Are these hardware good enough?

[Mayor_Incarnate 0]

I just want to know if this video card: http://www.inno3d.com/products/graphic_card/gf_fx/5500.htm

On a Pentium 4, 2.4Ghz will be able to run Cities XL?

[Psycho_Teddy 25]

I highly doubt it. This is also coming from someone who works in IT.

Pentium 4s just aren't fast enough, especially considering this game isn't multithreaded (So hyperthreading won't save you). I'm running a Core i7 920 @ 4.2GHz with an nVidia GTX 295 and it still lags a bit sometimes.

[jeremy12 0]

No it will not: http://www.citiesxl.com/content/view/908/134/?lang=en

What are the minimum system requirements for playing Cities XLtm?

For a desktop

Processor : Intel Pentium 4 - 2.5 GHz (or AMD equivalent) or higher

Memory : 1 GB (XP), 1.5 GB (Vista)

Video Card: nVidia GeForce 6600 GT / ATI Radeon X1600 or higher.256 MB minimum of graphics card memory

Go Grab a nivida 8600GT for around the same price as a game costs ($60) and you should be able to run on medium settings (I also work in IT)

or anything on this list even http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%201305520548%204025%20106791921%201068310557&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=REVIEWS

Originally posted by: Psycho_Teddy

I'm running a Core i7 920 @ 4.2GHz with an nVidia GTX 295 and it still lags a bit sometimes.quote>

You might want to check some of your settings, i have the same CPU running Win 7 with 2 ATI 4870's in crossfire and never lag, well execpt in planet mode, but thats MC server lag not my system

[Psycho_Teddy 25]

Originally posted by: jeremy12

Originally posted by: Psycho_Teddy

I'm running a Core i7 920 @ 4.2GHz with an nVidia GTX 295 and it still lags a bit sometimes.quote>

You might want to check some of your settings, i have the same CPU running Win 7 with 2 ATI 4870's in crossfire and never lag, well execpt in planet mode, but thats MC server lag not my systemquote>

I second his motion for the upgraded graphics card.

Well, I'm a bit picky and when I say "lags sometimes" I mean, "the framerate drops below 20 fps and I can see the difference"

But it may have something to do with server lag or Windows update or god knows what.  But for the most part it runs fine.  I'm just surprised that it stutters sometimes.

I would also like to point out that "minimum spec" generally means "just barely playable on low graphics settings".  You're really going to lose a lot of the experience at minimum spec.  The GFX card is definitely a must and a processor upgrade wouldn't hurt either.  But considering the Pentium IV is on a PGA 478 socket and anything higher (sans a Celeron D *shudder*) is running an LGA 775 socket, a processor upgrade would involve a new motherboard as well.  Also, if you're going to upgrade your GFX and your processor you MUST NOT neglect power requirements.  I'd say a Core 2 Duo running with an 8800 GT would require around 500-600W of power at minimum.  Make sure your Power Supply is up to snuff before you upgrade.  Failing to do this will result in undervolted parts which will cause them to fail.

Some may also say "But Teddy, isn't CXL a single threaded game, why should he upgrade to a dual core processor?!"  Simple, the second core will handle background tasks while one core is dedicated to CXL.  It will still increase performance quite a bit.

[Mayor_Incarnate 0]

So I need a new processor and graphic card. Not to mention, more RAM, and a new motherboard (PCI slot). Plus the game.. Wow, this is going to cost a lot.

Is it even worth it?

[Psycho_Teddy 25]

Well this all depends on how much you game and how often you buy new ones. If you're considering the upgrade JUST to play Cities XL, I wouldn't do it. But if you're a gamer like myself who likes playing the latest stuff, I'd definitely consider it. It's all up to you, but that system is definitely dated and in need of some upgrades if you plan to continue playing newer games such as these.

[jeremy12 0]

Originally posted by: Psycho_Teddy

Well this all depends on how much you game and how often you buy new ones. If you're considering the upgrade JUST to play Cities XL, I wouldn't do it. But if you're a gamer like myself who likes playing the latest stuff, I'd definitely consider it. It's all up to you, but that system is definitely dated and in need of some upgrades if you plan to continue playing newer games such as these.quote>

^ second

to just simply play you need a new graphics card, everything else is just so it looks nice... and your system does not scream in pain....

[Mayor_Incarnate 0]

Then I guess I wont do a major upgrade. I only use my PC for a few low end games, surfing the net, making documents, editing some images, and comunicating with my relatives abroad.

Thanks guys, you've been definitely of good help. You've succeeded from detering me from getting this game, for now.. Though I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. Hehe. Thanks again!

[lots 0]

TBH, I'd be more concerned about the CPU than the GPU Since we're listing credentials (I work in the video game industry)

But yeah, if its an upgrade just for a single game, don't bother. Generally I upgrade hardware when there are alot of things I'd like to play that my current system just can't. I like getting mileage out of systems. I've had my current one for close to 6 years now.. its gone through a couple minor upgrades (new GPU: Geforce GTX 260 Core 216, and another 2 gigs of RAM). But my CPUs are still the same two 2.0GHz Opterons I got back in the day... Even on my system CXL gets pretty unplayable at times thanks to the inefficiencies in the game, and my slow CPUs by today's standards.

Kinda sucks, because, like you, I'm in the same boat. I can't upgrade the CPUs without swapping out the Motherboard and RAM.... Though I suppose I could go to dual core Opterons and contemplate what on earth i'd do with the other two.. haha

[Don Fonz 0]

Originally posted by: Psycho_Teddy

I'd say a Core 2 Duo running with an 8800 GT would require around 500-600W of power at minimum.  .

quote>

Just for the record im running a Intel Core 2 QUAD, and a 9800GT on a high quality 375W PSU, and test have proven that all the components are getting enough power, due to the more than ample ampage running on the rails.

[lots 0]

Since when did amount of power affect how fast a CPU was going

You either have enough power to run the CPU or you don't. It doesn't get faster or slower depending on power available (ignoring power saving features...) If you have a good enough power supply, as long as it delivers the right amount of amps where it counts (the 12v rail for example), then wattage is less important.

Heck I ran an over clocked Athlon XP back in the day with a Geforce 4 and 7 hard drives, two cd drives, two TV tuners, a pci IDE card, and an extra network card. It was pretty loaded. It all ran off a 350 Watt PSU

What killed that system was dust... dust got in the CPU fan and clogged it up good.

Let that be a lesson. Computer in living room where cat loves to climb on things = dust the insides of the computer regularly.... haha *sigh*

Anyway I have to agree with Don on this. a 375W PSU should be plenty, if it is a good quality unit. If all he has is a CPU GPU 1 HD 1 CD/DVD/Whatever and the rest of the usual components. I could see a 375W PSU going a long way..

Though I will say, people tend to over recommend PSU wattage mainly because of all the BAD PSUs out there. Often they would under perform and not really deliver the 500-600W they promised, stable power, or high amperage across the various rails. This meant that if you got more than you needed on these poorly made units, you'd actually have a better chance of running it within its actual performance margins

[DazzaDazza 29]

I have to agree, Amps don't have anything to do with it at all. Your computer would be lucky to pull 2 to 5 amps at max; your main Switch that controls your houses should be able to carry about 50 - 80Amps maybe even more. of cores this depends on what voltage you using depending where you live and other factors, hear in Australia its 230 Volts in the US I thinks is 120 volts so your amps would be higher, but generally speaking it has nothing to do with it. The only time you could have problems is if you are suffering form Voltage droop, but that really only happened if you re about 100 meters away from you main Switch board.

Also I can run CXl on a 2 x 2.00 GB Hz processor and 2 GB RAM with a 256 MB graphics card and its no super computer >>

[Don Fonz 0]

What lots has said, regarding bad PSU's and over rating the units is very true, its better to spend a little more for a little less rated power, than less money for more rated power.

I forgot to also say, aswell as the Quad CPU, and 9800, theres two hard drivers in raid 0, a PCI wireless card, DVD-RW and a media card reader, as all is running fine and not stressing the PSU, although i would say its running close enough to capacity by now.

Also sightseer could you clarify what you mean regarding amps, as im not sure i understand when you say a computer would be lucky to pull 2/5amps??? Because, for example, Nvidia have specified that the GTX 295 (their fastest card) is to have a PSU with a rating no less than 680watt and +12 Volt current rating of 46 Amps. With about approx 18 of them amps been used to power the GPU.

[lots 0]

Don, just a side note: PSU efficiency drops off at a certain point, depending on how loaded (or underloaded) the unit is. So even if the unit can deliver, if you run it outside its optimal operational range, you're causing bigger power bills than you need

Most PSUs have a sweet spot.

Anyway, in regards to the OT: This game, to me, feels much more CPU bound than GPU bound. So, as long as you meet recommended GPU I'd say don't worry about upgrading that...

[DazzaDazza 29]

Yes your components can run at 50A, each but you have to remember that your computer steps down the voltage form 230V / 120 to 12 V so this is not a true refection on how many Amps / Watts your computer is acutely using, or what you are getting charged for by your power company. Again your compeer would be lucky to draw 5 amps when on the 230V /120V scale.

of cores you can run into some problems if your transformer / power supply inside the computer is not rated at a higher enough KVa to handle all these devises , but I would be staggered if it was not, even if you where using high end devices. If some one is saying to you that there computer is running slow because it cant draw enough Power then that is just not true, the cable from your street can certainly handle the load as can the cable from the main switch board to the power point can do it with out a problem, the flexible cord that runs from the power point to the back of the computer can do it, its mosts likely to be able to carry 10Amp or more, the cables inside your computer would able to do it because they are made from manufactures standards. how did i get onto this topic anyway HA

[Psycho_Teddy 25]

Take this into consideration, however. Most casual PC gamers buy hardware only when necessary, and they usually buy the cheapest stuff they can find. Now, all of us here know that the best brands actually deliver that rated power (or close to it), but most don't. Thermaltake, Cooler Master, Corsair, all good brands (among others, and let's please not debate the best ones), but this person is likely going to visit newegg or his local hardware store and buy the cheapest 500-600W PSU he can find (if he follows my recommendations). I recommended 500-600W based on this presumption and also to act as a small buffer for "future proofing" (ie - he goes nuts and gets a second 8800). It's ALWAYS better to overpower than underpower or ride the edge. I'm running a core i7 920 and a GTX 295 under 1000W Thermaltake even though I could get away with 800-850 because I may one day decide to put in another GTX 295. Sure, the PSU costed about 25% more but that's much less than the cost of a 1000W PSU down the road on top of the one I just bought that barely powered everything (I use the term barely lightly).

[gyzzzmo 0]

I could start throwing around lots of technical stuff, but a fact is that we cant really say if it would run properly. Some people with fast systems have slowdowns on medium settings, some have memory leaks and some (like me) dont have a fast system but can run it without problems on high settings. So you would just have to try out.

Funny thing though is that the game has a pretty decent engine. A large city in Cities XL runs (in general) better and looks better than a large city in Simcity 4.