graphics freeze

[KAMIKAZE MadMax]

When I play Source or some of my other games the graphics are choppy during some of the movies (I.E. BattleStations: Midway) or at times, lock up for about 30 seconds. Any idea what this might be? I think it might be time to get a new graphics card, but I know I need more ram too.

system specs:
Manufacturer:
AWARD_
Processor:
AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3000+, MMX, 3DNow, ~1.8GHz
Memory:
512MB RAM
Hard Drive:
120 GB
Video Card:
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5500
Monitor:
Plug and Play Monitor
Sound Card:
Realtek AC97 Audio
Speakers/Headphones:
2.1 Speakers with Subwoofer
Keyboard:
Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse:
Belkin Optical Mouse
Mouse Surface:
Michigan State Mousepad
Operating System:
Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519)

[Hamese]

It is an older machine and will be put to the test by all the newer games. In looking into it, the graphics card seems to be about 256mb and that should be good enough for Source, I run 256. As you pointed out you may need more RAM and I agree with that. I think I might start at getting system ram (another 512) before getting a new video card.

[l3eeron]

Ya, it sounds like you're starving for graphical resources. First upgrade ram - you can never have too much ram.

Your processor is sufficient.


I looked up your vid card and its a 128 mb AGP. Thats barely gonna cut it as far as source and other graphiclly intense games. I would get at least a 256 mb (doesnt need to be a fancy TV tuner, just a "base model" card with 256 mb) Even if you have graphic settings on low, the rendered cinematic scenes will look choppy and/or (as in your case) pause or freeze.


anyway, here are some AGP vid cards off of tigerdirect

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... s=AGP&mnf=

Heres a 512 mb AGP for $99.99!

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... CatId=2234




Remember to ALWAYS check compatibility when purchasing computer components

That should get you on the right path =)

[KAMIKAZE MadMax]

Just got a new graphics card...An ATI Radeon x1600 Pro. It's an AGP 8x 512mb card. Tell me what ya think and will it help my problem? Oh and by the way my other graphics card is a PCI card at 256 mb.

[DeafOfficeWorker]

Hmmm...where to begin.

The CPU is skirting on minimum. You definitely need more RAM. If your old video card was using a PCI slot instead of your AGP, well...that could make a difference. Your new video card should help some, but it might be gimped by the other inadequacies of your system. The only thing to do is try it and see.

[Dog]

Another thing...are you on wireless?
I used to have a wireless setup that did exactly that.

Me ol' mate Preacherman came round to my house and wired the place up

[KAMIKAZE MadMax]

Nope no wireless...and the new graphics card is a real gem. I can play all my games without a hitch now including MS Flight Sim X, which runs amazingly well now. Even Battlestations: Midway runs without a single hitch or anything. Looks like problemo solved.