Why does my computer lag?

[winzonly]

These are my specs..

AMD64 2800+
ABIT KV8 VIA K8T800 MB
512MB DDRAM corsair
XFX GeForce 5600
80 GB 7200 rpm 8MB buffer Western Digital HD
Windows XP Pro

I tried playing DOOM 3 it lags...
I have to lower quality of play for far cry inorder to have a good gaming experience...

Anyone know why?

 

[Megatomic]

It's your video card. The 5600 is not a good gaming card in DX9 titles.

 

[MrChad]

What resolution are you running at? A GeForce 5600 is not going to cut for Doom 3 is you want any resolution above 640x480. Check out these benchmarks.

 

[winzonly]

CRAPO... what's the cheapest vid card to get that works well with these games?

 

[Megatomic]

If you don't mind used, you can get a nice 9600 Pro or XT for about or less than $100. What price range are you willing to shop within?

 

[winzonly]

Originally posted by: Megatomic
If you don't mind used, you can get a nice 9600 Pro or XT for about or less than $100. What price range are you willing to shop within?

Actually, I am waiting on black friday to see if they have REALLY good deals (its about a month away), but I want to get some ideas in what to look for...

 

[Megatomic]

I still need to know how much $$$ you want to spend.

 

[winzonly]

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM....

range = $50 - $200 but preferably $50

 

[Megatomic]

For about $160-$180 you can buy a used 9800 Pro from the FS/FT forums. That's your best bet for the games you listed in the price range you'd like to stay within. I've been perfectly content with my own 9800 Pro, I played through D3 and enjoyed the game's visuals. 1024x768 with High IQ settings enabled.

Oh and I can't think of anything you'd be able to get for $50 that'd play D3 and Far Cry suitably. The lowest I'd go is 9600 Pro/XT or 5900XT. Used prices vary depending on the seller of course. I've seen some excellent deals on 9600 Pro/XT cards lately.

 

[winzonly]

anything less than $100

 

[Megatomic]

Check my edit. I honestly don't think you can get anything for less than $100 that will allow you to play those games at "decent" resolutions and IQ.

 

[winzonly]

Thanks

BTW, what's FS/FT forums?

 

[ts3433]

For Sale/For Trade

A $100 budget is cutting it almost too close for acceptable D3 performance.

 

[frank84]

hmm...

my spec is..

Amd Athlon XP 2800
512 samsung DDR 2700
FX5200 512MB DDR

i was able to run Doom3 without lagging.. ob course.. lowest configuration

here are some screenshots..

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

 

[winzonly]

haha

 

[Megatomic]

You asked for our advice, I gave mine. Buy a 5200 if you want.... Your 5600 is already better than it and the rest of your config. is stronger, too. If I had an A64 system I know I wouldn't be lowering the res. and IQ so that the game was playable.