Counter Strike Source Loading Times

[AP0ll0UK]

Hi.

I have recently purchased a Western Digital Raptor 36GB and rebuilt my system. Unfortunately I've misplaced my Half Life 2 DVD so I let Steam download Counter Strike Source and install that.

However, I have noticed both with this install and the last install I did on my old HD from Steam that after CSS loads, then connects to a server, the time it takes to connect and the time it takes to change maps seems to be a lot higher than when CSS is installed off of the official DVD.

Has anyone else noticed this?

I have also noticed that installing from Steam, everything goes under C:\Program Files\Steam but when done from the disc everything goes under C:\Program Files\Valve.

I tried to install the Nextwish buy script and it couldn't find a file called Platform.gcf so I created an empty file and gave it the right name and it installed fine. That also struck me as odd as I never had that problem when I installed CSS from the disc.

I've done the Steam file verification thing which reports no errors.

My system details are in my signiture and my PC is hard wired into a Netgear WGT624 and then to a Telewest Motorola Surfboard on the end of a 4MB cable line.

Any ideas anyone?

Thanks.

 

[AP0ll0UK]

I've read threads on various forums and people who use Raptor's generally say they are always first on a server. Since download CSS from Steam, the loading times have definately increased. I've no idea why, maybe it's something to do with the installation path which is unlikely but the installs are obviously different due to the lack of the Platform.gcf file I mentioned.

I'm going to borrow the Half Life 2 disc off of a m8 and I'll install it with my product key and see what the difference is. Definately a strange one though.