Optimization Tips

[fac_29]

Hi. I aint had my PC long and just picked up an MSI FX5600 Graphics Card. Does anyone have any optimization tips so i can get the best possible gaming performance out of my system(without overclocking)? I tried that Gamegain(what a load of **** that is!) I have an Athlon 2800+ XP, Asrock K7VM4 Motherboard, 256MB Kingston Ram, 80 Gig Maxtor Hard Drive. I'm also planning on getting some more Ram, another 512Mb, anyone any recommendations? I'm looking at around a £50 budget and want the cheapest, best i can get for that. Thanks.

[DoubleJ8]

Download the newest drivers you can. That is the cheapest thing you can do.

[DoubleJ8]

Here's the link. You want the 56.55 version for whatever operating system you have.

http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=737

[DoubleJ8]

Here's a good site to get memory from. They don't have alot but the prices are good. Not sure if the ship overseas or not though.

http://www.palmtreepc.com/index.html

[fac_29]

Thanks everyone :)
I'm downloadin those drivers now.
I installed the latest MSI Auto Driver Update Software that i got with my Card but it didnt seem to update them at all :(
So this set includes an Auto Overclock Option, i may try that out then. Is it worth overclocking, will i get that much of a Performance Boost? It wont damage my Card will it?
I've also been considering OC'ing my Athlon 2800+ XP. From things i've read my Motherboard is meant to be pretty good for Overclocking. I just dont wanna end up screwing up my system.

[DoubleJ8]

All i can tell you is to READ, READ, READ. When your done reading, read some more. These forums are great for info. Yes, you will get better performance from OC but, you could screw your card up too if your not carefull. Just start slow and go until your comfortable. I'm not comfortable messing with voltages in my BIOS so, I only took my 2700+ from 166FSB at 2174Mhz up to 200FSB at 2204Mhz. It was good enough for me right now.

I had to take my card back down to stock speeds because, for some reason, it was restarting my system and shutting off my power supply every once in awhile when I had it OC'd.

Good luck with everything.

[DoubleJ8]

Originally posted by fac_29
So this set includes an Auto Overclock Option, i may try that out then.

Not sure if it does or not. I used Riva Tuner to get the OC hack into my Nvidia settings.

[fac_29]

Well it showed a picture of the Auto Overclock Option in a Pic on the download page and i think it said the hack is built in.
I have the Overclock Option built into my standard drivers but it doesnt have an Auto Overclock Option. I read in another post someone posting about this built in overclock option in the Nvidia FX Drivers but someone else argued it was because they had installed Coolbits at one point or another but its not, i have never installed Coolbits or any other Overclocking Software on my new System and i have the Option too. The MSI Utility Disc comes with some Overclocking Software too...Weird eh? Its as if they are recommending ppl to Overclock...I bet the Warranty is still Void if you Overclock thou, probably why they included the option so you'll have to buy a new card if you screw it up lol :D

[fac_29]

Those drivers arent very good for me :( I get a pretty big performance drop, i lose 500 Marks on 3d Mark 2001SE(Demo Version). Same story with the Drivers from Nvidias site too so i reinstalled the MSI Drivers. Can you recommend anymore that might be better for me?

[stratcatprowlin]

Originally posted by fac_29
Those drivers arent very good for me :( I get a pretty big performance drop, i lose 500 Marks on 3d Mark 2001SE(Demo Version). Same story with the Drivers from Nvidias site too so i reinstalled the MSI Drivers. Can you recommend anymore that might be better for me?

Well, if all u wanna do is benchmark 3d2k1 the 4403 drivers wipe the floor with the rest but performance and options are going to suffer with dx9 games and benchmarks

Run aquamark3 and ull see what i mean! i would stick with the 5303's at least untill the 56 drivers come out on nvidias site finished and ready.