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[HELP] Tech SC2

Forum Index > Tech Support
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1 2 Next All
FyRe_DragOn
Profile Blog Joined November 2006
Canada2057 Posts
December 27 2010 05:42 GMT
#1
Just got sc2 today. I tried playing campaign but it lags like fuck, so its almost unplayable

My question is, what can I do to improve performance enough to play with no lag and have other stuff open like music? Also streaming would be nice, but my main priority is on actually being able to play at the moment.

I upgraded my RAM a few days b4 buying the game - according to my computer I now have 1.49GB of RAM, along with 2.80GHz of something? Im pretty ignorant about stuff like this, so if some1 could explain what the best option(s) is it would be highly appreciated

aka DragOn[NaS]
Chairman Ray
Profile Blog Joined December 2009
United States11903 Posts
December 27 2010 05:42 GMT
#2
RAM isn't the biggest issue, neither is processor. What limits SC2 is usually your GPU. What is your graphics card?
synapse
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
China13814 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-27 05:45:25
December 27 2010 05:43 GMT
#3
The source of your SCII performance bottleneck will be your GPU. What graphics card do you have?
1.49 GB is still not a lot of RAM at all, and 2.80GHz is referring to your processor speed (per core).

EDIT: Haha beat me
:)
Coagulation
Profile Blog Joined July 2006
United States9633 Posts
December 27 2010 05:44 GMT
#4
u should prolly have 2gig ram minimum i think
FyRe_DragOn
Profile Blog Joined November 2006
Canada2057 Posts
December 27 2010 05:52 GMT
#5
ok so what exactly is GPU? and how do I check my graphics card lol. Thanks for the advice so far though, I was thinking the same thing about the 2GB of RAM but wasnt sure if that was the whole issue.
aka DragOn[NaS]
vek
Profile Joined March 2010
Australia936 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-27 05:56:00
December 27 2010 05:55 GMT
#6
On December 27 2010 14:42 Chairman Ray wrote:
RAM isn't the biggest issue, neither is processor. What limits SC2 is usually your GPU. What is your graphics card?


With less than 2GB it is going to chug even with an i7 and a 6970. Any more than 2 is preferable with 4 being ideal for SC2.

On December 27 2010 14:52 FyRe_DragOn wrote:
ok so what exactly is GPU? and how do I check my graphics card lol. Thanks for the advice so far though, I was thinking the same thing about the 2GB of RAM but wasnt sure if that was the whole issue.


Download this:

http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

Tell us what it says in the graphics tab.
synapse
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
China13814 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-27 06:01:16
December 27 2010 05:59 GMT
#7
On December 27 2010 14:52 FyRe_DragOn wrote:
ok so what exactly is GPU? and how do I check my graphics card lol. Thanks for the advice so far though, I was thinking the same thing about the 2GB of RAM but wasnt sure if that was the whole issue.

GPU = graphics card, in case that wasn't clear.

Windows key + R, then type in "dxdiag" and click "Okay." Paste whatever it gives you in the System and Display tabs into this thread. (This is probably a better idea than downloading a program to tell you your graphics card...)
:)
FyRe_DragOn
Profile Blog Joined November 2006
Canada2057 Posts
December 27 2010 06:12 GMT
#8
On December 27 2010 14:59 synapse wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 27 2010 14:52 FyRe_DragOn wrote:
ok so what exactly is GPU? and how do I check my graphics card lol. Thanks for the advice so far though, I was thinking the same thing about the 2GB of RAM but wasnt sure if that was the whole issue.

GPU = graphics card, in case that wasn't clear.

Windows key + R, then type in "dxdiag" and click "Okay." Paste whatever it gives you in the System and Display tabs into this thread. (This is probably a better idea than downloading a program to tell you your graphics card...)


alright, it gave me the option to save the info into .txt form (thankfully) so here are the OS and display parts:

Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.100427-1636)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP Pavilion 061
System Model: EX266AA-ABA A1512X
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 2.80GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 1526MB RAM
Page File: 1914MB used, 985MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode



Display Devices
---------------
Card name: Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2772&SUBSYS_2A3B103C&REV_02
Display Memory: 224.0 MB
Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ialmrnt5.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.4497 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 2/7/2006 08:56:16, 45697 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: ialmnt5.sys
Mini VDD Date: 2/7/2006 09:04:34, 1399615 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B78E66-6432-11CF-1D62-310AA3C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x8086
Device ID: 0x2772
SubSys ID: 0x2A3B103C
Revision ID: 0x0002
Revision ID: 0x0002
Video Accel:
Deinterlace Caps: n/a
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Not Available
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run
aka DragOn[NaS]
vek
Profile Joined March 2010
Australia936 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-27 06:14:30
December 27 2010 06:13 GMT
#9
Nothing wrong with CPU-Z and it gives a lot more useful information =o

But anyway, you aren't going to have much luck running SC2 on an old integrated video card like that I'm afraid.
synapse
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
China13814 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-27 06:17:27
December 27 2010 06:16 GMT
#10
Alright, there's the source of your problem - you're trying to run SCII on an integrated graphics card. I think ~2GB RAM on Windows XP should be okay, though you could definitely use more. Dual core 2.8GHz processor is fine. But if you want to play SCII, you're going to have to install a new (discrete - discrete as opposed to integrated) graphics card.

On December 27 2010 15:13 vek wrote:
Nothing wrong with CPU-Z and it gives a lot more useful information =o

This may be true, but it's much easier to just run directx diagnostics.
:)
FyRe_DragOn
Profile Blog Joined November 2006
Canada2057 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-27 06:19:08
December 27 2010 06:17 GMT
#11
Ok, so my graphics card is trash I can install a better one though right? What are some good options there?

not sure what u mean by discrete discrete either lol. TY for the help so far guys, im learning!!
aka DragOn[NaS]
synapse
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
China13814 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-27 06:38:45
December 27 2010 06:25 GMT
#12
On December 27 2010 15:17 FyRe_DragOn wrote:
Ok, so my graphics card is trash I can install a better one though right? What are some good options there?

not sure what u mean by discrete discrete either lol. TY for the help so far guys, im learning!!

Haha I meant "discrete, as opposed to integrated." Integrated graphics cards take power and use onboard memory, whereas discrete graphics cards take power directly from your power supply (PSU, power supply unit) and have their own dedicated memory.

If you want to get a new graphics card, first things first: find out if your motherboard has the proper PCI-Express slots. I'm sure theres some program out there for that, personally I just open up my case and take a look (google is your friend here).

Depending on your price range, 70-100 dollars can get you a graphics card that will run SCII on Medium, High decently with some lag when there are too many units... as in 200/200 battles. 150-200 dollars will get you something that can run SCII perfectly without any lag (EVER!), and on a much higher resolution screen that your current 1440x900.

Search up Newegg.com, they generally have the best prices around for these types of things. If you live near a Micro Center, those guys are good with computer parts.

On a side note, I've just assumed that you're talking about a desktop, but I'm not actually sure. Also, depending on how old your computer is, you might want to consider dishing out 500-600 dollars or so for a new computer. I'm not sure how well 1.5GB of RAM is going to hold up running SCII.
:)
FyRe_DragOn
Profile Blog Joined November 2006
Canada2057 Posts
December 27 2010 06:56 GMT
#13
its a desktop and i bought it like 3 years ago. That doesnt seem old at all..how much would it cost to upgrade to 4GB of RAM?
aka DragOn[NaS]
Fishraper
Profile Joined August 2010
United States69 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-27 07:47:51
December 27 2010 07:47 GMT
#14
On December 27 2010 15:56 FyRe_DragOn wrote:
its a desktop and i bought it like 3 years ago. That doesnt seem old at all..how much would it cost to upgrade to 4GB of RAM?


If you wanna get technical/nit pick, even just 6 months can be considered "old" lol, specially for computers, always new crap coming out so fast.

I built a whole comp for 1300 recently, but that's with expensive parts. Could be done a lot cheaper.

Cost of memory is relatively cheap, specially assuming your set is will be DDR2-240pin?
If you're not first, you're last.
lqd
Profile Joined May 2010
United States108 Posts
December 27 2010 08:07 GMT
#15
Here's the specs of your computer according to HP:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00679525&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&site=null&key=null&product=3207936

As far as upgrades go, you can:
- upgrade CPU to any faster Pentium D
- upgrade video card to any PCI-Express video card
- upgrade RAM to 4 GB (4 sticks of 1 GB each)

However, you should also consider the following:
- faster Pentium D CPUs won't give you significantly better performance
- a new video card is a good way to go, but you may need a new power supply as well
- RAM is a worthwhile upgrade if you get a faster video card

Since the fastest CPUs that your motherboard supports are Pentium D's, and they are pretty slow CPU's, you basically have two options:

1. deal with the slow CPU and just upgrade video card, RAM, and maybe power supply
PROS: cheaper, video card and power supply can be reused in your next computer
CONS: slow CPU, RAM cannot be reused in your next computer

2. get a new computer
PROS: everything is nice and fast
CONS: more expensive
i'm not a team
FyRe_DragOn
Profile Blog Joined November 2006
Canada2057 Posts
December 27 2010 18:56 GMT
#16
that was very helpful

i think imma go out and get a new graphics card for now. im pretty short on cash till next friday and i want to play sc2 asap lol. If it doesnt work out I may end up getting a new PC i guess..
aka DragOn[NaS]
synapse
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
China13814 Posts
December 27 2010 19:11 GMT
#17
On December 28 2010 03:56 FyRe_DragOn wrote:
that was very helpful

i think imma go out and get a new graphics card for now. im pretty short on cash till next friday and i want to play sc2 asap lol. If it doesnt work out I may end up getting a new PC i guess..

If you get a decent graphics card and end up switching to a new PC later on, you can still use that graphics card, so this isn't a bad choice at all.
:)
scottyyy
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
United Kingdom796 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-27 19:27:09
December 27 2010 19:26 GMT
#18
On December 28 2010 03:56 FyRe_DragOn wrote:
that was very helpful

i think imma go out and get a new graphics card for now. im pretty short on cash till next friday and i want to play sc2 asap lol. If it doesnt work out I may end up getting a new PC i guess..


How much do you want to spend? Also, can you tell us what power supply you have? Look at the PSU, it's the part of your computer where you plug the wall adapter into. Look for the wattage rating.
FyRe_DragOn
Profile Blog Joined November 2006
Canada2057 Posts
December 27 2010 20:03 GMT
#19
i have about $150 to spend today, might be able to get up to 200. Hopefully thats enough to buy a nice one

Checked the PSU, it says OUTPUT 300W MAX in the largest lettering, and then some other ratings in smaller numbers (assuming they are less important lol).
aka DragOn[NaS]
synapse
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
China13814 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-12-27 20:11:49
December 27 2010 20:09 GMT
#20
On December 28 2010 05:03 FyRe_DragOn wrote:
i have about $150 to spend today, might be able to get up to 200. Hopefully thats enough to buy a nice one

Checked the PSU, it says OUTPUT 300W MAX in the largest lettering, and then some other ratings in smaller numbers (assuming they are less important lol).

Most decent GPU's require a 400W PSU. If you can find an energy efficient GPU (I'm currently using one myself, 9800GT EE; EE graphics cards take power from the motherboard, and generally run pretty well still.), that would solve your PSU problem.

Honestly though, it's not surprising that an OEM desktop (HP) comes with a shitty PSU.

If you have around 150 dollars to spend, http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709 4017&IsNodeId=1&name=$100 - $200

150 dollars is enough to buy a very very nice graphics card.
:)
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