the PC gaming help thread

[noiseredux]

Next Question:

Per sabrage and DinnerX's suggestion, here's my DxDiag readout:

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System Information
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Time of this report: 5/21/2012, 19:21:24
Machine name: BRAD-PC
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600) (7600.win7_gdr.120401-1505)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: eMachines
System Model: ET1831
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 450 @ 2.20GHz, ~2.2GHz
Memory: 3072MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 3072MB RAM
Page File: 1655MB used, 4485MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7600.16385 32bit Unicode

So as far as running some newer games, what does this tell you, good/bad/otherwise?

[DinnerX]

I looked up that CPU and it's only a single core. Multiple cores can have a large impact on the performance of certain programs.

Another GB or 2 of RAM would probably be good. 4GB is sort of the base amount these days and you only have 3GB.

I don't play popular new PC games, so I can't say how much these two items will impact the performance of new games.

I can tell you that PC will not run Dolphin very well. Dolphin really needs multiple cores.

[BoringSupreez]

Not trying to be mean here, but your PC specs make me feel better about mine. Anyway, based on your processor and RAM, I wouldn't expect any mainstream releases from after 2008 to run so well on your machine. A quad-core processor along with another gig of RAM would make a good difference.

[ZenErik]

I looked up that CPU and it's only a single core. Multiple cores can have a large impact on the performance of certain programs.

Another GB or 2 of RAM would probably be good. 4GB is sort of the base amount these days and you only have 3GB.

I don't play popular new PC games, so I can't say how much these two items will impact the performance of new games.

I can tell you that PC will not run Dolphin very well. Dolphin really needs multiple cores.

I didn't even know that single core computers with Windows 7 OEM existed. Wow! This is most impressive. And no hyper threading either.

noise will likely just need a new computer for newer mainstream PC games. But it should do alright with most but certainly not all doujin games.

[Dylan]

So as far as running some newer games, what does this tell you, good/bad/otherwise?

Ha, we had an ET1831 at a place I used to work.

To answer your question: bad, unfortunately. Between your nvidia 9600gs and your celeron processor, you'd be lucky to run bigger games from the mid 2000s on even medium settings. For modern (more graphically intense) games, you would need to upgrade both your video card and processor by a good margin.

[sabrage]

A Celeron?!

[noiseredux]

you guys -- I told you this is my first forray into PC gaming. I didn't buy this thing as "a gaming machine." I bought it off the shelf two or three years ago to well... browse this forum and not much else. So kind of go easy on me, eh?

[ZenErik]

you guys -- I told you this is my first forray into PC gaming. I didn't buy this thing as "a gaming machine." I bought it off the shelf to well... browse this forum and not much else. So kind of go easy on me, eh?

That's fine. If you don't want buy a new rig, I would say just explore doujin games for now. I love them. Let me know if you want any suggestions. I'm sure JT has a ton of suggestions too.

[sabrage]

I'm just messing with you Noise. Your computer is great for running older games, and I think GoG will serve you incredibly well since they go out of their way to smooth out compatibility issues with older titles. As we all know, new games ain't shit anyways. If you're looking for an off-the-wall and obscure recommendations, I highly suggest that you check out Blade of Darkness (or Severence: Blade of Darkness in PAL territories.) It reminds me a lot of Demon's Souls, but 10 years before its time with full bodily mutilation (could be a good or bad thing in your eyes; it certainly earns its M rating) and the most fun combat system of any 3D game I've ever played, period. The mouse control might throw you off until you get more accustomed to it, but the game has that same style of dynamic, rewarding combat as Demon's Souls... Just with an incredible level of finesse in terms of where you can put your sword. I found my copy on ebay for about $15.

A lot of the "upgrade impetus" of the PC is highly overexaggerated anyways. I built my PC in 2007, and the only things I've updated since then were the video card (since it broke) and my RAM and its still running like a champ, despite my propensity to open 100+ Chrome tabs at a time.

That said, if you want to get heavy into emulation post-4th or 5th generation I think you're going to be very frustrated by the performance that you get.

[alienjesus]

Hijacking your thread Noise. Maybe make this just the 'PC gaming need help thread'?


I got me a new computer lately and i'm trying to install all the old PC games I have. I found ways around installing Discworld Noir and Grim Fandango, but I'm currently stuck on installing Discworld II. I'm using Windows 7 64 bit, and I've found some of the old game installers dont really work in 64 bit systems. Is there anyway around this, so I can install the game? Be aware I'm no PC gamer, and probably won't have a clue what you're on about if you start getting to techy

I might need help with Day of the Tentacle or Dark Forces 2 yet aswell, not got round to them so far.