Consistantly Low Framerate

[BillieJoe108]

I'll start by saying that I've played this game previously, a year or so ago, while on the same system that I'm on now (Save for the video card which is newer), and I've never encountered this problem as I am now.

Mainly, I'm getting a consistantly low framerate, of 5 - 10 in cities (Freeport seems to be the worst), with slightly higher performances in open zones (10 - 20).  All in all, it's just consistantly lower than it's ever been the previous times I've played.

First thing I tried to resolve this was the obvious, lowering the graphics settings.  Minor changes, such as complex shader distance is what I tried first...  Nothing.   Then, just earlier this evening I decided to go all out, and set every single setting to lowest possible option or off completely.

The result was the game appearing as it is in the picture below, and only improving it's framerate by about 4 or 5...  Little to no change at all, in other words.

Other things I've attempted are defragmenting my HD, checking my video card drivers, closing background applications.  Nothing seems to make a significant change, so I'm really at a loss for what's going on here, with this low performance...

While I'm aware my system is on the lower end, I know for a fact it has worked with this game in the past.  Also, from my understanding, as my system is a single core CPU, that should actually help a little with this game...

Anyways, DxDiag is as follows:

------------------System Information------------------Time of this report: 5/29/2012, 03:01:57       Machine name: HOME-8C8E0EE1A6   Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.111025-1629)           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.                       System Model: Dimension 5100                              BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A03          Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz (2 CPUs)             Memory: 3326MB RAM          Page File: 1362MB used, 7301MB available        Windows Dir: C:WINDOWS    DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)DX Setup Parameters: Not found     DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode------------DxDiag Notes------------  DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.      Display Tab 1: No problems found.        Sound Tab 1: No problems found.        Sound Tab 2: No problems found.        Sound Tab 3: No problems found.          Music Tab: No problems found.          Input Tab: No problems found.        Network Tab: No problems found.--------------------DirectX Debug Levels--------------------Direct3D:    0/4 (n/a)DirectDraw:  0/4 (retail)DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)DirectPlay:  0/9 (retail)DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)DirectShow:  0/6 (retail)---------------Display Devices---------------        Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GT 240     Manufacturer: NVIDIA        Chip type: GeForce GT 240         DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC       Device Key: EnumPCIVEN_10DE&DEV_0CA3&SUBSYS_12463842&REV_A2   Display Memory: 1024.0 MB     Current Mode: 1360 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)          Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor  Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200      Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll   Driver Version: 6.14.0012.9573 (English)      DDI Version: 9 (or higher)Driver Attributes: Final Retail Driver Date/Size: 2/10/2012 00:10:00, 4309760 bytes      WHQL Logo'd: Yes  WHQL Date Stamp: n/a              VDD: n/a         Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys    Mini VDD Date: 2/10/2012 00:10:00, 13415040 bytesDevice Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4FE3-11CF-977E-4A3203C2CB35}        Vendor ID: 0x10DE        Device ID: 0x0CA3        SubSys ID: 0x12463842      Revision ID: 0x00A2      Revision ID: 0x00A2      Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D  Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive                    {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch                    {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive                    {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch                    {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive                    {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch                    {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive                    {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch          Registry: OK     DDraw Status: Enabled       D3D Status: Enabled       AGP Status: EnabledDDraw Test Result: Not run D3D7 Test Result: Not run D3D8 Test Result: Not run D3D9 Test Result: Not run-------------Sound Devices-------------            Description: SigmaTel Audio Default Sound Playback: Yes Default Voice Playback: Yes            Hardware ID: HDAUDIOFUNC_01&VEN_8384&DEV_7680&SUBSYS_102801AB&REV_1032        Manufacturer ID: 1             Product ID: 100                   Type: WDM            Driver Name: sthda.sys         Driver Version: 5.10.4823.0000 (English)      Driver Attributes: Final Retail            WHQL Logo'd: Yes          Date and Size: 11/16/2005 15:36:00, 1047816 bytes            Other Files:         Driver Provider: SigmaTel         HW Accel Level: Full              Cap Flags: 0xB5B    Min/Max Sample Rate: 44100, 192000Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0              HW Memory: 0       Voice Management: No EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, NoSensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No               Registry: OK      Sound Test Result: Not run            Description: Modem #0 Line Playback (emulated) Default Sound Playback: No Default Voice Playback: No            Hardware ID:         Manufacturer ID: 1             Product ID: 81                   Type: Emulated            Driver Name:          Driver Version:       Driver Attributes:             WHQL Logo'd:           Date and Size:             Other Files:         Driver Provider:          HW Accel Level: Full              Cap Flags: 0x0    Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0              HW Memory: 0       Voice Management: No EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, NoSensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No               Registry: OK      Sound Test Result: Not run            Description: NVIDIA High Definition Audio Default Sound Playback: No Default Voice Playback: No            Hardware ID: HDAUDIOFUNC_01&VEN_10DE&DEV_000D&SUBSYS_10DE0101&REV_1001        Manufacturer ID: 1             Product ID: 100                   Type: WDM            Driver Name: nvhda32.sys         Driver Version: 1.03.0012.0000 (English)      Driver Attributes: Final Retail            WHQL Logo'd: Yes          Date and Size: 1/17/2012 08:45:58, 123712 bytes            Other Files:         Driver Provider: NVIDIA Corporation         HW Accel Level: Full              Cap Flags: 0xB5B    Min/Max Sample Rate: 44100, 48000Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 1, 0 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0              HW Memory: 0       Voice Management: No EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, NoSensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No               Registry: OK      Sound Test Result: Not run

[BillieJoe108]

---------------------Sound Capture Devices---------------------            Description: SigmaTel Audio  Default Sound Capture: Yes  Default Voice Capture: Yes            Driver Name: sthda.sys         Driver Version: 5.10.4823.0000 (English)      Driver Attributes: Final Retail          Date and Size: 11/16/2005 15:36:00, 1047816 bytes              Cap Flags: 0x41           Format Flags: 0xCC0            Description: Modem #0 Line Record (emulated)  Default Sound Capture: No  Default Voice Capture: No            Driver Name:          Driver Version:       Driver Attributes:           Date and Size:               Cap Flags: 0x20           Format Flags: 0x0-----------DirectMusic-----------        DLS Path: C:WINDOWSSYSTEM32driversGM.DLS     DLS Version: 1.00.0016.0002    Acceleration: n/a           Ports: Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port                  NVIDIA High Definition Audio, Software (Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal                  Microsoft MIDI Mapper [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal                  Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal        Registry: OK     Test Result: Not run-------------------DirectInput Devices-------------------      Device Name: Mouse         Attached: 1    Controller ID: n/aVendor/Product ID: n/a        FF Driver: n/a      Device Name: Keyboard         Attached: 1    Controller ID: n/aVendor/Product ID: n/a        FF Driver: n/aPoll w/ Interrupt: No         Registry: OK-----------USB Devices-----------+ USB Root Hub| Vendor/Product ID: 0x8086, 0x27C9| Matching Device ID: usbroot_hub| Service: usbhub| Driver: usbhub.sys, 4/13/2008 14:45:38, 59520 bytes| Driver: usbd.sys, 8/4/2004 06:00:00, 4736 bytes----------------Gameport Devices----------------------------PS/2 Devices------------+ HID Keyboard Device| Vendor/Product ID: 0x413C, 0x2005| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_keyboard| Service: kbdhid| Driver: kbdhid.sys, 4/13/2008 14:39:48, 14592 bytes| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 4/13/2008 14:39:47, 24576 bytes| + Terminal Server Keyboard Driver| Matching Device ID: rootrdp_kbd| Upper Filters: kbdclass| Service: TermDD| Driver: termdd.sys, 4/13/2008 20:13:20, 40840 bytes| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 4/13/2008 14:39:47, 24576 bytes| + HID-compliant mouse| Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC05A| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_mouse| Service: mouhid| Driver: mouclass.sys, 4/13/2008 14:39:47, 23040 bytes| Driver: mouhid.sys, 8/4/2004 06:00:00, 12160 bytes| + Terminal Server Mouse Driver| Matching Device ID: rootrdp_mou| Upper Filters: mouclass| Service: TermDD| Driver: termdd.sys, 4/13/2008 20:13:20, 40840 bytes| Driver: mouclass.sys, 4/13/2008 14:39:47, 23040 bytes----------------------------DirectPlay Service Providers----------------------------DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)DirectPlay8 IPX Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)Internet TCP/IP Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)IPX Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)Modem Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)Serial Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)DirectPlay Voice Wizard Tests: Full Duplex: Not run, Half Duplex: Not run, Mic: Not runDirectPlay Test Result: Not runRegistry: OK-------------------DirectPlay Adapters-------------------DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider: Conexant D850 56K V.9x DFVc ModemDirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM3DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider: Local Area Connection 2 - IPv4 - -----------------------DirectPlay Voice Codecs-----------------------Voxware VR12 1.4kbit/sVoxware SC06 6.4kbit/sVoxware SC03 3.2kbit/sMS-PCM 64 kbit/sMS-ADPCM 32.8 kbit/sMicrosoft GSM 6.10 13 kbit/sTrueSpeech(TM) 8.6 kbit/s-------------------------DirectPlay Lobbyable Apps-------------------------------------------------Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives------------------------      Drive: C: Free Space: 120.2 GBTotal Space: 238.4 GBFile System: NTFS      Model: WDC WD2500AAJS-75B4A0      Drive: D:      Model: TSSTcorp CDDVDW SH-S202J     Driver: c:windowssystem32driverscdrom.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:40:46, 62976 bytes      Drive: F:      Model: ERI SHQFKP67 SCSI CdRom Device     Driver: c:windowssystem32driverscdrom.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:40:46, 62976 bytes      Drive: E:      Model: DTSOFT Virtual CdRom Device     Driver: c:windowssystem32driverscdrom.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:40:46, 62976 bytes

[TSR-AlexS]

BillieJoe, I'm sorry you're encountering performance issues in the game. I would recommend submitting a ticket to our technical support ticket so they can assist you with this issue. Please include your Dxdiag and your msinfo to expedite the process.