EXTREMELY slow download rates

[DarkSlasher7 0]

 Whenever I download anything from the STEX, the dowload rate is extremely slow, averaging 3kBs and as slow as 300 bytes a second. This is new problem considering on my old computer this never happened. The computer I'm is running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista. I would think it might have something to with security settings, but I have no idea how to fix this. 

I'm downloading a file right now that is 2.18 MB and won't be finished for another 30 min (1.34 kBs) For other site the average download rate is 32.5 kBs.

[kingdiz_55 12]

Well, this is due to the traffic with the STEX server. Please bear in mind that the STEX is free for you. Many people also experience this but do you see (most) of them complaining. The time of downloading is also a factor. If you download at peak hours, the server is slow.

[DarkSlasher7 0]

Thanks for the input, but I'm pretty sure 1:30 AM isn't a peak hour (that was last night), Even in Europe it would still be early morning (about 6 or 7 am). And this isn't the first time I've used this site. I used this site on 2 previous computers (both running XP) and I never had this problem before. If it was something that happened on all 3 then is would be understandable that that the server caused it. I fully appreciate the fact that the site is free, but if I can't download something at 1:30 am (or if at 8:45 am) on Thursday morning, then something is definitely wrong.

[dlo 0]

I noticed the same, and the STEX seems to give me corrupt files very commonly (I had to redownload a file four times because it was always corrupt). 

[kingdiz_55 12]

Hmm. Well. I guess I don't know now. Besides, this is also happening to me. Let's just be happy that we can still download. ) Sorry I couldn't help

[aaglo 0]

Im downloading fine, 200kb/s and up most of the time on multiple files, I think its where you live, your router type, how far you are from your wireless if your on wireless, etc...

[chris0101 8]

I live in Ottawa, which is not that far from Toronto with Simtropolis is located. I get inconsistent rates. During the peak hours, it usually drops to about 30 kbps or sometimes 10 kbps. Around now 1:00 AM EST (GM -5), I am getting 300-400 kbps. I too am running Vista Ultimate x64; this is not an OS problem or a browser problem.

[froelich131 13]

 My average for sc4devotion is about 400kbs but here a pain stakingly slow .9kbs! i am currently downloading the June 2009 nam and it will take another 8 hours and is at 108kb done.

[hailman 1]

Wow! That's very slow! I have had similar problems, but it's not that bad... I think it's definitely something on the STEX server's end of things. I'm sure if Dirk is aware of this, he's on it. If not, maybe someone should pass the word along??

[Jezus53 18]

Are you running a different type of internet security or any at all? I know that my downloads and even page load times increased dramatically when I had anti virus software. Also, using programs such as PeerGaurdian or IPblockers can really increase your download time. I've also had similar problems because it really depends on the file. Some files I get instantly and others I have to wait 10 minutes before it even starts to download! Another thing, are you running anything such as other web pages, music, videos, games, or any other CPU hogs? I noticed that when I have CPU hogs running my downloads tend to be slower. The same with if I have multiple pages open.

[froelich131 13]

 Yes I have mcAfee and use safari for browser and I.E 8 and Firefox 3  

[BlackFrancis 4]

STEX is slow. I can complain about it because when I played SC4 in the past, I donated money to the site. It was slow then, though occasionally fast, and down often. The problem was never resolved, so that sort of takes the wind out of one's sails when thinking about donating again. After several years away, I come back to find that I'm downloading at LESS THAN dial up rates. Am I going to donate? No. Will I donate to the other site, devotion? Yeah. Because apparently they do something with their donations. 3 hours to download a 4 megabyte file? Plus, in the five minutes I've been downtrickling the thing has come to a dead stop 3 times and has had to be restarted. Same thing happened yesterday and I just gave up. I went out to eat and hung out with my friends. Came home late at night to find a 2MB file stuck there at 10 percent after ten hours.

I honestly do not know how things stand now, but back in the day Simtropolis was THE site for SC4. As a result, there are files on the STEX that aren't available elsewhere. I think maybe whoever runs this place should think about opening up a private torrent tracker if they're having trouble paying the bills. This isn't The Pirate Bay...I think the people here are kind and appreciative enough to seed their torrents. Most of the files are relatively small and lots of people are here so it should work.

I don't mean to complain, you know, but it's just weird to be downloading at 1991 speed when it's 2009.

[newyorkrunaway1 110]

i agree... the download speeds here need a major overhaul...

[Hendrick4life 1]

Yea, im downloading the NAM 2009 Update for June & its acting really slow. I have about 1yr 30d left in the process. This really hurts lol.

[BarbyW 40]

Try SC4Devotion for the NAM files.

I am downloading at extremely slow speed at the moment. It will take 15 mins to download 1.36MB. This is ridiculous and I thought dirk said he had sorted it out.

[mayor_brando 8]

Ever since Simtropolis upgraded, all the files I have downloaded go at a rate of about 5-30 kbs/s, takes forever.

[earwax_man 18]

I get 5kB/s

[manubeas 0]

Yuup, I've been having the same problem for the last 3 moths although I never thought of pointing it out (duh me). Sometimes downloading a 600Kb file takes about an hour and a half with download rates below 5 bytes per sec. :-S the highest I have achieved in the last month or so is 30 Kb/s.

[rainyday 2]

Okay Guys. This problem is because of the STEX server. Dirk is working on it as you can see from the twitter updates on the homepage. This site is run completely from donations and contributions as well as the webmaster Dirk. The problems are because of a slow server that really, needs to be upgraded to something fit to handle the traffic on the STEX. With the current amount of donations, it isn't possible to upgrade the server completely, but Dirk is working on it. It will take a while, but good things take a long time.

If you want to bash these speeds, go elsewhere and do so. We don't want to hear about obvious problems here. This site is not owned by the people, it is owned by Dirk who allows everyone here to use it as a privilege. We should all be glad that this valuable resource is even here. It could have been gone a long time ago, but because of support, the site is here and support is still needed to keep it going.

I would like it if you didn't just post here to say that you have "ridiculous" downlaod speeds, because I think we get the message, people.

[newyorkrunaway1 110]

how much has been donated?

[tungston 19]

Donations are just that, support to help with the cost of the operation of the entire web site.  They are not a fee for access to the STEX, or for downloads.

I believe there are things in the works so that future downloading will be faster.  Until then there is no advantage to complain about the speeds.

In the future please address issues related to the STEX, in the STEX forum.

Topic is now closed.