Best way to increase performance?

jusmeig · 10-04-2007, 03:28 AM

Hi folks,

I have quite a new rig, specs below:

Asus P5N-E SLi nForce 650 (Socket 775)
Intel Core 2 DUO E6400 "LGA775 Allendale"
Corsair 2GB DDR2 XMS2-6400C5 TwinX (2x1GB)
BFG GeForce 8800 GTS OC 640MB GDDR3
Enermax Liberty 500W ELT500AWT ATX2.2 Modular SLI Compliant PSU

I got onto the Crysis Multiplayer BETA and im noticing a drop in framerate to 15 - 20. Granted its only in BETA and I am playing on full setting as there is an issue if I try to go lower!!! (looks amazing by the way!!)

Im overclocking using the presets on my MoBo....so im at 20% overclock I think. Which of the following is a good idea....which is a bad idea to boost performance:

a) Add second Graphics card, please note they would be only running SLI in 8X mode as this is all my MoBo can do.
b) Add more RAM, will this make much difference?

Cheers,

Justin

**koala** · 10-04-2007, 04:06 AM

Adding a second card would increase fps rates, but x8 will limit it considerably compared to x16. Which graphics driver version are you using? Have you been into the Display options to tweak the settings. Even something basic like changing from Quality to Performance can make a difference. Can you lower the screen resolution, or does that fall under the full-settings issues you mentioned?

Ctrl-Alt-Delete to see how much memory is being used when running your typical applications. If it's getting close to 2gb and starting to use the page file, add more RAM. XP doesn't like more than 3-4gb so unless you're upgrading to Vista, 2gb RAM should be enough. Is it setup as dual channel?

Your PSU has 32A/+12V so should be ok with the 8800GTS. Overclocking will push the PSU and cooling system though. What temps and voltages do you get under stress?

Note: I've removed your link to a games forum. Please don't post spam.

jusmeig · 10-04-2007, 04:37 AM

Ill have to get back to you on the driver version, but I upgraded to the latest Nvidia drivers about a month ago, so im probably up to date there.

I have been into display options, I think I have it set to allow the application to allow the best performance (this is where you see the spinning Nvidia logo). Is this a good idea or should I override?

I will check the Ram and edit this post, I will also get back to you on temps, but as far as I know its all good there too as I get no freezing or artifacts when gaming.....i just reckon I can get far more out of the above!!!

Thank you for your reply.

**koala** · 10-04-2007, 04:49 AM

I would experiment with the custom settings in the display options. For example, dropping the anti-aliasing from x16 to x4 or x8 won't affect the image quality too much but will definitely increase fps.

Where there is an option to 'let the application decide' override this as it may be causing the problem you're having with lowering the settings in Crysis.

**1 g0t 0wn3d** · 10-04-2007, 06:57 AM

People on the beta are experiancing simalar fram drops it is a very intence game.

HawMan · 10-04-2007, 08:51 AM

It is indeed an Intense game. A Mate of mine is using the 8800GTS too and hes gettings around 20fps. ( On Max )

jusmeig · 10-08-2007, 04:29 AM

Hey guys....yes its intense alright....but granted its a BETA. It should perform at 40 fps with some small tweaks.

OK Koala, to answer some qurstions for you:

nForce driver version: 158.22
Im using about 1.33gb of RAM when playing, so I dont think adding more will make a difference?

10-04-2007, 03:28 AM	#1 (permalink)
jusmeig Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 22 OS: XP	Best way to increase performance? Hi folks, I have quite a new rig, specs below: Asus P5N-E SLi nForce 650 (Socket 775) Intel Core 2 DUO E6400 "LGA775 Allendale" Corsair 2GB DDR2 XMS2-6400C5 TwinX (2x1GB) BFG GeForce 8800 GTS OC 640MB GDDR3 Enermax Liberty 500W ELT500AWT ATX2.2 Modular SLI Compliant PSU I got onto the Crysis Multiplayer BETA and im noticing a drop in framerate to 15 - 20. Granted its only in BETA and I am playing on full setting as there is an issue if I try to go lower!!! (looks amazing by the way!!) Im overclocking using the presets on my MoBo....so im at 20% overclock I think. Which of the following is a good idea....which is a bad idea to boost performance: a) Add second Graphics card, please note they would be only running SLI in 8X mode as this is all my MoBo can do. b) Add more RAM, will this make much difference? Cheers, Justin Last edited by koala; 10-04-2007 at 04:00 AM. Reason: removed link

10-04-2007, 04:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,327 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Re: Best way to increase performance? Adding a second card would increase fps rates, but x8 will limit it considerably compared to x16. Which graphics driver version are you using? Have you been into the Display options to tweak the settings. Even something basic like changing from Quality to Performance can make a difference. Can you lower the screen resolution, or does that fall under the full-settings issues you mentioned? Ctrl-Alt-Delete to see how much memory is being used when running your typical applications. If it's getting close to 2gb and starting to use the page file, add more RAM. XP doesn't like more than 3-4gb so unless you're upgrading to Vista, 2gb RAM should be enough. Is it setup as dual channel? Your PSU has 32A/+12V so should be ok with the 8800GTS. Overclocking will push the PSU and cooling system though. What temps and voltages do you get under stress? Note: I've removed your link to a games forum. Please don't post spam. __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

10-04-2007, 04:37 AM	#3 (permalink)
jusmeig Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 22 OS: XP	Re: Best way to increase performance? Ill have to get back to you on the driver version, but I upgraded to the latest Nvidia drivers about a month ago, so im probably up to date there. I have been into display options, I think I have it set to allow the application to allow the best performance (this is where you see the spinning Nvidia logo). Is this a good idea or should I override? I will check the Ram and edit this post, I will also get back to you on temps, but as far as I know its all good there too as I get no freezing or artifacts when gaming.....i just reckon I can get far more out of the above!!! Thank you for your reply.

10-04-2007, 04:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,327 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	Re: Best way to increase performance? I would experiment with the custom settings in the display options. For example, dropping the anti-aliasing from x16 to x4 or x8 won't affect the image quality too much but will definitely increase fps. Where there is an option to 'let the application decide' override this as it may be causing the problem you're having with lowering the settings in Crysis. __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

10-04-2007, 06:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,528 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: Best way to increase performance? People on the beta are experiancing simalar fram drops it is a very intence game. __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

10-04-2007, 08:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
HawMan Liam Join Date: May 2006 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 2,938 OS: Win XP My System	Re: Best way to increase performance? It is indeed an Intense game. A Mate of mine is using the 8800GTS too and hes gettings around 20fps. ( On Max ) __________________ Please Consider Donating to keep the site free.

10-08-2007, 04:29 AM	#7 (permalink)
jusmeig Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 22 OS: XP	Re: Best way to increase performance? Hey guys....yes its intense alright....but granted its a BETA. It should perform at 40 fps with some small tweaks. OK Koala, to answer some qurstions for you: nForce driver version: 158.22 Im using about 1.33gb of RAM when playing, so I dont think adding more will make a difference?