Matrix Games Forums

Whats the best set up to get a smooth game my new 2.0 is so Choppy .

it skips frames big time in the live action game

What is you computer set up?
 
I usually turn the shadows down first to help with frame rate.
 

Hi.
 
Please post your system specs. The DXDiagnostic file will provide the information I am looking for. The instructions to generate one are here: http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=1077033
 
Generally, to improve the frame rate you can do the following: Switch to low or normal resolution players. Set the shadows to normal or basic. And lower the screen resolution to 1024*768 or lower. The game uses bump mapping on high player detail and if your card doesn't support that technology it may be trying to use software to render the effect. That would have a large impact on speed.
 
thanks
David

here is what i got from the test.

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 9/24/2007, 18:29:11
Machine name: MIKEOLSON
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Concentric
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 510MB RAM
Page File: 311MB used, 837MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found. DirectDraw test results: All tests were successful. Direct3D 7 test results: All tests were successful. Direct3D 8 test results: All tests were successful. Direct3D 9 test results: All tests were successful.
Sound Tab 1: DirectSound test results: All tests were successful.
Music Tab: DirectMusic test results: All tests were successful.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: The registry information for the DirectPlay application 'Stronghold' is missing or damaged. You should reinstall that application. DirectPlay test results: All tests were successful.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce FX 5200
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0322&SUBSYS_203E1682&REV_A1
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.9371 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 10/22/2006 13:22:00, 4527488 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 10/22/2006 13:22:00, 3994624 bytes

[snip - david winter]

Hi.
 
So looking at the report, I would recommend adding more memory to your system. You're only at 512MB of memory. You may also want to look at updating the graphics card. The FX series has some limitations that make it run slower than the TI series. Also, from what I've read of the card, the FX series had some problems dealing with shaders.
 
That said, you should be able to improve the frame rate by doing the following;
- Switch to normal or low detailed player models.
- Use normal or basic shadows.
- Turn off the replay system.
- Play the game in a lower resolution (1024*768 or lower)
 
Any or all of these changes will probably up your frame rates.
 
Hope that helps.
thanks
David

My old video card was the same, it got about 30-35fps on my dual core 2.4ghz AMD rig with the pre-2.0 MaxFB.
I upgraded to the Nvidia Geforce 7600 512m PCIE and it is now in the 60fps range with 2.0

Vid card makes a big difference.

Very decent video cards can be purchased for $125 down, my ATI card died this summer and I got a GeForce 7800 GT to replace it for around $120.  The lowest my frame rate gets now is in the low 60s.  Check out this site  http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=48&name=Video-Cards

512MB of system memory is low for a Windows XP computer.
 
The GeForce FX5200 is getting old.  One of my systems has a FX5200 Ultra, and I had to play the game with shadows turned down and a lower resolution with Maximum Football 1.x.
 
If you have the cash, hop over to Newegg, Eaglebit, eWiz, or Allstarshop for some memory and a new graphics card.  Then you can play Company of Heroes and Medieval II Total War as well.