STALKER problems

[Scalpy]

Hi there, first post here so be gentle!

I'm a complete PC noob and am having real problems with performance with games such as STALKER which I've just purchased.

My rig is:

AMD Athlonâ„¢ 64 X2 Dual-Core 3800+ with HT Tech.
Midi-Tower ATX Case +550W PSU -Black/Silver
ASUS A8N-SLI PCI-Express Mainboard - ATX
1024MB DDR400 Memory - PC3200 (2x512)
160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive with 8MB Buffer
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo Drive (52x32x52x16)
512MB DDR2 nVIDIA GeForce 7300GS - TV out- DVI - PCI X (256Mb SMA)
7.1 Channel Surround Sound Audio (on-board)

Which I've been told should run STALKER with no problems, I've also been told to run Hijackthis and post the log which is below. Any help would be hugely appreciated. Thanks

[Sailor]

How can the Hijackthis log (which by the way should not be inline ) help understanding the problem? Better try to describe us what kind of problem occurs. For example do you get artifacts, does the system crash?
Post some more info and we'll be glad to help .

[Scalpy]

General poor performance.

Low FPS, even on low settings. Crashed to desktop a couple of times.

I get the same kind of thing on Oblivion also, and have to have BF2142 running low to get any kind of performance.

Only reason I logged the HijackThis thing is that someone advised me to.

[shanemail]

Welcome To Major Geeks

Take a look at this site
http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/referrer/srtest

It tells you if your hardware is suitable to run particular games
dont forget to check out the minimum & the recommended requirement tabs

Your specs look pretty good, should pass the minimum requirements

Its a handy link to have anyway

[DarkCypher0x0]

Sorry to say but your Video Card is the weak link, the 7300 series aren't as good as the 7600, 7800 or 7900. Your card is only running at around 4 Pixel Pipelines, and I'm pretty sure it's only using a 64 bit memory interface.


S.T.A.L.K.E.R is a resource hog so I read, you have good specs, but I really think it's your video card to be honest despite what the minimum requirements might tell you, I've never played a game where the minimum requirements actually played the game well even on Low settings.

If you want a good budget Video card that will handle most games I recommend the 7600GS, very good card for the price.

[viper_boy403]

yea its the video card

[Scalpy]

Cheers guys, will look around to see if I can get a cheapish new card.

[shanemail]

http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/referrer/srtest

recommends a 7900 or a X1850

[OverCooked]

I have a 7900GT and I run everything at Max with 16X AA. I didn't think the card could handle it, but I didn't notice any decrease in performance between no AA and 16X AA oddly enough.

It does slow down a lot when I move from an area that is inside, to an outdoor area, but once everything loads on the screen, it's not too bad. I also noticed the graphics lag even when the settings are turned way down. I put everything at minimum but there was still some lag when looking around. If I look up at the sky, where there is not a lot of objects, the mouse movement is smooth. If I'm looking at the surrounding environment, it's choppy no matter what.

Your video card should be able to run the game with some settings turned up. I'm guessing that some lagging in the graphics are the result of the game just coming out with no patches since I've experienced problems and I have a more than capable computer. Hopefully there will be a patch soon that fixes some of the graphics issues. Regardless, it is an awesome game.

[AnotherGrumpyComputerGuy]

You absolutely need a better video card. Just be glad you have a PCI-Express motherboard and can actually go out and get a good video card for it (I'm still suckin' with AGP).

If you have the money, you may also want to upgrade from 1Gb of RAM to 2Gb, that you're ready for the newest, high-end titles.

Here's the Firing Squad's take on video cards for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

[the_serpentsoul]

I've got a problem...
When i try to start STALKER a text in german appers... and i can't play...

Can someone help me fix this problem? confused

// JON

[ShockTroop]

Perhaps you purchased the international version? Wouldn't it have said something on the box? I can't remember for me, but was there a language selection when you installed it?

[Jazagod]

I too have a 7300, well 7300le so its probably worse:D I can run Stalker on med/low settings. this card was only 75$. there must be another issue, possible background apps running. I say this because we have virtually the same specks on pc. only difference is mine is a deluxe, and you have a few better parts.
could it be heat too? a few times when I had problems I simply got the dust outta my gfx card and all was well again.
Both of really do need better cards though:P

[Jazagod]

i did a search on the german version, apparently during install there is a en or ger setting you may have speed clicked through. apparently that is the only way, even through reg settings. re install it

[DarkCypher0x0]

Originally Posted by Jazagod

I too have a 7300, well 7300le so its probably worse:D I can run Stalker on med/low settings. this card was only 75$. there must be another issue, possible background apps running. I say this because we have virtually the same specks on pc. only difference is mine is a deluxe, and you have a few better parts.
could it be heat too? a few times when I had problems I simply got the dust outta my gfx card and all was well again.
Both of really do need better cards though:P

Hmm, then that makes me wonder if his Video Card is getting the volts it needs to perform.

Scalpy, that PSU you're using, was that a PSU that came with a case you bought or did you buy it separately? If you bought it separately, who is the manufacturer?

Either it's the PSU or the Video Card has had it's course, like I said before, his specs alone should be able to play it, though It's quite puzzling how a lesser PC (No offense) is able to play the game but he's not.

I don't really see much in his background programs that would really make an impact on performance unless the two instances of IE are always running.

[the_serpentsoul]

Originally Posted by Jazagod

i did a search on the german version, apparently during install there is a en or ger setting you may have speed clicked through. apparently that is the only way, even through reg settings. re install it

When I'm about to start it I first have to chose a language... And i chose english (german can't even be chosen)... and then the german text comes up... says something about page memory or something like that... And at the end it says: change thees computer settings...