Need Help with Frame Rate

[trap78]

Here's the problem: My computer is about five years old. After the last AH update my frame rate has taken a nose dive. I'm okay in the EW, MW, AvA, dueling and training arenas where I'm getting 35 to 45 fps. But I'm having real problems in the FSO where I'm getting 20 to 30 fps sitting at the spawn point, around 17 in flight and 11 or less when the fights on. Last night while in a gunner position I could see my frame rate slowing way down until I hit a graphics "freeze" that lasted about two seconds. When it was over I found myself spinning out of control with only one wing.

Any suggestions or ideas on how I could bring my frame rate up to an acceptable level would be appreciated. Otherwise I may have to sit out the FSO for awhile until I can upgrade to a new computer.

Here are my system specs:
Asus P4P800 Se MB with 800MHz FSB
2.4GHz P4 Processor
1 GB Corsair XMS RAM
480 watt Power Supply
Radeon X850 XT

[daddog]

What kind of slot for your vid card? Is is the 'brown' AGP slot?

[trap78]

Yes it's an AGP slot.

[daddog]

I might have a card that is better than what you have.
Let me look things over Sunday morning and I will e-mail you.

Bottom line is, if at all possible you need to start saving for a newer system.

[Ghosth]

Options are pretty limited for that system trap.

I generally figure 3 years is about max for a sytem flying AH.

Thats not to say you need to spend 2k$. You can build a pretty good machine for 5 - 700$ especially if you can borrow a few parts from the old one. Stuff like DVD Drives, case, keyboard, mouse, monitor.

New stuff should be motherboard, ram, cpu, SATA hard drive, 500 + power supply.

[daddog]

Trap here is what I have that is yours if you want it. 
NVIDIA 6600GT 128meg Video card (it is an excellent AGP card)
585w power supply. Brand new.
Elitegroup L4VXA2 MB with 1.5 gig of Crucial memory. Has the processor and fan, but I honestly don't remember what the CPU is. I hesitate to take it apart and look.

I don't know how our MB's compare. I will let you figure that out. I am pretty sure my 6600GT is a better card than yours, and my power supply (though it is an off brand) is better.

[daddog]

Actually look here.
http://332nd.org/forum/index.php/topic,4483.0.html
It is the same stuff I offered to Rkan a few months back.

Call me if you have any questions Trap. Home from church today as one of the kids are sick.

[trap78]

Bottom line is, if at all possible you need to start saving for a newer system.

I think a new system makes the most sense at this point. By the time I upgrade the MB, CPU, RAM, power supply, etc. I'd basically have a new system anyway. I built my current machine but would consider buying one that's already assembled and good to go. Any suggestions? Are there any reputable computer builders in AH community that can put together a high end gaming system at a reasonable price? Are there any retail or off the shelf systems you guys would reccommend?

[daddog]

Two guys in the HTC community come to mind.

TilDeath - Met him at the con last year. Seems to be a good fellow. His prices IMHO are expensive, but he backs up 100 and 10% of what he does. Everyone is VERY happy with his work.

Also Llama builds systems. I came >< this close to having him build my current system, but opted to do it myself. I have met Llama and he is also a good guy. I would PM both of them, give them your price range and see what they come back with.

[Ghosth]

TilDeath for sure will work with you until you figure out a system that you will be happy with that you can afford.