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What is causing this?

SystemSystem Member, NoReporting Posts: 178,019 Arc User
When I run the game in safe mode it windows it to about 1/3-/14 of the screen. Windowed like this the game runs like a top and no connection or lag issues whatsoever. No matter where I am or what is going on in the screen. But if I maximize the screen I get a constant server not responding message and am frozen most of the time. I can actuallly run full screen in space dock walking around without trouble but not in space or any demanding scene. Is this a connection or graphics/hardware issue? anyone have an idea?
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    Gremlins. has to be Gremlins
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    A bottle can only hold so much; if the bottle is near fear it will hold the liquid just fine but if you overfill it you will make a mess.

    I would think that you are pushing close to the limits of your video card in the windowed mode and when you change to full screen it gets overloaded and bogged down.

    Space seems to have higher resolution textures being used; but I have seen others having exactly the opposite issue you are, they play fine in space and have tons of video lag when on ground areas.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    here is my system

    inspiron 531 which I think only has a 300 watt power supply
    2gb ram
    dual core 5600
    288 gb hd
    radeon 1950 pro which is known to be a power hog

    what should i change? video card? power supply? usually when its the video card it just shuts off the screen, it doesnt lag. could it be a connection issue? i am wireless behind a router.

    cnet speed test 1868.1 kbps

    speed net lists dl at 7.84 and upload at .97

    ping 47
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    1950s are quite a few generations behind. At any rate 300 watts is really low for a comp. Check if your board is agp or if it actually has pci-express. If it's agp, without pretty much a new comp, you're just buying slightly older parts to upgrade an old comp. If it's pci-express sure go buy another card, and a power supply while you're at it. If you aren't willing to spend that much, just go buy a 500+ preferably 750+ power supply, since you'll be needing it if you're going to buy new hardware later down the road anyways. Less you're planning on buying a pre-built comp.

    If you are serious about keeping this comp, add another two sticks of ram if you have room.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    Ouch. That card is terrible. If you are on a dell, it's doubtful youll be able to upgrade, as youd have to change the PSU and card, and most likely the mobo +case too. It's just be better getting a new system, unless you got really lucky and can switch out the hardware.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    It says pci express. i need a new card and power supply? how much is this gonna cost me?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    If it is pci-express, then pretty much any video card these days will work, though 1950s apparently costed $450 back in the days, however since my 2900XT runs at 25-30 fps with everything maxed cept AA at 2x, I wouldn't expect your 1950 to any different possibly with 5-15 less fps, though no doubt you can still maintain your fps if you don't care about quality with your current card.

    Anyways, first make sure things aren't glued to the case or otherwise unable to removed, please do make sure the power supply can be removed as well. I would suggest buying a power supply first, generally 500-750 watts. These can range from $50-$150+ USD, I would generally suggest a decent power supply, as cheap ones can blow your entire comp. Make sure that the psu will plug with your current motherboard and has least a 6-pin and 8-pin connector. You can try seeing if the game'll run with just the new psu first.

    Video cards these days can range from $100-$700, judging from the age of your current card any card should work long as it's over $100, though I suppose there might be some under that may be marginally better than your 1950. You most likely will need a new psu with the new card, though there are some cards that will draw less power than your current due to a smaller chip size.

    Also, I would still suggest you buy more ram specially if there's slots free. Do make sure the ram is the right one for your motherboard before you buy them. Pricing's $25-$100+ depending on your ram and size.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    thanks for all the info. it appears to be screwed in. ill take pics later. how hard is it to replace a power supply? is it as easy as just unscrewing one and TRIBBLE in another? do i have to splice wires or anything? ive changed a video card and ram but thats about all ive ever replaced on a computer.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    thanks for all the info. it appears to be screwed in. ill take pics later. how hard is it to replace a power supply? is it as easy as just unscrewing one and TRIBBLE in another? do i have to splice wires or anything? ive changed a video card and ram but thats about all ive ever replaced on a computer.

    I came across this thread on replacing the psu for the same pc.

    http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/317621.aspx

    One guy initially says:

    "You will have to call Dell and get one from them. You can't just buy any PSU and stick it in the case. They most likely won't fit. This is the downside to buying PCs from Dell, HP, Compaq. Their stuff is usually proprietary. Sorry."

    but is refuted by people who have replaced the psu in this unit:

    "I've also replaced my power supply in this computer with a CoolMax 600W power supply and further upgraded my Graphics card to a EVGA 8800GTS 512mb.

    Whatever Dell has told you is all lies. The 531 is very versitile and easily upgraded. I hope that helps any misinformation spread by dell or other posters here :) "

    what do you think?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    I just got new computer and it is like driving a ferrari after driving a old beat down buick on my old computer that ran the game fine for the most part even though it was below minimum specs. I now run the game at between high and max settings with pretty much everything you can turn on, on. I can load Sol and DS9 in less than 30 seconds where as before sometimes if I didn't dial down from the "recommended" video settings I had to close the game through the task manager and restart in the lowest settings to get into Sol and DS9 with any amount of speed.
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