Reduced RAM and Poor performance :(

[Sorch]

<p>My computer recently died quite badly and the techies were only able to save it by taking out half the memory <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />(due to some problem with the motherboard I believe).  Initially I couldn't play EQII at all, so they suggested upgrading my graphics card as I previously had an entry level card.  This I have done and I can at least play, but I daren't group up as my graphics can go really choppy especially in the cities (Qeynos harbour is a nightmare!) and zoning takes forever.  I have set the game onto extreme performance and it is just about playable most of the time.</p><p>I can't afford a new PC at the moment so have to make do with what I have got, I was just wondering if any of you fab Tech Support folks, or knowledgeable players have any suggestions on how to improve game performance a bit more.  If it is even possible.</p><p>Standard info is as follows:</p><p>Dell Dimension 4700 2.8GHz w/1MB cache, 150GB SATA (7200 rpm) hard drive, and now only 512 MB RAM <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Sound card: not fantastic, only Soundblaster Audigy 2</p><p>Graphics card: ATI Radeon RX1650 Pro-TD256EZ</p><p>Will post more detailed info if required, just didn't know if it was worth posting msinfo or dxdiag if its a problem that nothing can be done about.</p><p>Many thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer.</p><p>Sorchya</p>

[Wingrider01]

<cite>Sorchya wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>My computer recently died quite badly and the techies were only able to save it by taking out half the memory <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />(due to some problem with the motherboard I believe).  Initially I couldn't play EQII at all, so they suggested upgrading my graphics card as I previously had an entry level card.  This I have done and I can at least play, but I daren't group up as my graphics can go really choppy especially in the cities (Qeynos harbour is a nightmare!) and zoning takes forever.  I have set the game onto extreme performance and it is just about playable most of the time.</p><p>I can't afford a new PC at the moment so have to make do with what I have got, I was just wondering if any of you fab Tech Support folks, or knowledgeable players have any suggestions on how to improve game performance a bit more.  If it is even possible.</p><p>Standard info is as follows:</p><p>Dell Dimension 4700 2.8GHz w/1MB cache, 150GB SATA (7200 rpm) hard drive, and now only 512 MB RAM <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" width="15" height="15" /></p><p>Sound card: not fantastic, only Soundblaster Audigy 2</p><p>Graphics card: ATI Radeon RX1650 Pro-TD256EZ</p><p>Will post more detailed info if required, just didn't know if it was worth posting msinfo or dxdiag if its a problem that nothing can be done about.</p><p>Many thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer.</p><p>Sorchya</p></blockquote>With that amount of ram there is not much you can do, you are paging badly with 512M ram. You might try and defragging your hard drive and dropping your graphics down to extreme performance, make sure shadows are off no matter what, they tend to kill graphics performance.

[Sorch]

<p>Thanks for the reply Wingrider, I've done all that already <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Thought it probably was a lost cause but worth asking anyway.  At least I can still play, just!  And when I can afford a new pc I will at least have a fab graphics card to put in it!</p><p>Sorchya</p>

[Morgane]

<cite>Sorchya wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Thanks for the reply Wingrider, I've done all that already <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" width="15" height="15" /></p><p>Thought it probably was a lost cause but worth asking anyway.  At least I can still play, just!  And when I can afford a new pc I will at least have a fab graphics card to put in it!</p><p>Sorchya</p></blockquote><p>Man, that sucks. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Did you ask your tech guy how much it would cost to replace the motherboard? Might be pricey but less than a new computer? Then you could get more memory sticks. </p><p>Good luck. I feel your pain... I'm working with a four year old computer, 1 gig of memory and a 2.53gh, 80 gig harddrive. I have the same ATI X1650 Pro card as you and that helped a little but I still have to play on "High Performance" most of the time. On occasion I can kick it to "balanced". I dream of the day I can play this game in High or Extreme Quality! <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[antwar]

if they said there is a problem with the motherboard, chances are extremely good more will go out on it as time goes on. i HIGHLY suggest you get a new computer ASAP that has a PCI-Express slot in it for video card upgradeability. the rest is not quite as important as that is for a pre-made computer from HP, Dell, etc. it is important, but if you cant upgrade the video card, you are pretty much screwed for EQ2, let alone other games...

[Roybob]

Did they say exactly what the problem is? Did you originally have two 512mb memory sticks installed, and one had to be removed because that slot went bad, leaving you with only one functioning slot? If so, is it possible to replace that 512mb stick with a 1gb module? (Older motherboards may top out at 512mb per slot, or the damage might stop you from using more than that regardless of configuration. Still, it's worth asking.)I tend to agree that if the mobo is going bad it doesn't make sense to invest a lot of money in stuff like a new RAM module that prolly won't be transferable to your next build/buy. What you have now might still have some years left in it, but...-Roybob

[Wingrider01]

<cite>antwarle wrote:</cite><blockquote>if they said there is a problem with the motherboard, chances are extremely good more will go out on it as time goes on. i HIGHLY suggest you get a new computer ASAP that has a PCI-Express slot in it for video card upgradeability. the rest is not quite as important as that is for a pre-made computer from HP, Dell, etc. it is important, but if you cant upgrade the video card, you are pretty much screwed for EQ2, let alone other games...</blockquote>Problem is it is a dell, dell tends to use propiertary parts such as psu connectors and case sizes, for him to replace the motherboard may entail getting a new psu or at least a new case.

[Sorch]

<p>Thanks for all the support guys, its really made me feel better even if the pc is still a lost cause!  </p><p>It did have two 512mb sticks in.  I think if they could have put in a 1gb stick they would have said so, they are gamers too so understood the issues with reduced RAM.  They also said that last time they replaced a Dell motherboard it was extremely expensive.  That appears to be the downside with Dell.  The machines are good and generally very reliable although my own experience has been unlucky I hope, but they can be harder to repair or upgrade unless you go through Dell.  They do some amazing gaming PCs though, just don't have the £2000 needed to buy one!  Can't even manage £300 - 500 to replace this one!</p><p>Might be able to manage a new one next year, if I start saving now!! <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/385970365b8ed7503b4294502a458efa.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /></p><p>Sorchya</p><p>(p.s.  a her not a him!<img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />)</p>

[Vodr]

<p>Here is something you can do that isn't that expensive, if you still have the other memory chip and it's still working since your using a older pentium chip the motherboard should be fairly cheap $50 us, then you can get a cheap case with power supply 30-40 us and just move everything you have over to it.  Looks like your using UK Lira in your pricing so the parts would be about £50 if I have the conversion right for you.</p><p>Not sure if they ship to UK but <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.newegg.com/" target="_blank">http://www.newegg.com/</a> has these kinds of prices and you should be able to get back to full speed with your PC on a budget.  </p><p>Or best yet good ol e-bay</p><p><a href="http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&from=R10&_trksid=m37&satitle=Dell+Dimension+4700+motherboard&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=85208&sabfmts=1&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://search.ebay.com/search/searc...ntrypage=search</a></p><p>They have your PC's motherboard from a variety of sellers for sub £50 shipped (once again accounting my conversion is correct) then you just need to pay your tech friends to swap them out which shouldn't be very much.</p>

[Bloodfa]

<p>NewEgg has a memory configurator (guess the description needed a new word?) that will tell you what you need, what type of memory you have.  Also, I assume they checked and made sure the ram wasn't the problem?</p><p>Here's a link to the product manual, telling what memory you've got: <a href="http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4700/en/om/Y69490LRs.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://support.dell.com/support/edo...m/Y69490LRs.pdf</a></p><p>According to the documentation, you've got 4 memory slots available?  For around $100 US you can get 2 gigs (1 gig per stick) and actually upgrade over what you had.  Just don't use the defective slot. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Wingrider01]

<cite>Sorchya wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Thanks for all the support guys, its really made me feel better even if the pc is still a lost cause!  </p><p>It did have two 512mb sticks in.  I think if they could have put in a 1gb stick they would have said so, they are gamers too so understood the issues with reduced RAM.  They also said that last time they replaced a Dell motherboard it was extremely expensive.  That appears to be the downside with Dell.  The machines are good and generally very reliable although my own experience has been unlucky I hope, but they can be harder to repair or upgrade unless you go through Dell.  They do some amazing gaming PCs though, just don't have the £2000 needed to buy one!  Can't even manage £300 - 500 to replace this one!</p><p>Might be able to manage a new one next year, if I start saving now!! <img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/385970365b8ed7503b4294502a458efa.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /></p><p>Sorchya</p><p>(p.s.  a her not a him!<img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />)</p></blockquote>Confused here, did a look up at <a href="http://www.crucial.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.crucial.com</a> on the dimension 4700 (MCE version is the same, the 4700C only has 2 slots), it shows that it actually has 4 memory slots, dual channel memory, if you had 1 gb you probably had it is slots 1 and 3, most boards I have worked with can run with the memory in 2 and 4 also. Would suggest contacting Dell directly and talking to them about this. Unless you have the 4700C. then it is only 2 slots, but crucial configurator shows that you can put a 1gb stick in it, if thst is the case you can get a compatible 1GB memory stick from crucial for less then 47.00 US

[Bloodfa]

Might I suggest popping open the case and <i>counting</i> the number of slots?  Just in case. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Morgane]

<p>Sorry for hijacking this thread but while we're on the subject of memory... does anyone know if I can use 1 gig memory sticks in my HP 754n Pavilion? I have two 512 sticks in now, giving me a total of 1 gig of memory, but would love to put two 1 gig sticks in each slot. I've had one or two people tell me that I can't do this for some reason or another. </p><p><a href="http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph08026&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&os=228&product=296688&lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here's the computer specs</a></p><p><a href="http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00018887&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&os=228&product=296688&lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Motherboard specs</a></p>

[Bloodfa]

Sorry, that would exceed the machines tolerances.  It'll cap it at the max it's built for.

[Morgane]

<cite>Bloodfang@Nagafen wrote:</cite><blockquote>Sorry, that would exceed the machines tolerances.  It'll cap it at the max it's built for.</blockquote><p>*sigh* That's what I thought. Bummer. </p><p>Oh well.... time for a new rig anyway. That one is four years old and I bought it before I ever knew EQII existed and I needed a really good system to play it. </p><p>Thanks, Bloodfang. 'preciate it. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Bloodfa]

For a new machine, there are two options.  Custom built or off-the-shelf.  I make my own, have for several years.  But, for someone who doesn't, I'd suggest hitting up a mix of Dell and NewEgg.  Worked out pretty good for my boss, and my dad's gaming rig (he likes FPS's).  Every now & then, they'll run a pretty good deal on a Dimension and you add in the upgrades yourself.  The upgrades are simple to do, literally plug&play.  Right now, without any deals going on, you could order one for $530 with $30 shipping, buy a decent video card and memory from NewEgg or TigerDirect (another $300-$400) and have a dual core 2.0ghz, 160 gb hd, an 8600gt 512m video card and a couple of gigs of ram for under a grand.  Just throwing this out there for you guys. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Wingrider01]

<cite>Morgane@Everfrost wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>Sorry for hijacking this thread but while we're on the subject of memory... does anyone know if I can use 1 gig memory sticks in my HP 754n Pavilion? I have two 512 sticks in now, giving me a total of 1 gig of memory, but would love to put two 1 gig sticks in each slot. I've had one or two people tell me that I can't do this for some reason or another. </p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph08026&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&os=228&product=296688&lang=en" target="_blank">Here's the computer specs</a></p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00018887&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&os=228&product=296688&lang=en" target="_blank">Motherboard specs</a></p></blockquote><a href="http://www.crucial.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.crucial.com</a> use their memory configuation selection, that will tell you

[Morgane]

<cite>Bloodfang@Nagafen wrote:</cite><blockquote>For a new machine, there are two options.  Custom built or off-the-shelf.  I make my own, have for several years.  But, for someone who doesn't, I'd suggest hitting up a mix of Dell and NewEgg.  Worked out pretty good for my boss, and my dad's gaming rig (he likes FPS's).  Every now & then, they'll run a pretty good deal on a Dimension and you add in the upgrades yourself.  The upgrades are simple to do, literally plug&play.  Right now, without any deals going on, you could order one for $530 with $30 shipping, buy a decent video card and memory from NewEgg or TigerDirect (another $300-$400) and have a dual core 2.0ghz, 160 gb hd, an 8600gt 512m video card and a couple of gigs of ram for under a grand.  Just throwing this out there for you guys. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" width="15" height="15" /></blockquote><p>Thanks... that's great advice.</p><p>Personally, I have decided that I'm going to try and find someone who knows how to do these things (individual or company) and have a PC computer built to my specs. I can upgrade things like PSU's and video cards and add some memory and your basic stuff but I wouldn't want to attempt to build a CPU from the ground up. </p>

[Morgane]

<cite>Wingrider01 wrote:</cite><blockquote><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.crucial.com/" target="_blank">http://www.crucial.com/</a> use their memory configuation selection, that will tell you</blockquote><p>The memory config tool is cool, but this sounds like a handy thing too: </p><p>"Scan your computer to find out <b>what is already inside</b> your system and get recommended upgrades."</p><p>Now I can't wait to get home and do geeky things with my four year old HP. *LOL*</p>

[Sorch]

<p>GENIUS!! I could kiss the lot of you!  I rang Dell and yes there are four slots (please remember you are talking to someone who only did her first ever graphics card change a few months ago!), and I've moved the memory and so far so good!  Back to 1gb RAM!  Just about to go play and see if I can get back to a balanced game or maybe even better as I have a much better graphics card now than I did before the machine crashed.</p><p>Please keep all your respective fingers and toes crossed that the pc doesn't start throwing up blue screens like it did when it died before.</p><p>Many, many, many thanks!</p><p>Sorchya (complete rookie at entering the confusing world of her pc's internal organs!)</p><p><img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /></p>

[Wingrider01]

<cite>Sorchya wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>GENIUS!! I could kiss the lot of you!  I rang Dell and yes there are four slots (please remember you are talking to someone who only did her first ever graphics card change a few months ago!), and I've moved the memory and so far so good!  Back to 1gb RAM!  Just about to go play and see if I can get back to a balanced game or maybe even better as I have a much better graphics card now than I did before the machine crashed.</p><p>Please keep all your respective fingers and toes crossed that the pc doesn't start throwing up blue screens like it did when it died before.</p><p>Many, many, many thanks!</p><p>Sorchya (complete rookie at entering the confusing world of her pc's internal organs!)</p><p><img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /></p></blockquote>glad it worked out for you

[Morgane]

<cite>Sorchya wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>GENIUS!! I could kiss the lot of you!  I rang Dell and yes there are four slots (please remember you are talking to someone who only did her first ever graphics card change a few months ago!), and I've moved the memory and so far so good!  Back to 1gb RAM!  Just about to go play and see if I can get back to a balanced game or maybe even better as I have a much better graphics card now than I did before the machine crashed.</p><p>Please keep all your respective fingers and toes crossed that the pc doesn't start throwing up blue screens like it did when it died before.</p><p>Many, many, many thanks!</p><p>Sorchya (complete rookie at entering the confusing world of her pc's internal organs!)</p><p><img src="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" /></p></blockquote><p>Woohoo!!! Life is good! </p><p>Morg, /fingers crossed</p>

[Bloodfa]

I hope it performs better than you hoped for.  <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[antwar]

<cite>Morgane@Everfrost wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Bloodfang@Nagafen wrote:</cite><blockquote>For a new machine, there are two options.  Custom built or off-the-shelf.  I make my own, have for several years.  But, for someone who doesn't, I'd suggest hitting up a mix of Dell and NewEgg.  Worked out pretty good for my boss, and my dad's gaming rig (he likes FPS's).  Every now & then, they'll run a pretty good deal on a Dimension and you add in the upgrades yourself.  The upgrades are simple to do, literally plug&play.  Right now, without any deals going on, you could order one for $530 with $30 shipping, buy a decent video card and memory from NewEgg or TigerDirect (another $300-$400) and have a dual core 2.0ghz, 160 gb hd, an 8600gt 512m video card and a couple of gigs of ram for under a grand.  Just throwing this out there for you guys. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src=" width="15" height="15" />" width="15" height="15"></blockquote><p>Thanks... that's great advice.</p><p>Personally, I have decided that I'm going to try and find someone who knows how to do these things (individual or company) and have a PC computer built to my specs. I can upgrade things like PSU's and video cards and add some memory and your basic stuff but I wouldn't want to attempt to build a CPU from the ground up. </p></blockquote><p>to be entirely frank and honest, it really does NOT require a degree in computer engineering to build a basic desktop system, and if you can already do your own upgrades such as video card and memory, you are WELL on your way to building your own PC.</p><p> if, morgane, you are a girl (i am making that assumption based on the spelling of your forum name, so dont flame me if you are a guy please <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> ), then here is a link of one tech geek's attempt to get his very software knowledgeable but hardware illiterate girlfriend to build her own computer. BTW, this works just as well for guys who are afraid to build thier own PC too.</p><p><a href="http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2167624,00.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.extremetech.com/article2...,2167624,00.asp</a></p><p>read the article and hopefully you will get a confidence boost enough to try building your first PC. if you have a significant other or family member who is knowledgeable in this area, have them present if possible to help you through any snags you may encounter along the way. they can and DO happen, even on new hardware as you can see from the above article.</p>

[Morgane]

<cite>antwarle wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>to be entirely frank and honest, it really does NOT require a degree in computer engineering to build a basic desktop system, and if you can already do your own upgrades such as video card and memory, you are WELL on your way to building your own PC.</p><p> if, morgane, you are a girl (i am making that assumption based on the spelling of your forum name, so dont flame me if you are a guy please <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" width="15" height="15" /> ), then here is a link of one tech geek's attempt to get his very software knowledgeable but hardware illiterate girlfriend to build her own computer. BTW, this works just as well for guys who are afraid to build thier own PC too.</p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2167624,00.asp" target="_blank">http://www.extremetech.com/article2...,2167624,00.asp</a></p><p>read the article and hopefully you will get a confidence boost enough to try building your first PC. if you have a significant other or family member who is knowledgeable in this area, have them present if possible to help you through any snags you may encounter along the way. they can and DO happen, even on new hardware as you can see from the above article</p></blockquote><p>Thanks for the link, ant! Maybe... just maaaaaybe... I'll actually give it a try. I've always wanted to build my own rig. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>