Please help ArmA 2 Noob with serious PC performance problems!

[Sa80 10]

Hi All,

Sorry for posting a new thread but no other threads have helped me.

My PC Specs:

Processor:

2.00 gigahertz Intel Pentium Dual E2180 [Overclocked to 2.30 gigahertz]

64 kilobyte primary memory cache

1024 kilobyte secondary memory cache

64-bit ready

Multi-core (2 total)

Not hyper-threaded

GFX:NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS

RAM:4096 MB

Motherboard:

Biostar Group P35D2-A7

Bus Clock: 200 megahertz

BIOS: Phoenix Technologies, LTD 6.00 PG 12/05/2007

I recently bought a copy of ArmA 2: OA and was excited to play until greeted by horrendous performance.The characeter runs as if in slow motion and panning is slow as well.

I have tried putting all my settings to low or off and my resolution is 800x600 which is ridiculous.

I am able to play Rainbow Six Vegas 2 and even the latest Microsoft Flight Simulator(FSX) with no problems[ I'm sure it has higher spec requirements]

Any help and advice will be greatly appreciated as I am looking forward to joining the ArmA 2 community.

[mosh 0]

You video card is not going to do well with this game. Here is a link to see how they compare. I'm surprised it runs FSX well, even with it's lower requirements than Arma 2.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-radeon-hd-6870-geforce-gtx-570,2834-7.html

[[frl]myke 14]

I will never stop to wonder how people still can ignore the required (do not confuse with "recommended") system specs and then wonder why it doesn't run smooth.

You have: Intel Dualcore @ 2.3GHz

Required: Intel or AMD Dualcore @2.4GHz

Recommended: Intel i5 or AMD Phenom X4

You have: GeForce 8400GS

Required: GeForce 8600GT

Recommended: GeForce GTX260 or Radeon HD 5770

Required means: the game might start and might be able to produce playable FPS with settings all to very low

Recommended means: the game should produce playable FPS with mostly normal settings. It doesn't mean "all maxed out".

So your system fails in CPU requirements aswell in Graphic card requirements. Now lean back and think about it.

[EDcase 87]

Go easy on the guy Mykie. He may not have much idea about hardware...

But basically Sa80, I'm afraid you need a better computer. Other games may run amazingly well but Arma is the most demanding PC game that exists at the moment.

[ScareCroweb 10]

Myke;1874755']I will never stop to wonder how people still can ignore the required (do not confuse with "recommended") system specs and then wonder why it doesn't run smooth.

I agree with this guy!

And adding this, if you dont have the required hardware you should think about purchasing new hardware not because its smoother but also think about system stability running a game that demands higher cpu/GPU will eventually lead to system failiure even burnout of components, trust me it has happend to many people

[[frl]myke 14]

You're right EDcase, it wasn't meant to offend this guy. It's just, it starts to get annoying to read the same complaints over and over again, stuff like

"Hey i have <insert crappy hardware here> but A2/CO/OA runs like sh** but <insert name of 10 year old game here> runs perfectly smooth, what's wrong with this game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

So my post was probably too rude, my apologies.

[Sa80 10]

Thanks for the replies,even the harsh replies have opened my eyes..I am now going to upgrade so that i never repeat this.

[ScareCroweb 10]

Thanks for the replies,even the harsh replies have opened my eyes..I am now going to upgrade so that i never repeat this.

Wise choice I respect a guy who is willing to admit an error thumbs up to you :)

[[frl]myke 14]

Thanks for the replies,even the harsh replies have opened my eyes..I am now going to upgrade so that i never repeat this.

Again, sorry for the harsh reply, it wasn't my intention to offend you. But one day, if you come regulary in here, you might understand me. ;)

[Sa80 10]

Hi guys, since im thinking of upgrading would these be adequate?

Processor:Intel Q8400 Quad core 2.66

Graphics: nVidia GT430 1GB

Anymore suggestions would help loads

Thanks :)

[[frl]myke 14]

Some info about nVidia's name sheme:

GT = Lowend

GTS = Mainstream

GTX = Highend

So you would replace one lowend card (in todays view) with another lowend card.

My advice: look for at least a GS card.

About the CPU, i guess the Q8400 is the best you can get for your Motherboard (IIRC).

Personally, i would recommend to save some money until you can replace the Motherboard and CPU (which probably also means to replace RAM due to compatibility) and the graphic card.

I would recommend a CPU running @3GHz and 4 cores and a adequate Graphic card.

As little help what "adequate" is: if the price is below 100€ it probably isn't adequate.

[stk2008 14]

Hey if you do go that route and decide to get a monster GPU,Mobo and CPU etc you may need to look at your power supply to.

What make and power out put is it mate?.

[domokun 515]

Sa80: your motherboard seems to be the determining factor. It appears to be based on the socket 775 chipset. This is a rather old architechture which limits your choice of Intel CPU, as it is now 2 generations behind (1366 and 1156 since). So it seems you have 2 options:

A) Push your 775 to the limit = £220

CPU = Q8400 @ £120 and overclock it as far as possible (from 2.67 to 2.9, 3.0? 3.3?? Ghz) but you'll prolly need to update your BIOS

GPU = Radeon 5770 @ £100 (GT430 is too weak)

B) Replace with cheap but decent combo = £270

b1) SB 850 mobo, e.g. Gigabyte GA-880GM-D2H @ £60

b2) RAM = 2x2GB DDR3 @ £35

b3) CPU = Phenom II X4 640 @ £75

b4) GPU = Radeon 5770 @ £100

Personally I'd go with the latter option because for only a little extra (+£50) you'll get considerably better performance (meets all of Myke's reqs) and an upgrade path. Plus all of those components have pretty low power requirements so you shouldn't have to change your PSU.

Here are some good system guides:

TechReport's March 2011 System Guide

AnandTech's Budget System Builder’s Guide February 2011

Edited March 16, 2011 by domokun

[Tankbuster 1747]

Domo is right. A new CPU in the existing motherboard would provide a huge boost. The Q9550 would be the best if you've a few quid lying around, otherwise, an E8500 would make an excellent alternative.

The GPU needs replacing too.

[Jacky60 10]

Thanks for the replies,even the harsh replies have opened my eyes..I am now going to upgrade so that i never repeat this.

If you're going to upgrade cheapest decent system will be Intel i7 overclocked and radeon 5870's or 5850's best from ebay. Get a crossfire or SLI capable motherboard but you're looking for £500 plus at least for a system that can the run the game with a minimum of good eye candy and frame rates.

[Tankbuster 1747]

Don't take the harsh replies to heart mate. It's going to be much worse when you get the credit card bill having bought your system up to spec. :D

[domokun 515]

If you're going to upgrade cheapest decent system will be Intel i7 overclocked and radeon 5870's or 5850's best from ebay. Get a crossfire or SLI capable motherboard but you're looking for £500 plus at least for a system that can the run the game with a minimum of good eye candy and frame rates.

Sorry but that seems rather foundless. I run OA with most settings on High, VD at 2000m, at 1920x1200 and enjoy +30 fps yet I'm only running an e8400 (albeit at 4Ghz) and 4890. The system I outlined above would easily provide better performance.

[Jacky60 10]

Hi guys, since im thinking of upgrading would these be adequate?

Processor:Intel Q8400 Quad core 2.66

Graphics: nVidia GT430 1GB

Anymore suggestions would help loads

Thanks :)

No really not adequate at all!

Try and get an i7 cpu sandybridge ideally and a decent graphics card. Maybe try ebay for your card if short of cash get a radeon 5850 or nvidia 460 1gb would be the minimum I'd try for a vaguely half decent (pretty crap really) game experience.

Look at pre-overclocked bundles at overclockers.co.uk and assemble yourself to save money but what you're currently 'upgrading' to will not be worth keeping for long especially not the graphics card.

[stk2008 14]

So whats your PSU mate make and output?.

[Jacky60 10]

Sorry but that seems rather foundless. I run OA with most settings on High, VD at 2000m, at 1920x1200 and enjoy +30 fps yet I'm only running an e8400 (albeit at 4Ghz) and 4890. The system I outlined above would easily provide better performance.

Well I'd agree if my previous system wasn't identical an E8400 at 4ghz and 4890 BUT I found it pretty much a stutter fest on only medium quality settings. If you can enjoy playing it like that good for you but my fps constantly dipped into high teens and I felt dizzy after 2 minutes.

It really needs a quad core -here is the evidence http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,687620/ArmA-2-tested-Benchmarks-with-18-CPUs/Practice/

Also i7 cpu destroys the others even without overclocking and with a little OC makes the game fun.

I'm running a i7 920 at 4ghz with 5870 trifire and that at least does look pretty good. I had 2 4890's crossfired in current system which was a big improvement on one but still a long way from looking its best.

Domokun's advice is good BUT get a quad core CPU if you can possibly afford it ideally i7 if not intel Q9550 or similar the Q8400 isn't the best choice as its not that good.

Also the graphics card choice is difficult but here's an approximate ranking (Arma 2 isn't Crysis but both are similarly demanding and very few sites benchmark Arma 2)

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2010/10/18/asus_engtx460_top_1gb_video_card_review/4

5770 will run it ok but no faster than a 4870 1gb which launched September 2008. The 460 1gb will be almost twice as fast even before you overclock it and cost only £40 more. They are also outstanding overclockers. A second hand 5850 would also run it WAAY better than the 5770.

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2009/11/23/powercolor_hd5770_video_card_review/6

Edited March 16, 2011 by Jacky60

[Sa80 10]

@domokun: Thanks mate,that helps loads,I think I'll follow your advice.Its a lot to get but it will be worth it

@stk2008: Im not sure how to find exactly but it says ATX-450W-P4

@Myke: Thanks for your advice,it's set me into motion and serious about upgrading

[domokun 515]

Well I'd agree if my previous system wasn't identical an E8400 at 4ghz and 4890 BUT I found it pretty much a stutter fest on only medium quality settings. If you can enjoy playing it like that good for you but my fps constantly dipped into high teens and I felt dizzy after 2 minutes.

Fair enough can't argue with that ;) Maybe you didn't optimise your OS and/or tweak your settings.

It really needs a quad core -here is the evidence http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,687620/ArmA-2-tested-Benchmarks-with-18-CPUs/Practice/

Good article. That's precisely why I recommended a Phenom II X4.

Also i7 cpu destroys the others even without overclocking and with a little OC makes the game fun.

Sure but an i7 is expensive and Sa80 (like many of us) isn't loaded.

I'm running a i7 920 at 4ghz with 5870 trifire and that at least does look pretty good. I had 2 4890's crossfired in current system which was a big improvement on one but still a long way from looking its best.

I bet it looks REALLY good.

5770 will run it ok but no faster than a 4870 1gb which launched September 2008. The 460 1gb will be almost twice as fast even before you overclock it and cost only £40 more. They are also outstanding overclockers. A second hand 5850 would also run it WAAY better than the 5770.

5770 runs MUCH cooler than a 4870.

460 costs 50% more than a 5770.

460 offers 30-40% more FPS than a 5770

Since you like [H]OCP (I don't), then check-out this 460 review which includes an A2 benchmark.

I agree that an i7-920/460 combo would beat Px4-640/5770 but its also a matter of cost.

Edited March 16, 2011 by domokun

[stk2008 14]

Hey there well 450W aint that great tbh and if its a real bad generic make then I would consider upgrading that to.

Any chance of looking for a make mate?.

Thanks

[ScareCroweb 10]

I would choose to focus on psu aswell the more watts a psu can supply makes it so that it doesent overheat that easily I would suggest 750 W I'm using that myself its a sweet psu and I highly suggest overkill on psu because of stability. the worst thing that can happen with underpowered psu is that you loose all power at the same time if its burned out its completely dead and must be replaced

[stk2008 14]

Yeah the worse thing that can happen with an underpowered cheap generic PSU is it can give out and take the rest of your pc with it.