does the amount of power affect video performance?

xiaobao12

Senior member
Oct 9, 2004
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I have a Dell 4600 2.66 ghz, stock psu with 2 opticals, 2 HDs, x800xt plat, audigy, and USB devices.

The reason why I'm asking is because I'm getting poor performance in Quake 4 on high settings. The screen locks up for about 5 seconds whenever the graphics get very detailed.

Thanks.
 

ribbon13

Diamond Member
Feb 1, 2005
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1. Intel isn't a good choice for gaming.
2. I'm not going to research the stock PSU for your system, when it would have been far easier for you to just post it.
3. Quake4 is based on Doom3 engine which is OpenGL based, so an nVidia card would likely be better.
4. maybe your video card just can't handle high settings? lower quality settings or lower resolution (if CRT)
 

MobiusPizza

Platinum Member
Apr 23, 2004
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I don't think PSU is the problem. I don't think Dell is silly enough to put in an underpowered PSU in their computers just to get loads of technical enquires.

P4 2.66Ghz is a bit underpowered. It's a bottleneck of the system.
What resolution are you playing on? Which monitor? Any resolution near 1600*1200 might be the culprit
 

xiaobao12

Senior member
Oct 9, 2004
283
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Hey guys,

Thanks for your replies. I'm playing on a Dell FlatPanel 15 inch. It's crappy. Resolution is 1024x768. I was told the PSU is a 350W. I will try running it on lower resoluation.


 
Apr 15, 2004
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The specs on that system look fine for 10x7 Q4. I'll bet it's your ram, you didn't mention how much, do you have 512mb or less? Not enough ram can cause a choppiness in gameplay that looks like lag when the slow HD is being accessed.

And don't listen to these other people and go upgrade your system when you don't have to. Intel is a fine choice for gaming, and 2.66ghz most certainly isn't a bottleneck, it's plenty of juice.
 

xiaobao12

Senior member
Oct 9, 2004
283
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LOL.

Thanks inappropriate - I got 1 GB of RAM but only 333mhz! Basically crap right? Would I gain alot from putting 1 more gig in there?