AOC and computer spec?

[Ikoshin]

I have been looking at AOC looks really cool. I think i meet the minimum requirement to run it but was just wondering if it will be visually horrible/unplayable with my current setup? I was wanting to do a trial but they only offer the "buddy" trial. and its like a 30gig download. Just wondering if I could actually run it or not, some people have said you have to have the top of the line for it to be any good.

Computer specs
Processor:   AMD Athlon(tm) 64 processor Athlon 64 (O) 3800+ 2.4 GHz
Chip set:     GeForce 6150 LE
Memory:      1g ram
Video Card:  BFG Nvidia GeForce 8500 GT
CD/DVD Drive: 16x DVD/CD W
Sound Card: SB Live! 24bit

[Gilgamoth]

As long as you aren't running Vista, you might be able to run it on the low or medium graphic presets.  AoC is seriously power-hungry though.

[Gilgamoth]

I think its worth a try.  I'm assuming your card is good for the medium settings (I run medium with my 8800GTS 320), but I was worried about the RAM.  2gig for XP sounds about right.  The game is supposed to take advantage of dual and quad-core procs, so you might miss a little performance over having a single, but that might be minor.  If you get it downloaded, one of us in H Company will make sure you get a buddy key.  I think we get them online via our account page...

Keep in mind that EVERYONE who plays this game gets a sudden shock along the lines of "WTF?  I thought my system was good!?!?"  Don't worry, its normal.  Take a look at the textures and architecture for a bit, and you'll see why its such a power-hog.   

Feel free to use H Company's forums too.

[Connor Altinus Mcleod]

What is the best new video card to buy for this in the 250.00 range?


Connor

[Gilgamoth]

8800GTS 512, maybe?  Would that be an upgrade for you?  That's about $250 and should run the game on medium with decent performance.  I've just got the 8800GTS 320.  Supposedly, the $500 9800s are the best, but I think I'm going to wait for a substantial price drop.

[Connor Altinus Mcleod]

I am running the Gforce 7600 at the moment I think its a 512. Is there a difference in the manufacter at the moment?


Good deal or bad card?

PCI-Express Gigabyte NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT 512MB PCI Expres   
 
Manufacturer: Gigabyte Retail Price: $174.00   
Mfg Part #: PCIE-GAN96GT512 5 O'Clock Part #: PCE-GAN96GT512 
 
 Overview:

PCI-Express Gigabyte NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT 512MB
PCI Expres
Resources:
Manufacturer's Product Link
Specifications:
Brand Gigabyte
Model No. GV-NX96T512H-B
GPU Manufacturer NVIDIA
GPU Model GeForce 9600 GT
On-Board Memory Size 512MB
Memory Interface 256-Bit
Memory Type GDDR3
Engine Core Clock 650MHz
Memory Clock 1800MHz
Bus Type PCI Express x16 2.0
VGA Output Only via DVI to VGA Adapter
TV Output S-Video
DVI Output Dual DVI-I
HDMI Output Yes, by DVI to HDMI Adapter
DirectX Support 10.0
OpenGL Support 2.0
SLI/CrossFire SLI Ready
Cooling Type Fan + Heatsink
Warranty 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty
* Image is a representation only and may not reflect actual product
 

[Gilgamoth]

http://forums.ageofconan.com/showthread.php?t=76226&highlight=nvidia

This link and another link within seem to imply that the "8800GT" (512) is the best deal, despite its age, performing on par with the 9800-series, which is supposed to be the best on the market.  Its making me consider swapping out my 8800GTS (320) for one of those.

This one is $150 after rebate:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143118

[Gilgamoth]

there are tons of settings you can tweak to get more FPS.  I use the medium preset with all shadows off, view distance 1,000, and textures on high (looks too muddy on medium).

[Connor Altinus Mcleod]

So its the 8800 GT that works the best?

[Gilgamoth]

8800GT 512

Seems like its the most recommended card at this point.  It's suppose to have performance on par with the $500 cards, yet its only about $150.  I'm sure Nvidia would rather sell you on a 9800 though. 

[Buffiel]

I have the 8800GT 512 on a Q6600 quad core, 4G system, XP 32-bit.  I can run on med at 40-50fps smoothly.  High settings dips below 30fps at times, but is playable usually. Aoc sometimes glitches and i see the fps drop to 15, regardless of my settings.  Just another reason to restart the game...

Oh, and DEFINITELY, get the card with the better than stock cooling.  I have a stock card, and this card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127329), and the stock card runs more than 20C hotter.  If you have the stock cooler, the big Accelero S1 cooler with fan is a great add-on.