Graphics card question

It should run it but dont expect Spectacular performence.   

Best part about this game is that it runs on most systems, even systems that are under the system requirements... Just turn your settings down a bit.

That lack of a 3D wasn't a dealbreaker... but being a 5200 is. (If your interested in my specific answer to your problem, rather than a "lecture" on computer parts, skip to last paragraph)

Quick run down on how video cards work (roughly).

XXX xyzz (aa) XMB

XXX is the type name -- Nvidia or ATi. the xyzz is a series of numbers. The first number, the x, is the series / generation number. Basically, it pegs the card to a rough "family". The lower than number is, the older -- and therefore less capable -- the card. The second number, the y, is a descriptor of the cards capabilities, or its intended "audience". 500 is bare minimum for gaming applications -- anything lower than that is intended for word documents and the like. It may run the game, but it probably lacks the power to do so decently (e. g. low, frequently unplayable, framerates). The final numbers, the zz, generally aren't used -- are left at 00 -- but can be used to indicate an incremental improvement. The (aa) is a series of letters used to further modify the card. I don't have a list of the exact modifiers, some are better than others, but ones like "go" (used for mobile cards) and "LE" (used for really sucky cards, hence the term "lame edition) generally indicate reduced -- or greatly reduced in the case of the LE -- preformance. The XMB is, of course, the memory of the card.

Video card memory is not the major indicator of performance. Let me say that again: higher memory does not automatically indicate higher performance. In fact, memory is one of the places video card manufacturers love to inflate, to convince you to buy an inferior card.

Think of it this way: even a computer with a terrabyte of memory is still going to suck if you happen to have a P4 in it. The processor just can't hack it -- and all that memory is going to "waste" because you just don't have a processor strong enough to make good use of it.

That said... the Geforce 5000 series (the FX line) is widely known to have been one of Geforce's greatest mistakes. A complete and utter flop, the way the 5000s support many of their "supported" features (notably pixel shaders) is so inefficient as to be useless.

If I were you, I'd upgrade my computer ASAP to something better (give us a budget, and we'll be happy to steer you right, me especially -- I'd need to know more about your system before I can tell you if a replacement model or "just" a new video card is in line, however). If that isn't an option (and I recognize that many lack the funds to upgrade computers, even when they are way out of date), then I'd suggest you wait for the demo before making a decision, and see how it runs on your computer. I don't think there is any experiential data on how a 5200 will run this game -- but just looking at the number, the answer is "not well". Whether you can "hack" how poorly the card runs the game is something only you can decide.

get a new card, the game running on a 5200 just isnt worth it...

Do it right the first time

Get an 8800GT 512MB.

They're cheaper than the 8800GTX, have great performance over the GTS, and are only a touch more expensive.

That is, if you have a recent-ish system to stick it in

I kind of figured I was out of luck.

I had no clue that a 5200 was "old". I installed it in my computer 10 months ago, specifically for the purpose of playing GC2 DA. (For which it works fine)

I'm not going to upgrade at this time. In addion to the $40 for the game, I'm guessing I'd have to spend $100+ for the card. My "old" one was $70. I don't play computer games often enough to justify that kind of spending.

Thanks for your help guys!

B.

Whatever you paid for that card, you overpaid.

That said, seriously, wait and try the demo. They've gone so far to making this thing scale it might actually run -- I would not be surprised, either way.

For what it's worth, I'm running this game on a 3-year old laptop that's 1.4GHZ with a 32MB ATI video card - and it runs fine. Sure, I've got all the graphics at their lowest settings, but it runs reasonably well. I'd bet it'll at least run for you.

My computer has a 1.79ghz pentium 4 with 1gb of ram and a nvidia geforce 5500 graphics card. Is that enough to run the game?

Your way under spec on both processor and video card. I'd try the demo, but I'm going to say no.

That's because you have an integrated video chip more than likely. Meaning it has 32mb, but borrows from the RAM, so it runs more like a 128mb card. And if you have a mobile chip (centrino instead of a p4), then you're technically running close to double the rating.

Laptops are strange objects.

Err..Centrino isn't a chip, it's a "brand name" which essentially means "this laptop has a C2D and an Intel graphics accelerator".

Video memory is not the problem here, it's simply processing power (a lot of laptops have plenty of memory). And Sins..is okay on a integrated graphics system.

Where can I find the demo?
When I sign onto Stardock central, I only see the full game and an option to buy it.

Thanks,

B.

Ouch. The 5200 is over 5 years old. I lifetime in video cards. Looks like they run about $25-40 on Newegg (www.newegg.com). I sure hope you didn't pay much more for it.

The demo should be out in March they said. So give it a try, you never know.

Good luck!

I said "wait" for the demo -- its not out yet Supposed to be out within the month.

Sorry, you're right, I actually meant Pentium M.

OK Thanks,

B.