Home Trending Latest threads New posts Developer diaries

Need help, not EU related

Jump to latest Follow Reply
  • We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
Dagfinn

Dagfinn

Oddball
40 Badges
Mar 8, 2001
1.409
97
Visit site
  • Crusader Kings II: Charlemagne
  • Europa Universalis IV: Mare Nostrum
  • Europa Universalis IV: Pre-order
  • Victoria 2: Heart of Darkness
  • Victoria 2: A House Divided
  • Victoria: Revolutions
  • Europa Universalis IV: Res Publica
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • Europa Universalis IV: Wealth of Nations
  • Europa Universalis IV: Conquest of Paradise
  • Europa Universalis III
  • Deus Vult
  • Crusader Kings II: Sword of Islam
  • Crusader Kings II: Sons of Abraham
  • Crusader Kings II: The Republic
  • Crusader Kings II
  • Crusader Kings II: Rajas of India
  • Crusader Kings II: The Old Gods
  • Crusader Kings II: Legacy of Rome
  • Europa Universalis IV: Art of War
  • Europa Universalis IV: Dharma
  • Europa Universalis IV: Rights of Man
  • Crusader Kings II: Monks and Mystics
  • Europa Universalis IV: Mandate of Heaven
  • Europa Universalis IV: Third Rome
  • Europa Universalis IV: Cradle of Civilization
  • Europa Universalis IV: Rule Britannia
  • Europa Universalis IV: Common Sense
  • Europa Universalis IV: Golden Century
  • Europa Universalis 4: Emperor
  • Crusader Kings II: Reapers Due
  • Crusader Kings II: Conclave
  • Europa Universalis IV: Cossacks
  • Crusader Kings II: Horse Lords
  • Crusader Kings II: Way of Life
  • Europa Universalis IV: El Dorado
  • 500k Club
  • Victoria 2
  • Europa Universalis IV
Okei, I'm not a computer expert and I have some maybe stupid (and to some of you obvious) questions. When it comes down to harware I'm pretty ignorant... :(

How do I find out how mutch video ram I have? I have a Voodoo 3dfx card.

How do i find out witch drivers I hav for my card and how do I update them?

Where can I find out what speed my processor has? I bought my pc two years ago (package deal) and I cant for my life remember the processor speed thingie. And no, I dont have any documentation, jeeze its been two years man... :D


I sincerley hope I do not insult anyone with my perhaps childish questions... ;) :D
 
Sorry that this information is probably incomplete but it might help until you get a better answer.

Firstly, some of the information you're looking for should flash past when the computer first boots up. This might vary depending on your equipment but with my Nvidia graphics card the very first thing that appears on the screen (in the top left corner) is a very quick report of the card, including how many megs of ram it has. If your screen is slow to warm up you may actually miss this as it's very quick.

The processor speed should also be among the next things reported. This is all in black and white, before the booting of Windows begins. (Hit the Pause key to stop if it all flashes past too quick).

Once Windows is up you shoudl be able to find driver info for your graphics card in the Control Panel (follow the link in the windows start menu). It goes something like Settings, Control panel, then click on Display, Settings (different one), and then Advanced.

One of the tabs on the box that comes up should then refer to your video card, and include a list of driver files with version numbers. It should also tell you again what your video RAM figure is. (At least it does for my card - not 100% sure for Voodoos, but it should do.)

Hope this helps. :)
 
in one of the sticky threads
http://www.europa-universalis.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28051

there is a link to a site that will provide you with 3DFx drivers made by users to be compatable with Windows XP and DirectX 8.1 among other things.

Your card should have 16mb or 32mb RAM on it if you bought it 2 years ago.

I think I know of some utilities that can reveal much of the info you want... stay tuned to this thread ;) I should have it in a couple of day.
 
Originally posted by Ironstone
Sorry that this information is probably incomplete but it might help until you get a better answer.

Firstly, some of the information you're looking for should flash past when the computer first boots up. This might vary depending on your equipment but with my Nvidia graphics card the very first thing that appears on the screen (in the top left corner) is a very quick report of the card, including how many megs of ram it has. If your screen is slow to warm up you may actually miss this as it's very quick.

The processor speed should also be among the next things reported. This is all in black and white, before the booting of Windows begins. (Hit the Pause key to stop if it all flashes past too quick).

Once Windows is up you shoudl be able to find driver info for your graphics card in the Control Panel (follow the link in the windows start menu). It goes something like Settings, Control panel, then click on Display, Settings (different one), and then Advanced.

One of the tabs on the box that comes up should then refer to your video card, and include a list of driver files with version numbers. It should also tell you again what your video RAM figure is. (At least it does for my card - not 100% sure for Voodoos, but it should do.)

Hope this helps. :)
Click to expand...

Thank you I'll try it whwn I come home...
 
Originally posted by viper37
in one of the sticky threads
http://www.europa-universalis.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28051

there is a link to a site that will provide you with 3DFx drivers made by users to be compatable with Windows XP and DirectX 8.1 among other things.

Your card should have 16mb or 32mb RAM on it if you bought it 2 years ago.

I think I know of some utilities that can reveal much of the info you want... stay tuned to this thread ;) I should have it in a couple of day.
Click to expand...

Yes I'v seen that thread, and I'll tell you: ITS SCARY... :eek:
And it just direct you to the new driver, it doesent tell me how to install it or how I can go back to my old driver witch actually works...

Looking forward to your utility...

The reason to my question, you may ask since after all it works as it is????

Well in one word: Morrowind: The Elder Scrolls III

The game looks to be great, but it kinda sets a new standard to system requrements. For the first time in my life I actually has to check if I can run a game... :eek:
 
How did it go? Did you find out what you needed to know? The information that is displayed on initial boot-up may vary depending on your motherboard and BIOS, but normally has some reference to the CPU (with the boards I've had, anyway).

Ah yes Morrowind!! It's not arrived in Australia yet, plus Bethesda gave the "Distributorship" here to EBs (Electronic Boutique) who are an American owned retail chain. Surprise, surprise, they are refusing to supply any other shops but their own here. All rather dubious, so I'll be ordering my copy via mail order if no other shops get to stock it here.

Like you I'm also considering a graphics card upgrade and the GeForce4s are now starting to arrive in Australia, so I'll probably go for one of those. It's a never ending cycle, and I now just treat it as an ongoing cost like replacing tyres for the car or whatever. I put a small sum aside each week to pay for the continual upgrading of my computer - less painful than big hits in one go. Fortunately, as I build my own machines, I see this as a bonus rather than a chore! :)
 
ok first, try this utility:
http://download.com.com/3000-2086-9389781.html?tag=lst-0-5

it's been a while since I used it, but IIRC, it will tell you what you have in your computer.

about the site, well... it's not really meant for beginners. 3DFx is out of business, Nvidia bought back the technology but not the support, so you're a bit alone in this.

I cannot help you really since I don't own a Voodoo cards since Nvidia became popular with the TNT model.

What I can tell you is that in most case, if the driver isn't working, all you'll have to do is to reinstall your old one (keep a copy of the 3dfx original file they have on their site).

Aside that you have two options:
#1) I can move your thread to OT and rename it "Help with Voodoo card", there are probably people still using Voodoo cards who will help you there.

#2) I can leave it here, you can try to upgrade the drivers and if you have a problem, you post again and we'll all try to help you.

it is your choice, either way is convenient for me.
 
Originally posted by Ironstone
How did it go? Did you find out what you needed to know? The information that is displayed on initial boot-up may vary depending on your motherboard and BIOS, but normally has some reference to the CPU (with the boards I've had, anyway).
Click to expand...

It dident... :( :rolleyes: I have a Compac, and it seems that the compac logo overrides parts of the startup. Atleast when the screen turned b/w, I saw no reference to the CPU.

Well, the part about the Video-card worked, so I found out that i only have 16 MB RAM, and I also found out the date for my drivers.

I'll better head over and try Vipers utility...
 
Originally posted by viper37

What I can tell you is that in most case, if the driver isn't working, all you'll have to do is to reinstall your old one (keep a copy of the 3dfx original file they have on their site).
Click to expand...

Yes, I guessed that mutch, but HOW do you "install" new drivers????? :eek: And then possibly go back to the old one?

The real question is: Since my old one works just fine, should I even try?

Since I only have 16 MB RAM, what kind of RAM should I by to upgrade the Card? Or shouls I just buy a new card since the Voodoo card "is no more?" (I didnt knew that...)

About the moving:
I think we should keep it here. No need to let even more people know about my ignorance about hardware... :eek: :rolleyes: :D (less people here than over at OT) anyway I think I'm getting excelllent help already
 
In practice, you can't buy more RAM for your video card as it's not removable in the same way that your system RAM is (they are two different things).

Extra system RAM is easy to instal though and is often one of the most effective upgrades that you can do in an old computer. 128 or 256 megs would be regarded as pretty standard by many gamers these days. So it might be worth checking how much system RAM you have too.

Video RAM is hard wired onto your card, and 16megs isn't going to cut much ice with Morrowind. Jump the 32meg cards and go for a 64 meg one if you can afford it. Some of the new GeForce4 cards have 128megs but are pretty pricey.

Edit:
To check your system RAM go to Control Panel again, then click on System icon and then the Performance tab. It should be the first item on the list. The General tab should also list the RAM, plus some brief info about the processor - although probably not the speed of it, alas.
 
Last edited:
The system RAM thingie I know about... :D ;)
Easy to install, and I already have 512 MB :p

You cant upgrade Video RAM??????????? :eek: :( Outch...

Ehum, is it hard to install a new card? :rolleyes:
 
Originally posted by Dagfinn
The system RAM thingie I know about... :D ;)
Easy to install, and I already have 512 MB :p

You cant upgrade Video RAM??????????? :eek: :( Outch...

Ehum, is it hard to install a new card? :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Not nowadays. They come will full instructions. Means openeing the case and plugging it in but that is no problem.
Go for it - a 64mb one at least as that will take care of future game for the next 6 months or so!
 
Try this link - it's a multipage article comparing the new GeForce4 cards from NVidia with their main rivals, the Radeon cards. Then check your local prices. When you wake up from the faint, you might also like to check the prices of GeForce3 cards (e.g. the Ti200) or the GeForce4 MX series of cards (not as good as the Ti series. Cheaper but with less speed and "prettiness" capability).

http://www6.tomshardware.com/graphic/02q2/020409/geforce4ti4200-01.html

Another good site for technical info is Anandtech.
http://www.anandtech.com/index.html


Happy hunting!
:)
 
Originally posted by Dagfinn
Okei then, it looks like I'm going to by a new card... :eek:

Could any of you people recomend some?
Click to expand...

about "ignorance", you may not know much about computers, but at least you are asking, so in my mind there is no ignorance there.

Given your limited knowledge, I wouldn't recommend installing 3rd party drivers, you never know, they might just crash your system or refuse to work with another application.

Other video cards... the choice is simple for gamers, either you buy an Nvidia or ATI based cards. Nvidia only build the graphic processor, the rest of the card are builts by other companies, but there is little difference between them. Usually what we call a "generic" Nvidia card will do.

ATI is building cards and is selling chips to other manufacturers. I don't know much about ATI cards, but their Radeon model is apparently quite good.

However, knowing ATI for being a past user of their products, I would recommend Nvidia where at least you can get support from almost anywhere on the web.

If I were you I would invest in a Nvidia GeForce4 MX. There are three models, the GeForce4 MX 460, GeForce4 MX 440, GeForce4 MX 420.
The 420 is the least powerful (and least expensive) and the 460 is the most powerful and the most expensive. For a 440, the price was around 250$CAN a few months ago, now I have no idea. Imho, a 420 or 440 would be enough for your needs, but if you intend to play the next generation of 3D Shooters, than this might not be enough power and you might need other suggestions, especially if you want to play MP. If that is the case, then I'll give you other suggestions upon request.

For the installation, I would recommend you to pay for the installation. It is very easy to do but if you never opened the case of a computer (especially a Compaq), you might have problems doing it; of course in some places you might ask the technician to be with him when he does that so you can learn how to do it. Many smaller stores will offer you installation. Imho it should cost around 40$ to install it, but if you've never done it and feel insecure about it, than better pay for it, even if they come with fully detailed instructions.
 
I'd agree with Viper37 and go for an NVidia based card. As he says they are well supported around the net and info is easy to find.

Performance wise there is not much to choose between different card makers using the same NVidia chipsets. However, some will supply more bundled software (not always worth having), offer better support on their own website (always worth checking before you buy a particular brand) and use better quality RAM or other components (hard to check of course!).

The GeForce4 MX series are basically upgraded GeForce 2 cards (at least that's the way the reviewers are seeing it) and lack some of the features found in the 'true' 4s (the Ti series). On current games you probably won't notice the difference (although you perhaps would with Morrowind if you looked carefully).

It really boils down to how much you want to pay. A higher end card will last longer and still look good in a year's time, but you would not notice much difference with the games you now own.

If you still haven't found out your CPU details there's a utility called Belarc available free at TUCOWS which will tell you a bunch of stuff. Around 580k - small compare to some.

http://www.tucows.iinet.net.au/system/adnload/198595_78388.html

And when you come to put your new card in, the best thing would be to simply send me an air ticket to Norway and get me to instal it for you. :D
 
Originally posted by Ironstone
And when you come to put your new card in, the best thing would be to simply send me an air ticket to Norway and get me to instal it for you. :D
Click to expand...

all the way from Australia? :D Hey man better get there in summer, I hear it's like your winter :D :D

Dagfinn: I'd have an hard time telling you wich company is better than the other, but mainstream sites like Zdnet or PC World could give you an idea of what the reviewers liked or did not liked. Gamespot has some good stuff on hardware too and they're more into games (it's a branch of Zdnet).

As Ironstone said, if you want performance and don't care about the price, go the regular GeForce4 if not, go for the MX series ;) Personally I have a GeForce2 MX and it's still fine; I don't think I'll change it unless Warcraft III is sluggish :D
 
A ticket from down under??? :D Well then I could rather buy me a brand new top notch pc instead.... :rolleyes: ;)

Well thanks to Vipers utility, I now know all that I need about my pc, and in adition quite a lot I dont understand... :D

Viper: About the instaling thingie, well even if I would be perfectley happy to pay someone to do it, I cant... You see the part of Norway I'm living in isnt excactley plastered with pc stores... :(
Btw, Im not that worried about opening my case, Iv done it several times. Hell, on my second last pc I even installed a CD-ROM myself... :cool: :rolleyes:

So then Im off to chek some prices on those GeForce4 cards, and if my installing goes wrong I'll probably will be back blaming you people... :D
 
Ops, not so easy...

OMG there is a shitload of different brands... :)

Abit, Asus, Creative 3DBlaster, Gainward, MSI .......

All is GeForce4 MX 440 64 MB,
some have DDR or is labeled 3,6ns to 5,0ns wich is the type of videoram I guess... ;)

Prices from ca. 135 USD to 200 USD

Wich one should I buy? :confused:
 
Re: Ops, not so easy...

Originally posted by Dagfinn

Wich one should I buy? :confused:
Click to expand...

I find that it usually boils down to which one you can afford and which one is available locally. Things change so fast these days that it's hard to either recommend or warn away from any particular manufacturer on the basis of past performance.

Oh, and I was joking about the air ticket... a sea cruise would be just fine..:D

If you do it yourself, it's quite easy with the right tools. Roughly:

Set of ring spanners.
Packet of rubber bands.
Small crowbar.
Half stick of medium strength dynamite.
Chainsaw.
Medical forceps.
Hydraulic jack.
Bottle of good red wine.
X head screwdriver.

Particularly the last two.
:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back