CS:Source on a budget - minimum spec for acceptable FPS

sniper007

sniper007

sniper007

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18 Jan 2005
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Ok heres the deal:

Bro wants to get into the CS:S gaming loop..I think I successfully got him hooked the other night on CS:CZ, but he would like to be able to play online on CS:Source. His current spec is a pre built jobbie from somewhere like PCWorld. Its not bad, but then its not great either. The main limitation is hes got only 256mb ram and 32/64 of that has to be shared as video memory. BUT...his MOBO does have an AGP slot. His processor I think will be fine - 2.8ghz Pentium. But Im wondering how much ram to buy and what AGP card to get for relatively good FPS. TBH, I think he will only play @ 1024 x 768 as only has a 15" TFT. But the scope to be able to play at 1024 x 1280 later on would be good.

So, do I buy another 256 ram for cheap, or go 512 to make it 768? Or do I by 3 x 256 to make it a gig? Im not bothered about what the absolute quickest will be, so dont need to be told to buy 2 x 1gig of ram and a new PCI-E mobo. Hes a student and hence on a major buget. Im thinking ATI card since these are slightly more optimized for Half Life 2 engine.

So, basically whats the cheapest way to get best FPS and absolutely minimal to preferably NO lag due to system performance.
 
Ok guys youve all been a great help. Def get myself in MM. Slight noob question though as Ive never really been in the know with regard to AGP cards - I notice AGP slots can be 4x or 8x. How can I tell what the slot is on his MOBO and if it is only 4x, does that mean I would be waisting money spending it on a top end AGP card as they are designed to run at 8x? i.e. should I buy lower end that only does 4x. Am I talking complete pap?

:)
 
OK update: I am 99% sure his AGP slot is x4. Does this mean in buying say a 9800pro, that it would be crippled by the x4 slot and that I should buy something lower end? Whats the best route to take for max fps on x4 slot AGP. Budget of £100 max but preferably cheaper.
Think Ive decided to go with 1 x 512mb ram and will get best card you guys suggest for x4 AGP slot.
Also, he only has a budget PSu that came with the build...not sure on wattage, but I assume this would cope with any AGP card?


Thanks for help!
 
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hehe
UPDATE: PSU this will be going on is only 250watts. Hmm...recommended for the generation of cards Im looking at (6800LE/NU, 6600gt, 9800pro) is about 300watts. Now, his system is a P4 socket 478 clocked at stock 2.8ghz and will have 768mb ram running at stock and 2 x DVD drives and a USB card reader. Nothing overclocked. Will these cards run ok with 250watts?

Cheers
 
fullfat said:
is it a good make of PSU?
Click to expand...

It will probably be an unbranded generic one that came with the prebuilt machine when brought from wherever. So its doubtful its that efficient. Hmm...is this going to be a prob as was hoping not to have to pay for a new PSU as well as would kill the budget.
 
Hmm... okies. Might be worth trying and see if I run into probs. If I do then I know where to start atleast. Or is this too big a risk in itself running a card even at stock underpowered...wont do it damge I doubt?
 
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