Optimizing my PC for gaming

IsildurVZ · Nov 21, 2003

Now that my new PC (specs below) is stabilized, I’m working on optimizing it for gaming. To get some basic marks, I tried out the FFXI Benchmark test (http://downloads.ign.com/objects/605/605977.html). I got a rating of 4933, which is good, but 7000+ is rated as “incredible,” which I think is a bit closer to what my PC is

. Before changing anything, my BIOS and Chipset features are set up as follows:

PC Specs:
AMD Barton 2500mhz 333fsb
Abit NF7-S Rev 2.0
1024 MB Corsair XMS3200 RAM
ATI Radeon 9800 Non-Pro (8 pixel pipelines, not 4 like the SE)
80 GB WD HD

Through SoftMenu III:
AGP Frequency: 66 MHZ (out of 99 possible)
FSB/DRAM ratio: Auto
Operating Speed: 2500mhz
External Clock/FSB: 166Mhz, x11.0 multiplier
90 degree temperature protection
CPU Interface: Disabled (Enabled allows for OCing)

Chipset Features:
Memory Timings: Optimal
Row Active Delay: 7
RAS-CAS Delay: 3
Row precharge: 3
CAS Latency: 2.0
System BIOS/Video RAM Cacheable: Enabled
AGP Aperture Size: 128MB (out of possible 512)
FSB Spread Spectrum: 50%
AGP Spread Spectrum: 50%
CPU Thermal Throttling: 50%
Enhance PCI Performance: Disabled
AGP Transfer: Auto (can be 4x, 8x, or Auto)
AGP FastWrite: Enabled

I didn’t really know what to mess with, from memory timings to Spectrums, but I tested the waters with Aperture Size and Transfer speed and got no results. I was pretty paranoid of ruining something if I did something wrong.

Also, I have the most recent drivers for the 9800 from ATI’s site, but I don‘t even know how to tweak my OpenGL or Direct3D settings for gaming. Those drivers allow for some other mysterious tweaking as well, but I checked out some sites like http://download.guru3d.com/pafiledb.php?action=category&id=18, and found tons of other drivers and utilities, far too many for me to choose from.

I’m sort of paranoid because I’m using stock fans and everything and don’t want to screw anything up. I’m definitely an amateur and not planning to invest in a nice HSF or anything like that for quite some time. The essence of this incoherent post is that I just want the best image quality and framerate possible without sacrificing the stability of my system. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

shiyan · Nov 22, 2003

It's best not to double post. they don't really like that...

but you're new here, so we forgive you!

http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=247912

shiyan said:
WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!

What are your CPU temperatures like under 100% CPU load? use something like folding@home or Prime 95 torture test to test this out.

I'd suggest replacing that AMD heatsink's stock fan with something a little more powerful. A regular 80mm, 3000rpm case fan will do. It is still very quiet, and the cooling is a little better.

Also, most people test their systems' 3D performance using Futuremark 3DMark2001: http://www.futuremark.com/download/?3dmark2001.shtml

Here is a guide for tweaking your system: http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=69518

First of all, disable the 2 spread spectrums. That decreases your performance.

I'd also suggest overclocking your graphics card a little. The 9800 non pro has a lot of overclocking potential. Just go and have a look under the ATI section: http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=85

as this is the CPU section, I'll give you some CPU specific info. If you have any questions on overclocking the 9800, post it in that ATI forum, and many people will be able to help you. Do a search first though: http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=100589

------------------------------------------------------------------------

As for my advice on overclocking your system:

CPU overclocking:

overclock a little! Even with the stock heatsink you can overclock a little bit. You have a 2500+ barton, which runs at a stock speed of 11x166Mhz 1826Mhz (not 2500Mhz). People around here generally get around 2200~2300Mhz out of that processor.

This is what you need to do to overclock it:

set CPU:RAM ratio to 1:1, or 2:2... 6:6.

increase fsb to a very conservative estimate, say 180.

boot windows and stress test with Prime 95 torture test: http://www.mersenne.org/freesoft.htm. If it does not give you an error after around 30 minutes, reboot, and increase you FSB further.

Repeat until sytem becomes unstable during stress testing, or if your temps go above 60C.

at this point back down a bit on the FSB, say 5Mhz.

Now see if you can run that Prime 95 torture test for more than 12 hours.

stress test with many programs afterwards to make sure you are stable. You can try Sandra, 3DMark, folding@home...

also, if your end speed FSB is lower than 200Mhz, lower your multiplier a bit, so you can run the FSB higher. Say for example you get to 11x191 = 2101Mhz, put your multiplier down to 10.5, and run the FSB at 200Mhz, for 2100Mhz (10.5x200). This will give you slightly better performance.

Th0r · Nov 22, 2003

Disable Fast Writes..it does nothing and can cause problems with some games...

Optimizing my PC for gaming

IsildurVZ

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shiyan

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Th0r

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