Game running extremely slow

[David M]

Well I dont know if I am in the right category because I dont know if its a software or hardware problem.

I have an old game called Descent 3 (copyright 1999) which I enjoyed playing on my old computer for years. I recently loaded it on my new computer for old times sake so I could go after the renegade robots.

I set the resolution at 1200x1600 and turned on all the features...particles, anti-aliasing etc figuring the framerate would be very high. To my surprise the framerate was rediculously slow...so I did what most people do, turn down the resolution and the other features to speed up the framerate. Well I kept turning down the features and got to the lowest possible resolution till it looked like an old Atari game (Asteroids) from the 70's.

I'm getting over 60 FPS in Farcry with everything turned on...so its not that I have a slow computer.

I have no idea why my AMD FX-51 with a Sapphire x800 platinum card runs this game at such unplayable, slow speeds.

Does anyone know what I might try to speed up the framerate?

[scott_duong]

i would guess that the game is too old and is better on older cards?

[David M]

Most likely Scott...it is definately an old game. There must be a way of working around the problem though.

I am going to post this question in Gaming and Benchmarks. I hope its okay to post the same question elsewhere.

[David M]

I have an old game called Descent 3 (copyright 1999) which I enjoyed playing on my old computer for years. I recently loaded it on my new computer for old times sake so I could go after the bad guys.

I set the resolution at 1200x1600 and turned on all the features...particles, anti-aliasing etc figuring the framerate would be very high. To my surprise the framerate was no more than 5 to 10 frames per second at best...so I did what most people do, turn down the resolution and the other features to speed up the framerate. Well I kept turning down the features and got to the lowest possible resolution till it looked like an old Atari game (Asteroids) from the 70's.

I'm getting over 60 FPS in Farcry with everything turned on...so its not that I have a slow computer.

I have no idea why an AMD FX-51 with a Sapphire x800 platinum card runs this game at such unplayable, slow speeds.

Does anyone know what I might try to speed up the framerate?

Thanks!

[Panama Red]

Not necessary to post a new thread, David. I'll just move this one to Gaming. Also, assuming you are running XP on the new machine, have you tried setting the Program Compatibility mode to an earlier version of Windows (like 98)?

edit: I merged the 2 threads.

[fedz]

I assume you have the latest catalyst drivers, as well as the latest game updates

:) fedz

[David M]

Panama,
I was not aware of the ablity to move program compatibility to an earlier version of Windows. How do you do this? Will it mess up my ability to run my current programs?

Fedz,
I have the drivers installed that came with my Sapphire graphics card. Currently ATI is not suporting or providing drivers for this card which is an x800 platinum.

Thanks

[Panama Red]

From the XP Help and Support:

"To set the compatibility properties for a program manually
1. Right-click the program icon on your desktop or the shortcut on the Start menu for the program you want to run, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Compatibility tab, and change the compatibility settings for your program. "

[David M]

The game asks me if I should select Open GL, Direct 3D or 3D FX Glide. Are these drivers or what? Which would be the correct choice?

Thanks

[fedz]

All ATi catalyst drivers support your card. I should know - I have one. Download the latest catalyst 5.2's from ATi (without the control centre).

The names you have listed are the names of graphics engines. ATi cards work best with Direct3d, but OpenGL should do fine. I don't know about 3D FX glide.

:) fedz

[David M]

Thanks Fedz. I,m still puzzled by what ATI means that they wont support the drivers for their X800 cards. I will give it a try though and let you know.

I reloaded Descent and now it says I am inserting an invalid CD...even though its the same CD I loaded the game with...sheesh!

[fedz]

Thanks Fedz. I,m still puzzled by what ATI means that they wont support the drivers for their X800 cards.

Their sole aim is to confuse you :eek: :mad:

:) fedz

[David M]

Hah!....sometimes that seems to be the case!