Upgrading RAM and Graphics Card
By
Father Xmas,
Posted on: 2011-04-19 09:21 in ALL ACCESS Gameplay Technical Issues Bugs
Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.4
Scan saved at 12:15:49 PM, on 4/19/2011
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
Boot mode: Normal
Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\Program Files\IObit\Game Booster\gbtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\W3i\InstallIQUpdater\InstallIQUpdater.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\notepad.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\msiexec.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HiJackThis\HiJackThis.exe
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.search.yahoo.com/?fr=w3i&...16,16898,0,8,0
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 10.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe ARM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [InstallIQUpdater] "C:\Program Files\W3i\InstallIQUpdater\InstallIQUpdater.exe" /silent /autorun
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Google Update] "C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe" /c
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsu...?1302527385243
O16 - DPF: {E2883E8F-472F-4FB0-9522-AC9BF37916A7} - http://platformdl.adobe.com/NOS/getPlusPlus/1.6/gp.cab
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Browseui preloader - {438755C2-A8BA-11D1-B96B-00A0C90312E1} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\browseui.dll
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Component Categories cache daemon - {8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\browseui.dll
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
--
End of file - 4329 bytes
Drive by post.
First, it depends on what "format" that system is, there are three; small form factor, desktop and mini tower. The particular configuration determines power supply (160,210,250), number of ram slots (2, 4 or 4) and physical size of the video card (half height, half height, full height AGP).
All three use DDR memory, not DDR2 or DDR3, original DDR. It can use 1GB sticks. Either DDR-333 or DDR-400. You can use the utility CPU-Z to determine what the current sticks in the system are. Memory is in pairs.
More later.
Father Xmas - Level 50 Ice/Ice Tanker - Victory
$725 and $1350 parts lists --- My guide to computer components
Tempus unum hominem manet
according to http://crucial.com
Your OptiPlex GX270 Series (Desktop and Mini-Tower) System Specs
Scan Id: 53CCD44531D926C3
Memory:
DDR PC2700, DDR PC3200
Memory Type: DDR PC2700, DDR PC3200, DDR (non-ECC)
Maximum Memory: 4GB
Currently Installed Memory: 512MB
Total Memory Slots: 4
Available Memory Slots: 2
I am curious about the 'memory is in pairs' comment... Does that mean I can't just buy 1 GB of the correct RAM on Amazon or something and add it on to the 510 MB already installed? Would I have to buy 2 sticks of the same size to upgrade?
Normally you want to add in pairs for a speed advantage depending on your mother board. http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.aspx?qid=3629
As Father Xmas stated, you'll need to know your power supply wattage to determine which vid card you can upgrade to. But you'll most likely need a new one, which brings up issues of finding one that you can put inside the case. Small cases will have issues with larger vid cards as well.
Great thanks. Here is all the info on my power supply-
JMC/Datech DB9733-12HHBTL
DC 12 V 2.3 A
As for the size of the case, from the side perspective it's 16 in x16 in and from the top perspective it's 5 in X 16 in.
Thanks for all the help.
edit: I may have been looking at the wrong thing, I'm not really tech savvy at all and google just directed me to open up my case and look at the sticker. :S
You've got an old-style P4 Ez-bak...processor.
It's...okay, but nothing really great. Don't know enough about the dump to know if the (2 cores) is actually two phyiscal cores of if it's registering hyperthreading.
You only have half a gig of RAM in there now? You poor son of a...
*AHEM!*
Bumping to 4GB will give you a NOTICEABLE performance bump (because the system doesn't spend 99.9999999% of its time swapping).
You're currently playing on the Intel video. You poor son of a...
*AHEM!*
One problem you're going to run into IMMEDIATELY.
From the spec PDF.
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Small Form Factor 160W
Small Desktop 210W
Small Mini-Tower 250W
Now these power supplies are basically just enough to run the system as is. Additional draw of anything even considered a MID-RANGE card is going to cause problems on these systems.
Also the board (done some checking) is supposed to be AGP.
AGP = Essentially a dead standard. There are still places where you can find older model cards. And some of them would be a (very) small performance step up. Most aren't even that expensive ($40-130).
You've already been told this.
Now. Will you realize a measurable bump in basic system performance?
Yes.
Will you realize a measurable bump in CoH performance?
Yes.
Do I think it's worth burning $300-400 on (depending on whether you have to buy a new power supply)?
NO. I think that upgrading a machine that old is a waste of your time and money. I can understand being budget constrained, but the difference between what you're spending to upgrade your dino-system and buying a cheapo new system is negligible. And the cheapo new system will run rings around the original.
Clicking on the linked image above will take you off the City of Heroes site. However, the guides will be linked back here.
Ok-- I planned on upgrading to only 1.5-2 GB of RAM for now. I was just going to pick it up used on Amazon on the cheap. You said I could get a card for 40-130 and I'd be willing to spend somewhere in the middle of that, with the RAM hopefully totalling less than $100. I'm having trouble keeping up with your math I guess because unless a new power supply is going to be $300 I don't know how you arrived at 300-400 total.
Exactly what would I need to upgrade the power supply to in order to get a card that will properly support COH, even if on minimum settings? I'm not concerned about anything flashy right now, I figure if I dump like $150 dollars into this thing it should be in working order... I definitely wouldn't be able to get a whole new computer for that unless it 'fell off a truck.' 
edit: a quick search brought these up:
delloptiplex gx270 470 W Power Supply Replacement: $29.98
http://www.cputopia.com/hp-400w-dell...lex-gx270.html
SPARKLE SF8834DT256MB GeForce FX 5200 256M AGP TV-Out S-Video DVI Graphics Card: $34.99
http://www.amazon.com/SPARKLE-SF8834...3255346&sr=8-5
I really can't see how to match these things up to see if they are compatible with one another, et cetera... But, if everything is in order it would cost about $70.00 after shipping.
Quote:
Was figuring 4GB of RAM. As the game will still have you swapping heavily at 2GB. 2GB kits are about $100 new. Be careful buying memory used though. If they're actually selling them as matched sets, cool, fine, okay. If you're just picking up random sticks and expecting them to work in sets, stop now.|
Originally Posted by TwoHeadedBoy
I don't know how you arrived at 300-400 total.
|
Quote:
|
Exactly what would I need to upgrade the power supply to in order to get a card that will properly support COH, even if on minimum settings? I'm not concerned about anything flashy right now, I figure if I dump like $150 dollars into this thing it should be in working order... I definitely wouldn't be able to get a whole new computer for that unless it 'fell off a truck.'
|
Clicking on the linked image above will take you off the City of Heroes site. However, the guides will be linked back here.
Quote:
Right under that, if you manually look up an OptiPlex GX270 Series (Desktop and Mini-Tower) is says ...|
Originally Posted by TwoHeadedBoy
according to http://crucial.com
Your OptiPlex GX270 Series (Desktop and Mini-Tower) System Specs Scan Id: 53CCD44531D926C3 Memory: DDR PC2700, DDR PC3200 Memory Type: DDR PC2700, DDR PC3200, DDR (non-ECC) Maximum Memory: 4GB Currently Installed Memory: 512MB Total Memory Slots: 4 Available Memory Slots: 2 I am curious about the 'memory is in pairs' comment... Does that mean I can't just buy 1 GB of the correct RAM on Amazon or something and add it on to the 510 MB already installed? Would I have to buy 2 sticks of the same size to upgrade? |
Although the memory can be installed one module at a time, the best performance comes from using matched pairs of modules.
Yes you can simply add on a single 1GB stick of memory. The system will run slower than if you used two 512MB sticks but it will still be many many times faster than only having 512MB in the system.
Also DDR-333 is also called PC2700, DDR-400 is also called PC3200.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by TwoHeadedBoy
Ok-- I planned on upgrading to only 1.5-2 GB of RAM for now. I was just going to pick it up used on Amazon on the cheap. You said I could get a card for 40-130 and I'd be willing to spend somewhere in the middle of that, with the RAM hopefully totalling less than $100. I'm having trouble keeping up with your math I guess because unless a new power supply is going to be $300 I don't know how you arrived at 300-400 total.
Exactly what would I need to upgrade the power supply to in order to get a card that will properly support COH, even if on minimum settings? I'm not concerned about anything flashy right now, I figure if I dump like $150 dollars into this thing it should be in working order... I definitely wouldn't be able to get a whole new computer for that unless it 'fell off a truck.' edit: a quick search brought these up: delloptiplex gx270 470 W Power Supply Replacement: $29.98 http://www.cputopia.com/hp-400w-dell...lex-gx270.html SPARKLE SF8834DT256MB GeForce FX 5200 256M AGP TV-Out S-Video DVI Graphics Card: $34.99 http://www.amazon.com/SPARKLE-SF8834...3255346&sr=8-5 I really can't see how to match these things up to see if they are compatible with one another, et cetera... But, if everything is in order it would cost about $70.00 after shipping. |
Now if you don't have the mini-tower, that PSU and video card you found won't do you any good because they won't fit. No idea where to find an upgrade to the PSU in the desktop system and the video card slot in the desktop system needs a low profile card for the AGP slot.
Here's the service manual for the GX270, it covers all the models.
As for video cards, I would shy away from the FX 5200. The FX series was nVidia's one major misstep in GPU development. I would have you look at GeForce 6200 AGP cards.
Father Xmas - Level 50 Ice/Ice Tanker - Victory
$725 and $1350 parts lists --- My guide to computer components
Tempus unum hominem manet
Definitely don't get an FX5200. Total, complete garbage. I had one for a while. It wasn't pretty.
Are you sure you can't stretch your budget to $400-500? You could get a whole new system that will crush the one you're going to upgrade. It's really not worth it. Totally understandable if you don't wanna, though.
Quote:
Knowing my luck, of course I have the desktop. |
Originally Posted by Father Xmas
You still haven't answered my question as to what configuration of GX270 you have other than ruling out the small form factor. So again I will ask, Desktop or Mini-Tower, which is it?
Now if you don't have the mini-tower, that PSU and video card you found won't do you any good because they won't fit. No idea where to find an upgrade to the PSU in the desktop system and the video card slot in the desktop system needs a low profile card for the AGP slot. Here's the service manual for the GX270, it covers all the models. |
Does needing a low profile card mean that I can't upgrade it at all?As for the power supply not fitting in the case is it possible to pick up an external one?
Quote:
| As for video cards, I would shy away from the FX 5200. The FX series was nVidia's one major misstep in GPU development. I would have you look at GeForce 6200 AGP cards. |
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Neogumbercules
Definitely don't get an FX5200. Total, complete garbage. I had one for a while. It wasn't pretty.
Are you sure you can't stretch your budget to $400-500? You could get a whole new system that will crush the one you're going to upgrade. It's really not worth it. Totally understandable if you don't wanna, though. |
I was afraid you had the desktop when you listed that fan info.
Only problem I've found looking at low-profile 6200 cards that come with a low-profile bracket is most of them have only the DVI (digital out) port available and not the analog VGA D-SUB port. However you can get relatively cheap via NewEgg a DVI to VGA adapter in the $4-8 range.
Or you could, wouldn't recommend, not to install the low-profile bracket and just dangle the VGA port out the back on it's little ribbon cable. It's fugly and if you aren't careful as you could Conan (as in the Barbarian) the connector right off the card damaging the cable, header or even the card.
Note, the way the desktop GX270 is configured, it only has one low profile slot out the back so the cards with a second low profile bracket for the VGA port isn't any help.
Father Xmas - Level 50 Ice/Ice Tanker - Victory
$725 and $1350 parts lists --- My guide to computer components
Tempus unum hominem manet
Quote:
Ok, thanks for all the help. It's much appreciated.|
Originally Posted by Father Xmas
I was afraid you had the desktop when you listed that fan info.
Only problem I've found looking at low-profile 6200 cards that come with a low-profile bracket is most of them have only the DVI (digital out) port available and not the analog VGA D-SUB port. However you can get relatively cheap via NewEgg a DVI to VGA adapter in the $4-8 range. Or you could, wouldn't recommend, not to install the low-profile bracket and just dangle the VGA port out the back on it's little ribbon cable. It's fugly and if you aren't careful as you could Conan (as in the Barbarian) the connector right off the card damaging the cable, header or even the card. Note, the way the desktop GX270 is configured, it only has one low profile slot out the back so the cards with a second low profile bracket for the VGA port isn't any help. |
Onto the power source, if I picked up the one I posted earlier (http://www.cputopia.com/hp-400w-dell...lex-gx270.html) is not having it fit the ONLY issue, or would it not be compatible with the board? I've known people to leave their cases open anyways, and I could always get a new one at a later time as long as the power source was compatible.
I just picked up a used Desktop computer to replace my Laptop. I know I need to upgrade the RAM, I was thinking of just adding an additional 1 GB. I don't need to run on Ultra Mode or even close, I just don't want 10 minute load screens anymore, and I want to be able to run the new Trials without being in lag land.
I also know I need a new graphics card, but I've read that a certain amount of power is required to support certain cards and I have no knowledge whatsoever as to what any of this means so I'll defer to the board. I would like to spend the minimal amount of money to get to a point where I can run decently (be on trials/TF's without viewing a slideshow of the game) and have short load screens even if it's on one of the lowest settings.
I also don't know if my processor is up to par though it seems to meet the system requirements.
---System information gathered by CoH Helper version 0.2.0.2---
DxDiag gathered at April 19, 2011 12:13 (-07:00)
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.101209-1647)
System Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
System Model: OptiPlex GX270
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A07
Central Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 510MB
.Net Memory Report: 226MB out of 509MB available
Page File: 1321MB (286MB currently in use)
C Drive: (WDC WD800BB-00DKA0) 62551MB out of 76308MB (81%) free
D Drive: (SAMSUNG CDRW/DVD SM-348B) zero-size drive
Windows directory location: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DirectX Diag version: 5.03.2600.5512 (32-bit version)
Display Notes: No problems found.
Sound Notes: No problems found.
Input Notes: No problems found.
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor's Max Resolution: 1600,1200
Video Device Name: Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller
Manufacturer / Chip: Intel Corporation / Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller
Video Memory: 96.0 MB
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.4544
Driver Date: 5/25/2006 8:43:46 AM
Driver Language: English
Sound Device Description: SoundMAX Digital Audio
Driver File: smwdm.sys
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.3555
Driver Date: 2/28/2003 9:17:18 AM
WMI Information
Motherboard Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corp.
Motherboard Model: (empty)
Motherboard Product: 0CG566
Motherboard Version:
BIOS Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
BIOS Name: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A07
BIOS Version: DELL - 8
BIOS Release: 20060626000000.000000+000
Registry Information for Current User
Resolution: 1280x1024
3D Resolution: 1280x1024 (Not using renderscale)
Full Screen: Yes
Maximized: No
Screen Position: 0, 0
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Vertical Sync Enabled: No
Physics Quality: None
Maximum Particles: 100
Max Particle Fill? 10.000
Physics Card Enabled: No
Anti-aliasing: Off
Anisotropic Filtering: None
Texture LOD Bias: Crisp
Water Effects: None
Bloom: 1.000 (turned off)
Depth of Field Enabled: No
Desaturation Effects (Sepia) Enabled: No
Shader Detail: Unknown (4)
World Texture Level: Unknown (3)
Character Texture Level: Low
World Detail Level (Vis_Scale): 0.500
Entity Detail Level: 0.300
Shadows Enabled: No
Shadow Mode: Disabled
Shadow Map Shader: Unknown (0)
Environmental Reflections: Disabled
Advanced Occlusion Settings: No
Ambient Occlusion: Off
Occlusion Strength: Off
Blur: Bilateral
Ambient Resolution: Performance
Gamma Correction: 1.000
Geometry Buffers (VBOs) Enabled: No
Suppression of FX When Camera Close Enabled: Yes
Close Suppression Range: 3.000
Show Advertisements: Yes
Audio Mode: Compatiblity
3D Audio: No
FX Sound Volume: 0.238
Music Sound Volume: 0.244
Show Advanced Graphics Options: No
Overall Graphics Quality: 0.000
Reverse Mouse Buttons: No
Save Login Username: Yes
Transfer Rate: Unknown bytes/second
Current Game Version: 2010.201104142136.1.0
Installation Directory: C:\Program Files\NCsoft\City of Heroes
Mod files in the Data directory
No modifications found