System Requirements

[Caesar Alan]

Now that I've located the system requirements, I've ascertained (as I suspected) that I'm going to be needing a graphics card update sooner rather than later. :rolleyes:

The only question is, how high-end should I be going? I'm guessing that the target is for the game to be playable on current mid-range graphics cards, but presumably there's something to be gained in terms of the overall experience if I splash a little more cash.

Any thoughts, guys?

[hotshot1084]

Well if you don't mind sending your current video card in, you can go through ATI's trade-up program (http://www.ati.com/buy/traderebate/tradeup.html). You sign up and they tell you where to send your current card and they give you a discount on one of the 4 they offer. Just an idea for you to look into. :)

It all depends on how much you are willing to spend and if you plan on getting another higher end game anytime toon.

HotShot

[Tony Leier]

Well, the minimum is a video card with Hardware T&L (Dx 8), which is any GeForce or Radeon card. Those have been around for 5 or 6 years now I think. The recommended is cards that have DirectX 9 functions (the latest cards, like the Geforce FX or Radeon 9800), so you can see the cool bump mapping and pixel shading those cards support. The newer cards are also faster and have more memory RAM, so you'll get overall better performance just like if you have a faster CPU.

So, that's what you gain. What do I suggest? I've played on a Radeon 7500, a Geforce4, and a Radeon 9600. All of them looked good and worked fine. The Radeon 9600 (a Dx9 card) does look better I admit, not unexpected since it is twice as good as the other cards.

If you're buying a new card, I'd go one of two ways:
1. Get a Geforce4 or Radeon 9000 or so. Those are the not-quite-latest version and so have great price points for their capabilities. The disadvantage is they don't have the full Dx9 feature set.
2. Get the latest GeforceFX or Radeon 9600/9800 (or whatever their number is.) This card will cost you more, but will have longer legs, and has the latest feature sets.

[PCDania]

Hi CA

You still get most for your money getting a Ati Radeon 9600XT. It fully supports DirectX9 and beats the 'comparable' nVidia card in any way :)

[Tchrin]

...beats the 'comparable' nVidia card in any way :)

Except for the bad driver support :P But thats personal preference.

In reality any of the budget nVidia or ATi cards would more then cover your needs. If you're looknig at the nVidia cards I'd suggest going for an FX not a GeForce4 though as that way you'll get DirectX9 support.

[Caesar Alan]

Thanks Tony, that was more or less as I expected. Not to mention reassuring. Thanks to everyone else for your kind recommendations.

Since I fear my budget is unlikely to stretch as far as a Geforce 6-Series card (and let's be honest, few people's will...), and ATI seem to have the beating of most of the GeForce FX cards, I imagine I'll be picking up something in the 9600XT range. The 9800 Pro's are starting to come down in price, though, and are a most attractive alternative.

Now all I have to do is save a few pennies...

[Jaguar]

I should be able to play this on my computer, but I think I'll be stealing the new laptop to play this on :) I meet minimum requirements on my home system, but have the recommended ones on the laptop.

[Celebithil Dae]

Well, i should be able to run this on my laptop. Which is my plan, unless we get a new desktop, which is unlikely any time in the near future

[Elvenwarrior2001]

:cool:

Your laptop's pretty new, CD. It has a decent card doesn't it?

Yay! I have a good video card! (GeForce 4, hehe).

Elven

[Jayhawk]

Nice to see, it will actually play on my PC. :D

[EmperorJay]

It'll probably run smoothly on my PC as well, but I do, of course, want to be able to run this gem on the highest settings. Ah well, guess I have to buy a new video card a little earlier than I wanted to.

[Keith]

Love my Radeon 9800 Pro. It came with 128MB, the 9800XT comes with 256MB.

http://members.aol.com/dheitm8612/horus.gif
Keith Heitmann
dheitm8612@aol.com (mailto:dheitm8612@aol.com)

Pharaoh Music Jukebox (http://members.aol.com/dheitm8612/java/pharaoh.htm)

[Nefermenu]

SInce this game is supposed to be out later this year, Christmas 2004 or so?, the Radeon 9600 and even 9800 will be much cheaper then. At the moment I'm satisfied with my Radeon 8500, not quite sure how this game would run. But at the end of the year, there are many more, fast cards out there and the prices for earlier models have gone down. I might want to upgrade. So, patience... ;)

[Celebithil Dae]

To be honest, i dont know what i got :confused: Wh9o knows, if all else fails, upgrade... so EW< if i have to upgrade... be ready for some desparate e-mailos to be headed in your general direction.

It should work though :)

[mouse]

The Ati trade in program is no bargin you'de do better shopping for a good price on the Ati card anywhere but Ati :p Think my Radeon 9500 pro card should work just fine, only have 384mbs of ram which doesn't meet the recommendation :rolleyes:

[Elvenwarrior2001]

np, mate. If I have desperate e-mail coming my way...I'll assist you in anyway I can, my friend! As for checking your card...I can assist you there right over the net. I'll help you out on finding out what it is next time we're on IM. :)

Elven

[PCDania]

To be honest, i dont know what i got :confused: Wh9o knows, if all else fails, upgrade... so EW< if i have to upgrade... be ready for some desparate e-mailos to be headed in your general direction.

It should work though :)
Just go to Start --> Run. Type in Dxdiag and hit enter. The name of your graphicscard is to be found on the display pane :)

[G-Force]

I think it is good that a game will actually use the power of the PC. What the point in having a fast PC if the game only needs 300MHz? It's not like you get anything better if you're faster.

G-Force

[EmperorJay]

On the other hand, what's the use of creating a game only the ones who can afford a new system every year can play?

[G-Force]

My system will be close to 2 years old when the game gets released. Besides the prices of a PC with the recommend specs are dropping, if not becoming the standard level when you buy a new PC.

And I only got a new one because the old one exploded :cool:

G-Force

[Pecunia]

My system will be close to 2 years old when the game gets released.
Mine will be just over three years old then, and it doesn't even meet the recommended requirements.. (well, only the processor is 0.3GHz too slow, the rest is the same as the rec. req.)

[Ineti]

Well, my system meets all the requirements except the video card. I don't think the Radeon VE I have will do the job, so it looks like an upgrade is in my future...

[mouse]

My system is a year and half old and will be very close to two years old when the game comes out ;) The processor more than meets the recommmedations just the memory is a 128mbs shy, think the fact it's Rdram will help though :p

[Celebithil Dae]

Id rather have games with lower sys reqs for the mere fact that if they are high, i cant run them. My laptops is ok, but its essentially bare minimum stuff for school use. The desktop... HA dont make me laugh... 464 celeron, bare minimum in like, 2000 (bought on jan 2st, out old one kicked off the week bfore). That one is next to useless. Anyways, yeah. Im still working on trying to convince my parents to get a new computer, it aint happenin though.

So i prefer lower requirement, so i can run the stuff.

[Elvenwarrior2001]

Just go to Start --> Run. Type in Dxdiag and hit enter. The name of your graphicscard is to be found on the display pane :)

Yup. That should do it CD. If you have any problems, as I said, I'm on IM for you. ;)

Elven

[Celebithil Dae]

no you arent... get on!!!

[Elvenwarrior2001]

Whoops. Srry. I had some MSN problems. I'll get on MSN ASAP.

Elven

[Keith]

Off-Topic: I detect a pattern here.

Every time Celebithil Dae posts it is quickly followed by a post by Elvenwarrior2001.

You be the judge; twins seperated a birth using that strange twin-thing, or vulcans psychically linked? :D
http://members.aol.com/dheitm8612/horus2.gif
Keith Heitmann
dheitm8612@aol.com (mailto:dheitm8612@aol.com)
Pharaoh Music Jukebox (http://members.aol.com/dheitm8612/java/pharaoh.htm)

[Celebithil Dae]

naw, we just talk alot online.

what, 2, now three forums, and IM, and the occaisional e-mail? yeah, thats about it.

[Keith]

naw, we just talk alot online.

what, 2, now three forums, and IM, and the occaisional e-mail? yeah, thats about it.
Just joshin'. ;)
http://members.aol.com/dheitm8612/horus2.gif
Keith Heitmann
dheitm8612@aol.com (mailto:dheitm8612@aol.com)
Pharaoh Music Jukebox (http://members.aol.com/dheitm8612/java/pharaoh.htm)

[Celebithil Dae]

yeah, i figured :cool:

[Ineti]

I could use a little help from someone more technically versed than I. I need to upgrade my video card so that I can support DirectX 9, but I don't know if I need to upgrade my sound card as well. I currently have a SoundBlaster Live! Value card. Anyone know if it supports DirectX 9?

If it doesn't, what sound cards would you recommend?

[Keith]

Sound Blaster Audigy 2 or a Voyetra Turtle Beach (http://www.turtlebeach.com/site/default.asp) Santa Cruz, Catalina, or Riviera card should do nicely.

[Miut]

Keith, with names like that, they are elves. ;) Need I say more? :D

[Ineti]

Okay, so I have a new sound card, a new video card, and 256meg more RAM. And I've updated to DirectX 9c. The game requires DirectX 9b, anyone think there will be a problem with me having 9c?

[Celebithil Dae]

Well, it seems im ok... good. Very good. I can sleep easy now.

[mouse]

DX 9.0c is the lastest version so there shouldn't be a problem :D Before you buy a new video card you should check what your system can support. For example the higher end Ati video cards require a pretty good power supply at least 300watt since they are powered off the power supply ;) If your motherboard will only support an AGP 4 buying an AGP 8 card won't give you any higher benefit it will only run at AGP 4. Sorry that's more than you wanted to know about video cards ;)

[Son of Moose]

Thanks for this information Mouse. I am considering upgrading my system early next year when the "new technology" becomes available. In fact, I was going to upgrade fairly recently but the sales lady at the manufacturers suggested that I wait until the beginning of next year as it would represent a more cost-effective solution (as the current "new" products will not be readily upgradeable in the future). Don't you think that this was extremely honest of her ... :)

From what I have read on the matter, it would seem that she was probably referring to Pentium 5 and DDR2 memory. (I also remember her mentioning new-generation graphics cards).

My question is:

Will CotN exploit this "new technology" which would seem to add immensely to computer processing speeds (Pentium 5 appears to start at about 4.0 GHz)?

Just interested ... especially in how "upper" system requirements might be exploited by the game.

[tobing]

I doubt that CotN will exploit the upcoming new hardware - remember that it is based on the EE-engine. Also look at the HW requirements, which are not too high.

I have recently bought a new graphics card because I wanted to play Thief 3 - so I got some Radeon 9600 XT, which is not really the very best you can get. I always buy the second level, so that's quite OK and not too expensive, but fast enough for a while (i.e. at least 2 years).

[NeilV]

I recently put in a Radion 9600 as well (Needed for Deus ex2) I never buy new tech as it may have problems go a level down its cheaper and most of the problems have been fixed. Shop when you need to as there is always something new coming out soon that may not be compatible but half the time is depending on your budget pick MB Processor and Video card (Sound Optional i have put in old SB16 before and they still work with current games) and RAM if yours is not combatable. It is better to upgrade at one time so you know it is compatible.
IMHO :cool:

[Ineti]

Sorry that's more than you wanted to know about video cards ;)

Thanks, mouse. :) I got a thorough education in video and sound cards this weekend when I was looking to upgrade my machine. It's almost 4 years old, and has a motherboard that supports AGP 4x. So I had to look at cards that would support that. I ended up with a Nvidia 5200 or something like that, and a SB Audigy sound card. Got them installed last night along with DirectX 9c, so I should be good to go for the beta. :)

[Miut]

Audigy's nice - love the surround sound! Now all I need is a current/voltage transformer so my son and I can use our UK voltage Creative Labs sound systems here! I have a 4 and 1 and he has a 2 and 1 - 1 being the sub-woofer.

http://www.sff.net/people/lisanne/Viking/images/Miut.gif

[Ineti]

I'm trying to decide whether I want to get a 5.1 surround speaker system, or just stick with the 2.1 digital two speakers and subwoofer like I have now. Speakers are so inexpensive now...

[mouse]

Unless you want to go cutting bleeding edge which most software won't be able to use the next few months will be a good time to upgrade :D High end processors(Intel) will drop in price as soon as the newest processors can be delivered reliably. My next system will be a P4 3.4ghz (northwoods) with an Ati 9800 pro video card (256mb DDR) ;)
Son of Moose the lady was very nice but recommeding bleeding edge is not the best way to go but is the most expensive(IMHO) :rolleyes: *sorry I can talk tech all day long much to the boredom of most people*

[Son of Moose]

Thanks Mouse --- I will certainly bear your advice in mind. :) Maybe she was being somewhat disingenuous ... :(

[Miut]

I certainly agree on not getting bleeding edge hardware, from bad personal experience with it - and will say again, check Tom's Hardware site for reviews of all current hardware - great place, someone else here also endorsed it.

[mouse]

Yep Tom's hardware is a great site for information and they do fair and balanced reviews :D

Son of Moose everybody wants to sell cutting edge hardware since the prices are at the top :p Personally I like being just a step off cutting edge :D

[Eddy]

When I bought my new system I went to zeuspc.com and basically took the top of the line and bumped everything down one notch. Got a system that is almost the best you can buy and it was 30% cheaper.

[mouse]

Eddy that is cool, a custom built system is the way to go if you don't build your own :D That is providing you can select your motherboard and that you know enough about them to make a good choice ;)

[Son of Moose]

I am hoping that the pc manufacturers that I have previously used will also be able to provide me with a custom built version when I do eventually decide to upgrade. Most of my previous upgrades have been custom designed --- such as the "enhanced" memory on board. (Admittedly it is no longer so "enhanced"). However (as previously mentioned) I will certainly heed Mouse's earlier advice. :)

[mouse]

Son of Moose if I can be of any help when you get ready for a new system just let me know :D One of the things I love is helping someone get the system that will best serve them ;)

[Son of Moose]

Mouse:

Thank you so much for your kind offer. :D Indeed, I am already pretty interested in what is currently available in the market and how things will change within the next 6 or so months. It would be EXTREMELY HELPFUL to have expert and unbiased advice BEFORE approaching my saleslady again! ;)

Could I send you a private e-mail in this regard?

With kindest regards

[mouse]

Son of Moose you sure can send an email or leave a private message here for me :D Anybody else that wants or needs help I'll be glad to help just let me know ;)

[NeilV]

just a quick note if you are looking for a cool case how about this one

http://www.avault.com/hardware/getreview.asp?review=nzxt&page=1

:cool:

[Son of Moose]

It is certainly eye-catching and highly distinctive. Also seems to have a good array of features. :)

[mouse]

Son of Moose 2 emails winging their way to you :D

[Keith]

just a quick note if you are looking for a cool case how about this one

http://www.avault.com/hardware/getreview.asp?review=nzxt&page=1

:cool:I'll never understand the need to decorate the outside of the computer case with extra or fancy lights. I've even seen transparent panels on cases so you can see what looks like neon lights or something similar inside. It seems so ridiculous and a waste of money to me. There are connecting cables even keyboards that glow in the dark now too. http://members.aol.com/dheitm8612/animated/blink.gif

Give me a functional tower case, something that has plenty of room for gear in the innards and keep the fancy decorations and lights. All I need is a power and HD activity led.

[wodinoneeye]

I certainly agree on not getting bleeding edge hardware, from bad personal experience with it - and will say again, check Tom's Hardware site for reviews of all current hardware - great place, someone else here also endorsed it.


This game wont require bleeding edge hardware (high-end probably wont enhance it any either).

The graphics will be fairly generic 3D mesh animation targeting run of the mill
hardware (this isnt DOOM 3 -- no fancy lighting or IK, no high poly counts)

[Miut]

Ugh on the case from me, too. ;) Why do I need to see the dust bunnies inside it, eh?

No, my case is a full tower cos I have CD DVD and SyQuest Spar Q drive, plus a two 9cm fan set in another 5" bay. I also have 2 case fans to prevent overheating, and I got then the best PSU then, a 350 watt with dual standard switching UK/USA. It is an Overclocker's tower which is why the 2 case fans already in it. I do not overclock but had serious heat issues in my house with previous tower.

I go for big towers to get air circulating between the components and because we had problems getting into it with all the cables etc so it gave us more room. Functionality is my by-word - the fact it also has cool green see through plastic bits added on top of the existing exterior was also nice, but not necessary.
Also has 3x 3" bays with a door to close over them which my C box (it has 4 USB 2 and sound jacks on it for on-board sound that I don't use) fits into. Takes 2 slots leaving last for a floppy drive below it.
Those front USB ports are really useful!

http://www.sff.net/people/lisanne/Viking/images/Miut.gif

[EmperorJay]

This game wont require bleeding edge hardware (high-end probably wont enhance it any either).

The graphics will be fairly generic 3D mesh animation targeting run of the mill
hardware (this isnt DOOM 3 -- no fancy lighting or IK, no high poly counts)
A while ago, Tony Leier said the following:

So, that's what you gain. What do I suggest? I've played on a Radeon 7500, a Geforce4, and a Radeon 9600. All of them looked good and worked fine. The Radeon 9600 (a Dx9 card) does look better I admit, not unexpected since it is twice as good as the other cards.
So, a high-end system would enhance it.

[NeilV]

I still have my old Radion 7000 (64MB) and I still have a ATI 128 (32MB) when I get hold of the game (Or if I am selected to Beta Test) I will have to try them out and report back