Flickering trees

[k_moore61]

I am having problems with flickering trees in my display, which seem to be getting worse as I advance in the campaigns (perhaps because the maps are getting larger?) I don't know. I haven't experienced any play problems, as far as I know--just the display issues.

I know that my system is marginal, especially the video card. I did try updating the video driver. I am playing on the lowest settings. Any advice about this problem would be really helpful--even if the advice is to update/replace various elements.

I am not particularly computer savvy, so reading the list of requirements has confused me and I don't know if I have some obvious deficiency or not.

I'm attaching my dxdiag file.

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.
Kerry

[kguda]

curious as to whether the flickering occurs when u r zooming in and out or is there normally?? also whether tress in the far end or near end flicker??

[kguda]

also, did u try adjusting ingame advanced graphic settings??

[k_moore61]

Hi--

The trees are located in all areas of the map, although it isn't 100% of all trees-- certain clumps flicker, and others don't. They flicker constantly, even when I'm not doing anything at all. They do stop when I'm in the process of going to the advisors or the empire screen.

I went to the settings page, and made sure that everything was at the lowest setting (in most cases, I didn't have any other options anyway, but if there was an option, I set it lowest.) I didn't click on any sort of advanced setting, though, as far as I know. Are there settings beyond the usual screen?

Thanks--
Kerry

[Gard]

I've noticed the trees flickering as well. The only way I've found to solve it so far is to alt-tab out to cause it to minimize and then maximize it again, which refreshes the screen and gets rid of the flickering, at least for a while. :)

[Manni]

Hello k_moore61,

Your dxdiag says that you are using ATI-Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6614 which is Catalyst 6.5

Download Catalyst 6.9 from ATI. When installed it shows 6.14.0010.6635 in dxdiag

Use the CATALYST-Uninstaller from ATI to make it a clean change.

Best o`luck. :)

[k_moore61]

Hi, Manni--

Thanks for the response. When I go to the ATI site, it tells me that the Catalyst 6.9 doesn't support my Radeon 9250 card, and sends me to the 6.5 driver. I guess that's the highest I can go with that card.

Thanks, though!
Kerry

[Keith]

Right, 6.5 is the highest supporing the 9250.

Be sure to follow ATI's instructions on how to install:

https://support.ati.com/ics/support/KBAnswer.asp?questionID=20561

[k_moore61]

Hi, Keith--

When I click on the link in your reply, it takes me to something which says that the session has expired, or some such thing. I did print out the directions for completely removing drivers, but I feel really nervous--I can't find the driver (ATI Radeon) listed on my add/remove programs list, and the catalyst uninstaller says it will remove all ATI software from my system. I'm afraid I'll do it, and the screen will go black! Is that really what I want to do?

I've turned all settings down to the minimum, and it hasn't made any difference to the flickering of the trees--but now the game is so ugly, I don't even want to play it. Is there anything else wrong with my system for this game? (see dxdiag on my initial post in this thread) Otherwise, I'm thinking a new video card might be best.

thanks in advance for your time--

Kerry
Kerry

[statew]

Hi, I came here with the same problem, flickering trees and a little darker ground area than the screen shots I've seen. Oddly enough I have the exact same vid card. You can update the driver but it won't do ya any good, I've tried everything.:( If you do figure out a fix, please let me know.

[Cælic Finnum]

Jimaaten has it also
http://www.tiltedmill.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9635

[Manni]

I feel really nervous--I can't find the driver (ATI Radeon) listed on my add/remove programs list, and the catalyst uninstaller says it will remove all ATI software from my system. I'm afraid I'll do it, and the screen will go black! Is that really what I want to do?

I can understand you beeing nervous with this driver-changing-stuff.
I was happy when some friend sat next to me and told/showed me.

But as Keith mentioned.......you can`t really use another driver than the Catalyst 6.5 for your card.
You have the 6.5 in NOW so there is no need for changing.

To give you confidence:

Using the ATI-Uninstaller will NOT leave you with a "black nothing". There is still the VGA-driver in so when you reboot you are in "safe-mode"....it is the mode when "all looks "half-finished"......sort of "emergency-view". :)

As you said yourself............best would be a new card.
If you do.......don`t forget to check your motherboard which sort of card it can take and if your present power-pack is strong enough for the new card.

[Manni]

I have the same problem with my Radeon 9200se

The Radeon 9200SE does only support DirectX 8,1

The game needs directX 9.0

Sorry Cælic Finnum

[k_moore61]

Thank you, Manni, and everyone for your input. After reading Manni's reassurance, I did uninstall and reinstall, in case my previous install had been flawed due to just installing over the old drivers. However, it didn't make any difference, as several people predicted. I also noticed the incredible darkness of the terrain, and wondered if it was supposed to look like that--sounds like it's not. I really want to see this game with the proper resolution and effects! I think it's time for the new video card.

Manni said:

"don`t forget to check your motherboard which sort of card it can take and if your present power-pack is strong enough for the new card."

How do I check on that? What do I do? Forgive my ignorance!

Thanks again for your help!
Kerry

[Manni]

Once more to k_moore61

Phil Walker said it all.......:) :) :)

If you plan a new card (better than the RADEON 9250 which you have right now) do keep in mind that this card will/might use more voltage than the "old" one.

Take the pc off the mains when you fumble inside!!! :eek: :eek: :D

[Manni]

I also noticed the incredible darkness of the terrain, and wondered if it was supposed to look like that--sounds like it's not. I really want to see this game with the proper resolution and effects!

Hello Kerry (k_moore61),

the darkness should be to adjusted by fumbling on "gamma or brightness".

Together with the Ati-driver you have downloaded either Catalyst Control Center or Catalyst Control Panel. With both one is able to set the brightness.

Have a go!

In the center you can even save your adjusts.

[kateness]

I have the same vid card, and same flickering tree/black grass issue. The trees dont bother me, but I want nice coloured gameplay like in the screencaps!

Hello Kerry (k_moore61),

the darkness should be to adjusted by fumbling on "gamma or brightness".

Together with the Ati-driver you have downloaded either Catalyst Control Center or Catalyst Control Panel. With both one is able to set the brightness.


Where is this, is it in the game or somewhere else? I'm very ignorant, can someone spell it out please :)

Kate

[Manni]

GAMMA
Where is this, is it in the game or somewhere else? I'm very ignorant, can someone spell it out please :)

As Phil said.........it is ingame in the options for video and there on the left side.