need to swap out the old PSU with a new one of more power, so it can give out the amount of power the card needs, along with the rest of the system.

 

[SantaFebuff]

Well, that's said and done.

But a new issue...

All of my memory banks are taken! However, if they both equal 1 GB together, I don't know what's going on! Is there a way I can find out how much current RAM is on my computer?

Cheers,
Joshua

EDIT: We ran into a problem. The system is telling me it only has 1 GB currently installed...to get my needed to 2 GB will cost TWO new memory cards...$60.00 + Tax...which I DON'T have.

 

[Gandalf0444]

Well, that's said and done.

But a new issue...

All of my memory banks are taken! However, if they both equal 1 GB together, I don't know what's going on! Is there a way I can find out how much current RAM is on my computer?

Cheers,
Joshua

EDIT: We ran into a problem. The system is telling me it only has 1 GB currently installed...to get my needed to 2 GB will cost TWO new memory cards...$60.00 + Tax...which I DON'T have.

Well then you are stuck. Because you need two 1 gig modules.. However that extra gig is very worth the money. Although I understand the money issue as I am in the same boat...but was lucky enough to be able to get my extra gig.

 

[SantaFebuff]

Okay, I have a solution. A professional guy on HP Forums gave me this link for a graphics card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131171

What scares the crap out of me is the product...ATI. Now, I'm not considering that, but instead, a nVidia GeForce GT 220.

As for memory, he gave me this suggestion, which should be better. It's a great suggestion, so I'm thinking about it. It'll save about $10.00s, which is a lot.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148163

As for finding the GeForce GT 250, I'm looking around on Newegg.com

Cheers,
Joshua

 

[saintjimmy]

Well, you shouldn't be scared of ATI, as many here use ATI graphics cards and they work perfectly with Trainz (as is my case). Personally, I like their drivers, and my 4850's performance is great for what I paid for it ($120). Besides, the ATI 4670 is faster than the GT 220.

EDIT: You could even look at this 4670, which is $10 cheaper, and includes a large quiet fan: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102854

 

[johnwhelan]

The ATI card needs less power than the equivalent nVidia card due to the construction and power is an issue here so I'd be happy with the ATI card as well. The crucial memory would be a good choice as well.

Cheerio John

 

[geoffwilliams]

Okay, I have a solution. A professional guy on HP Forums gave me this link for a graphics card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131171

What scares the crap out of me is the product...ATI. Now, I'm not considering that, but instead, a nVidia GeForce GT 220.

As for memory, he gave me this suggestion, which should be better. It's a great suggestion, so I'm thinking about it. It'll save about $10.00s, which is a lot.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148163

As for finding the GeForce GT 250, I'm looking around on Newegg.com

Cheers,
Joshua

You do right to keep clear of ATI cards, I have only ever had the one that I have now and it doesn't work well with Trainz at all. Problems with ATI cards are well documented on these forums, an emergency patch had to be put out for TS2010 because some ATI cards (including mine) couldn't render SpeedTrees.

On a more positive note, I have never ever had a any problem with nVidia cards when running Windows. Once had a problem on Linux but this was cured by installing older drivers. My ATI card won't even work with Linux,and as far as I can see there are no plans to rectify this.

If you really must go ATI lookout for mine on e-bay
Geoff

 

[johnwhelan]

You do right to keep clear of ATI cards, I have only ever had the one that I have now and it doesn't work well with Trainz at all. Problems with ATI cards are well documented on these forums, an emergency patch had to be put out for TS2010 because some ATI cards (including mine) couldn't render SpeedTrees.

On a more positive note, I have never ever had a any problem with nVidia cards when running Windows. Once had a problem on Linux but this was cured by installing older drivers. My ATI card won't even work with Linux,and as far as I can see there are no plans to rectify this.

If you really must go ATI lookout for mine on e-bay
Geoff

So you're saying that because there was a problem with speedtree and ATI cards that has been rectified you shouldn't buy an ATI card, seems a bit extreme but there again my ATI card is running quite nicely with TS2010 and speedtree.

Do be aware that nVidia does not have a directx 11 solution at the moment and in general their cards need more power than the equivalent ATI card. At the moment I think even tomshardware has them as the most powerful cards available.

There is a general problem with Linux and graphic cards and its the open source side of things, companies do not want to release their driver code as this may give competitors an advantage. Hence only the out of date more limited drivers are available. Don't look to Linux for high performance video card drivers.

Do send me an email when you put your ATI card up on ebay, I might well be in the market for one, especially if it's a reasonably modern one.

Thanks

Cheerio John

 

[SantaFebuff]

So you're saying that because there was a problem with speedtree and ATI cards that has been rectified you shouldn't buy an ATI card, seems a bit extreme but there again my ATI card is running quite nicely with TS2010 and speedtree.

Do be aware that nVidia does not have a directx 11 solution at the moment and in general their cards need more power than the equivalent ATI card. At the moment I think even tomshardware has them as the most powerful cards available.

There is a general problem with Linux and graphic cards and its the open source side of things, companies do not want to release their driver code as this may give competitors an advantage. Hence only the out of date more limited drivers are available. Don't look to Linux for high performance video card drivers.

Do send me an email when you put your ATI card up on ebay, I might well be in the market for one, especially if it's a reasonably modern one.

Thanks

Cheerio John

Well, I need to know what effects may happen with TRS2006 + SP1, because I don't have 2010; however, it may be something to consider. I appreciate your views with ATI Cards, including Linux. I don't think I would use Linux anyway.

Cheers,
Joshua

 

[geoffwilliams]

Well, I need to know what effects may happen with TRS2006 + SP1, because I don't have 2010; however, it may be something to consider. I appreciate your views with ATI Cards, including Linux. I don't think I would use Linux anyway.

Cheers,
Joshua

Hi Joshua
If you do a search on the forums the answer is pretty conclusive for all versions of Trainz.
ATI cards give a lot of problems, nVidia don't seem to give any.
nVidia cards are well supported for linux (not open source at all but proprietry drivers) ATI cards are not. Since Linux is rapidly becoming a serious rival to Windows, and since it will run Trainz, you may wish to consider it in the future, it's getting better all the time and its free.
TRS2006 is actually the version which runs best on Linux, in DirectX mode with nVidia cards.

Regardless of the hype here, I have a fairly recent Dell Quad Core System with an ATI Radeon HD3870 X2 card. Whilst I have no problems with most software it is absolute crap for running any version of Trainz. And with TS2010, along with others here, I've found that the emergency patch has still not cured the SpeedTree problems, yes they render now but try moving, rotating or deleting them..... No problems on either of my systems with nVidia cards though.
Hope this helps
Geoff

 

[SantaFebuff]

Well, I think I'm going to have to go for the ATI card. It turns out my power supply can support the nVidia card, but it can support the ATI card. I don't have the money for a new power supply.

Cheers,
Joshua

 

[SantaFebuff]

Well, you shouldn't be scared of ATI, as many here use ATI graphics cards and they work perfectly with Trainz (as is my case). Personally, I like their drivers, and my 4850's performance is great for what I paid for it ($120). Besides, the ATI 4670 is faster than the GT 220.

EDIT: You could even look at this 4670, which is $10 cheaper, and includes a large quiet fan: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102854

I found something better, MSI makes it cheaper:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127448&ATT=14-127-448&CMP=AFC-C8Junction

Cheers,
Joshua