Calling all computer Einsteins

Cutthroat

Chocobo Licensed
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Jul 5, 2004
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Texas
I'm wanting to comeback to this game, and with Christmas over, I've spent a lot of my money on other things. I only have about $140 left over, and my computer is sh*t compared to some things I've seen. I mean, it's not a bad computer in general, but as a gaming machine, it's not great. I just want back in my FFXI world, though.

So, here is what I'm looking at playing FFXI on. I just need to know if this will be sufficient enough to play XI. I don't care if I have to use the lowest settings for now, I can always upgrade later on once I get another job... And I'm computer retarded pretty much so I'd like some help from you Einsteins out there. Please, a little help!!

Pentium 4 processor
80 GB
ATI Radeon 9250 256 MB DDR PCI
256 MB (yes, I know...needs to be upgraded...once again, I will once I get a little more dough in my pocket)
2.60 ghz

Okay, I think that's all you need to know. Now, will that run XI at all? Remember, I don't mind putting it on the lowest of all low settings.
 
Should run FFXI just fine, the only issue might be the graphics card.

Not so much that it isn't adequate enough, but rather the drivers you use might be too far advanced so to speak. It's no joke when people say FFXI runs better on older drivers, so if you do have problems running the game it's best to go with whatever drivers SE recommends, which I beleive can be found on the POL website.
 
Alright, thanks. Well, I've looked up on the PLO website, and going by what SE said for the reccomended drivers, mine is right in the middle. So yeah, hopefully I'll be running around with all of you again soon.
 
when I first started playing FFXI, I had a Geforce 3 Ti w/64 Mbs and 512 Mbs of System Ram, I tweaked the hell out of the config for FFXI to make it run good.. if you need help, give me a /tell ingame.. oh and also, I would Aim for Upgrading your Graphics Card to a Radeon 9600, or a Geforce 4.. each card should be in your price range, anyways.. peace.
 
Lecan said:
Should run FFXI just fine, the only issue might be the graphics card.

Not so much that it isn't adequate enough, but rather the drivers you use might be too far advanced so to speak. It's no joke when people say FFXI runs better on older drivers, so if you do have problems running the game it's best to go with whatever drivers SE recommends, which I beleive can be found on the POL website.


Running on the latest Catalyst driver set. No issues.
 
i have a 2.2 gig with 512 ddr, a vid card that is equivalent to yours and it runs fine for me
 
Alright, risking my dignity, I'm going to ask this anyway. What is the difference between AGP and PCI? I see no difference in price on the ATI Radeon 9550 AGP and PCI, I'm wondering if one if for gaming and one is not?? I'm not sure, but I'm wanting to buy this one, as it is directly in my range, and it's also better than the one I was looking at before. The only thing is it is an AGP, not PCI.
 
Cutthroat said:
Alright, risking my dignity, I'm going to ask this anyway. What is the difference between AGP and PCI? I see no difference in price on the ATI Radeon 9550 AGP and PCI, I'm wondering if one if for gaming and one is not?? I'm not sure, but I'm wanting to buy this one, as it is directly in my range, and it's also better than the one I was looking at before. The only thing is it is an AGP, not PCI.
If your motherboard has a PCI slot you need a PCI video card, dont buy an AGP and try to fit it in.
 
Taeketsu said:
If your motherboard has a PCI slot you need a PCI video card, dont buy an AGP and try to fit it in.

Ah, I see. Okay, thanks a lot, I was about to waste $100.
 
AGP, the slot, is dedicated entirely to video. You have much better speeds over PCI slots.


However, PCI-Express is better than AGP. PCI-Express cards will not work in a regular PCI slot. Atleast, I don't think they will. Pretty sure they aren't forwards compatible.
 
Hm...alright. Now, how do I find out if I have PCI-Express, PCI, or AGP?

By the way, thank you for all of the help, guys. I know I sound like a complete moron. But up til now I've been completely console and video gaming, I'm just starting to get aquainted with the computer lingo and all that.
 
PCI, and PCI-Express should be the same, are the long white slots. AGP is shorter, about 2/3s the length, and usually(not always) dark-copper colored.

Chances are, you definantly have an AGP slot. As for PCI or PCI-Express, you'll have to look at your motherboard model, the manual should have it written clearly on the page that lists off the specs.
 
Skaw said:
PCI, and PCI-Express should be the same, are the long white slots. AGP is shorter, about 2/3s the length, and usually(not always) dark-copper colored.

Chances are, you definantly have an AGP slot. As for PCI or PCI-Express, you'll have to look at your motherboard model, the manual should have it written clearly on the page that lists off the specs.

Alright, I think I understand it pretty well, now. Thank you.
 
ya, first thing you need to know is wether or not your MB can support the agp.
if your computer is made by compaq, gateway, or whoever, call them first and ask them.(if there is a warranty still on the computer) you dont want to open it up and look otherwise you void the warranty. but if the computer is past its warranty, open the case, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING WITH YOUR FINGERS ONCE YOU DO.

here is a pic of what agp looks like.
agpcopy.jpg
 
actually, pci and pci express are ALMOST the same. if your computer is not within a year old, you wont be able to use pci express. your better off with agp if your computer can house it
 
Ah, okay. I see. Well, my computer passed warranty a few months ago, so I'll get my friend who knows computers well to install it for me once I get it. I wouldn't trust myself with all that just yet.
 
Skaw said:
PCI, and PCI-Express should be the same, are the long white slots. AGP is shorter, about 2/3s the length, and usually(not always) dark-copper colored.

Chances are, you definantly have an AGP slot. As for PCI or PCI-Express, you'll have to look at your motherboard model, the manual should have it written clearly on the page that lists off the specs.
you have that backwards....he definately has pci, but agp is the one that is questionable. and like i said, unless the computer is about a year to a year and half old, chances are he doesnt have pci express.

have your friend check to verify that it has agp first. if it doesnt have agp, your best bet is regualr pci.
 
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