Does the graphics card need to support pixel shaders to play?

[DaShi]

Basically, can I play without pixel shading, which my graphics card can't do? The min. specs don't mention it, but the rec. specs say its needed.

[Atahualpa]

no and yes

[DaShi]

Ok, but can I play or not?

[neliz]

Well..

if you actually visit the civ4 site you'll see this line:

DirectX 9.0c-compatible 64 MB video card with Hardware T&L support ( GeForce 2/Radeon 7500 or better)

Recommended:

128 MB Video Card w/ DirectX 8 support (pixel & vertex shaders)

http://www.2kgames.com/civ4/support_msr.htm

[DaShi]

Yeah, I did. I just wasn't certain if it had been overlooked or somethign. I've been burned by pixel shaders in the past, and don't plan to get a new comp for at least a year.

[neliz]

So, what card DO you have then?

[Atahualpa]

Originally posted by DaShi
Ok, but can I play or not?

yes, just make sure your card has got at least 64MB of video memory though.

[neliz]

Originally posted by Atahualpa


yes, just make sure your card has got at least 64MB of video memory though.

How can you say that without knowing what card it is?
A GeForce 256, though sounding funky, doesn't make you smile when you try to start the game.

[alva]

Originally posted by neliz
Well..

if you actually visit the civ4 site you'll see this line:




Recommended:

128 MB Video Card w/ DirectX 8 support (pixel & vertex shaders)


http://www.2kgames.com/civ4/support_msr.htm

I'll say it here again, let's face reality shall we.
For a 2005 game you needfor:
nVidea: series 6000 and up
ATI: 9800PRO and up

The latter costs here (this is 21% tax included) a little over a 100€ (just noticed my local shop doesn't even sell it anymore)
a 6600 will set you back (depending on the version and there are many) about 120€

Don't go for less..really, don't!
Penny wise, pund foolish.
You'll be kicking yourself in a week and end up buying another card within six months.

[Atahualpa]

GeForce 256 is worse than a GeForce 2, which is stated in the minimum specs.

[neliz]

well, nothing wrong with an fx5700 and upwards is there?

Dang, I need my 9800's and x800's to play civ4

[Atahualpa]

Originally posted by alva

I'll say it here again, let's face reality shall we.
For a 2005 game you needfor:
nVidea: series 6000 and up
ATI: 9800PRO and up

The latter costs here (this is 21% tax included) a little over a 100€ (just noticed my local shop doesn't even sell it anymore)
a 6600 will set you back (depending on the version and there are many) about 120€

Don't go for less..really, don't!
Penny wise, pund foolish.
You'll be kicking yourself in a week and end up buying another card within six months.

The 6600GT 128MB is a solid card, the AGP version sells to as low as €150
A 9800 Pro is too outdated IMO and with the Radeon problems Civ4 currently has, I really wouldn't recommend ATI. We don't know yet, when they're going to release a patch.

[neliz]

Originally posted by Atahualpa

A 9800 Pro is too outdated IMO and with the Radeon problems Civ4 currently has, I really wouldn't recommend ATI. We don't know yet, when they're going to release a patch.

Which Radeon problems? and .. since the 9800 goes at only 100 it might fit into more people's budget

Game runs on 7500 Mobile, 9800 Pro and X800XT-PE...

[alva]

I really wouldn't recommend ATI. We don't know yet, when they're going to release a patch.

The 9800 isn't affected and the ATI thing is fixed, wouldn't mentioned it otherwise.

Also as neliz pointed out, it is cheaper but still a very good card.
There's a big difference btween the 9600 and the 9800.

[Atahualpa]

I haven't seen a new patch already...