Ok.

I have a Systemax computer. Below are the specs:

3400+ AMD 64bit.
X86 Family 15 Model 12 stepping 0 Authentic AMD ~2411Mhz
1GB DDR Ram
NIVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 128MB 8XAGP
IDE Hard drive 40GB (7200) Ultra ATA
IDE Hard drive 300GB (7200) ATA-133 16MB Buffer
Creative Sound Blaster 5.1 Live Deluxe
16x Sony DVD Rom Drive
Windows XP Pro w/SP2
350W PS and BioStar K8NHA Motherboard

Ok, those are the basics specs. I have a game, Settlers - Heritage of the King with recommended system requirements of:
Pentium 4 2.4 GHZ
512MB Ram
64MB Graphics

I am running this game on my computer, and it goes slow when run on the highest setting. The medium settings (for graphics) allows the game to run a little smoother, but it still goes slow some, but playable.

I am wondering if there is a reason that this game is going slow because of one of my hardware pieces or if it is just the game.

Your replies would be appreciated!

Thanks!
George

The FX 5200 is your bottleneck, just play on low settings until you decide to get a faster card.

There is only one satisfying way to boot a computer.

yup, the FX5200 is holding you back

Hellz Yea!

Sabertooth and Jam, thanks for your replies.

If my budget only allows for $50-100 or so to spend in the computer, is it worth upgrading the video card? or what graphics card should I consider?

I have a Samsung 915N 19" LCD screen. I don't want to get a graphics card that isn't supported by, or is too powerful for the screen. (as a good card with a poor monitor doesn't help any).

Again, Thanks for your replies, they were helpful.

George

Thinking maybe looking into games like Call to Duty 2, Battlefield 2, and Age of Empires 3. Would like a graphics card that would support those types of games.

Thanks!

George

Get a 6600GT or if you can somehow wing it a 6800GS.

It'll rip the 5200 to shreds.

There is only one satisfying way to boot a computer.

Before you think about 6600GT and 6800GS, check out your 12V rail's amperage on your power supply.. Make sure it has >20a for stability...

TMP-Man

Asus A7V classic rev 1.05
Athlon XP 2100+ @ 129x17 = 2195Mhz 1.81v
768MB PC133 RAM @ 129Mhz 2-2-2
40GB 540RPM + 120GB 7200RPM HD
128MB Radeon 9500 mod 9700 @ 300/300

The FX5200 comes in a 64-bit version or 128-bit version. It's not a great card to begin with, but if you have the 64-bit version, you have a double-whammy going against you. You should be able to unload for about $25 or so, then throw that money in with your $100 & get a 6600GT...IF your PSU is powerful enough to handle the added load

Hellz Yea!

Like i said before on another post, use Calibex shopbot located at www.calibex.com it will find the lowest prices on the net But make sure that you get a 256mb card!!

If at first you dont succeed,.....quit

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1646809&CatId=2234

Is it just me? or is this a 512MB graphics card for $94.00? worth getting?

Also, what is it that shows a good card? the core clock speed?

Thanks!

George

Please respond after you have solved your problem to notify who helped you and what solved the problem. Both sides benefit when you do.