Option setting tips?

[Nisala]

<p>Ok, just got a new computer a few days ago and looking for some Options setting advice.  I went from a dual core 2.13, Nvidia 8800GT 512mb, 4mb ram, Windows XP to a dual core 3.16, Nvidia 9500 GT 1gig, 4 mb ram, Windows Vista 64bit. </p><p>I really like the GPU shadows, but switching to GPU shadows drops my FPS drastically with the new computer. Standing in Darklight Woods at the starting area, I go from 28fps using CPU shadows (that even seems kinda low considering the computer specs) to about 13fps using GPU shadows.  Couldn't run GPU shadows with the old system either, btw.</p><p>I do have graphics and lighting resolutions set to max.  The CPU shadow settings are average with torch, character, and enviromental shadows checked.  The GPU shadow settings are Medium shadows with 6.50 setting towards dark (and using CPU shadows indoors).</p><p>I have updated to the latest Nvidia drivers for Windows 64bit.</p><p>Are there some settings I'm missing in the game or the Nvidia control center?  I'd really like to use the GPU shadows, but it's far too sluggish with low FPS with my current settings. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Thanks for any help or suggestions!</p>

[Wuvvy]

<p>The 9500 isn't necessarily a "meant for gaming" card. Because of this, you will probably want to switch your settings to "Balance" and turn off GPU shadows. With balanced settings, you will see a good amount of detail without much lag.</p>

[Nisala]

<p>Boo, that's frustrating since that was the whole reason for getting a new machine...being able to play with shadows, etc.</p><p>What about the Nvidia 260 GTX series?  Would they play better with GPU shadows?  Specifically was looking at these cards: <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=1305520548%20106792634%201067940781&name=GeForce%20GTX%20260" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...rce%20GTX%20260</a></p>

[Wuvvy]

<p>Ohhh, I remember you now! Yeah the 9500 was in your budget so it's definitely a good card for you. You can try playing with CPU shadows on rather than GPU since it won't be very nice to your video card. Otherwise the 260 series are obviously a plus, since they are newer.</p>

[Nisala]

<p>Yep, that's me. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  I won't be able to get a new card anytime soon as I spent the budget (and a little over), but I do want to keep a good card in mind that will run GPU shadows with decent FPS (is that even possible? <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> ) for when I do scrap together money again.</p>

[TSR-DanielH]

<p><cite>Marilia@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Yep, that's me. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" />  I won't be able to get a new card anytime soon as I spent the budget (and a little over), but I do want to keep a good card in mind that will run GPU shadows with decent FPS (is that even possible? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /> ) for when I do scrap together money again.</p></blockquote><p>With my computer at work(8800 card) I get about the same FPS with CPU and GPU shadows.  On my home computer(GTX 280) I actually see a nice performance gain by using the GPU shadows.  A 260 card will probably benefit nicely from the GPU shadows as well.</p>

[Wingrider01]

<p><cite>TSR-DanielH wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Marilia@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Yep, that's me. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" />  I won't be able to get a new card anytime soon as I spent the budget (and a little over), but I do want to keep a good card in mind that will run GPU shadows with decent FPS (is that even possible? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /> ) for when I do scrap together money again.</p></blockquote><p>With my computer at work(8800 card) I get about the same FPS with CPU and GPU shadows.  On my home computer(GTX 280) I actually see a nice performance gain by using the GPU shadows.  A 260 card will probably benefit nicely from the GPU shadows as well.</p></blockquote><p>Daniel is correct the 260 will show a increase in FPS, this is a pretty decent card, have nothad many issues with a BFG</p><p><a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143140">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16814143140</a></p>