Computer Specs

[Prussia]

Install 1.61; it doesn't matter because whatever is in 1.52 is included in 1.61.

But isn't it risky to buy and then install 1 GB of ram?

[Rasputin]

Why is it risky ???

[Prussia]

Risky is the wrong word.

I just heard somewhere that it can be dificult or even damage your computer if you keep piling on RAM that it's not supposed to have.

What you would essentially be doing is trying to expand the memory capabilities of a computer which has too much memory all ready, it's about to pop.

[Rasputin]

ok didnt know a computer could haVE TOO much ! that is interesting.

[Prussia]

I'm not sure, my friend, but if you think about it, it makes sense.

Have fun, though.

[Qwertqwert]

Originally posted by Prussia
Risky is the wrong word.

I just heard somewhere that it can be dificult or even damage your computer if you keep piling on RAM that it's not supposed to have.

What you would essentially be doing is trying to expand the memory capabilities of a computer which has too much memory all ready, it's about to pop.

Almost every mobo made in the last couple of years has a 4GB max, so unless he has that it's not really a problem...

[Prussia]

Why don't they give you all 4 GBs then?

[Standup]

err....because it would cost a small fortune?

XP won't address more than 4GB anyway. You tend to get smaller returns on memory upgrades the more you have ie 256mb to 512mb gives you a more significant boost than 512mb to 1G (as a very rough rule of thumb).

Windows 98 was one example where going above 256Mb was counterproductive but in XP more memory is generally a good thing.

I'm sure there's a piece of work somewhere that looks at whether 512MB of very fast Ram is better than 1Gb of slow ram for certain tasks but i think the 1GB is going to be the better option for most standard users.

[Bushface]

Don't overlook video card memory. I originally had a 64MB card and everything was jerky on Civ4: upgrading to 256MB gave a huge improvement, but huge maps are impossibly slow (I have just 512MB main memory).

[Qwertqwert]

Originally posted by Prussia
Why don't they give you all 4 GBs then?

What exactly do you mean?

I've heard that XP Home before the Service packs only recognize 3GB, but if you're not refering to that I don't know what you are refering too.

[Harrier UK]

I have 512mb Ram and 128mb ATI graphics card.

Started to play my first game on the18 Civ huge Earth map that came with the game at epic speed.

Started playing at High graphics setting until around 1000AD, when it started to become to slow. (5 to 10 minutes between turns). Amazing what you can find to do while waiting.

Reduced graphic settings to medium and played till about 1900s.

Reduced graphics to low and played till about 2000. (researching future techs.) Lost the game via space race (3 components short) but still playing. I must crush Catherine for attacking me (China) twice.

I now find I can play for about 2 - 3 hours before the game slows down, either between turns or when pressing an F key.

So I reboot the machine and reload the last auto-save next time I play.

So it is playable late game - just, with 512mb Ram.

But I will be adding more Ram soon.

[Six Thousand Year Old Man]

Originally posted by Harrier UK
I have 512mb Ram and 128mb ATI graphics card.

Started to play my first game on the18 Civ huge Earth map that came with the game at epic speed.

Started playing at High graphics setting until around 1000AD, when it started to become to slow. (5 to 10 minutes between turns). Amazing what you can find to do while waiting.

Reduced graphic settings to medium and played till about 1900s.

Reduced graphics to low and played till about 2000. (researching future techs.) Lost the game via space race (3 components short) but still playing. I must crush Catherine for attacking me (China) twice.

I now find I can play for about 2 - 3 hours before the game slows down, either between turns or when pressing an F key.

So I reboot the machine and reload the last auto-save next time I play.

So it is playable late game - just, with 512mb Ram.

But I will be adding more Ram soon.

This is good to know, thanks. My huge map game was crashing with the high res graphics - I have 1 GB RAM, 128 MB video. Turning down the video helped. I expect I need a better vid card.

[DrSpike]

I have 1GB of RAM, and it always runs fine. However, I do get occassional freezes whilst engaging in diplomacy, though they only last 5 seconds or so.

[Qwertqwert]

Originally posted by DrSpike
I have 1GB of RAM, and it always runs fine. However, I do get occassional freezes whilst engaging in diplomacy, though they only last 5 seconds or so.

I got the same things, with 2GB RAM, not quite 5 sec but 2 or 3.

[DrSpike]

Glad to see it's not just me.