Configuration and upgrade options for PC

[sn5775]

Hi all,

I'm looking for any suggestions for which configuration settings to use in TS2015 to get the best possible performance from my PC.

PC specification, as follows:-

Processor Intel Core2 Quad CPU Q8300 @ 2.50GHz (Yorkfield, 45nm, 775 LGA)
Motherboard Micro Star MS-7502
Memory 4.00 GB Dual Channel DDR2
Maximum memory: 4096MB (Slots:4 (2 banks of 2))
*Not to exceed manufacturer supported memory.
Slot 1 2GB DDR PC2-5300
Slot 2 2GB DDR PC2-5300
Slot 3 Empty
Slot 4 Empty
Graphics Card MSI NVIDIA GeForce GT 230 512 MB
Monitor 40” LCD TV 1920x1080
Operating System Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1


Also, I'd appreciate any suggestions for inexpensive upgrades that will improve TS2015 performance.

I would be willing to upgrade the memory from 4GB to 8GB using the two empty slots but I used the Crucial memory scanner and it advised me that the maximum supported is 4GB - is this correct?

Would a current "budget" graphics card be any better than the one that I've already got? Unfortunately, I'm on a very restricted budget, but would consider upto £50 for a new graphics card if it would be better than the one I have.

Many thanks.

[gptech]

I'm looking for any suggestions for which configuration settings to use in TS2015 to get the best possible performance from my PC.

Not what you'd like to hear, but basically you're looking at everything on low.

Also, I'd appreciate any suggestions for inexpensive upgrades that will improve TS2015 performance.

Being brutally frank, it's not worth spending any money on unless you really have to.

I used the Crucial memory scanner and it advised me that the maximum supported is 4GB - is this correct?

Yes, the motherboard only supports 4GB of memory, though you might be able to find an unofficial BIOS that pushes it further---not recommended though.

but would consider upto £50 for a new graphics card if it would be better than the one I have.

Double it and you'd be able to get a 750Ti, though whether you'd see any real improvement in performance is a moot point, though the quality should rise.

[msmith4000]

The MSI MS7502 mainboard can take 8Gb DDR2 800 however what operating system are you using? If you are using a 32bit OS such as Windows XP or Vista 32bit then the maximum the OS can support is 4GB and would explain why the memory advisor tool recommends 4GB as the maximum.


A graphics card upgrade would be required to run ts2015 with TSX enhanced mode on at the native 1080p rez of your monitor. If you do run in he enhanced mode then turn shadows right down and try mid range settings for the other options. Adjust down or up as necessary

[sn5775]

Thank you for the replies.

To confirm, my operating system is Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit which is fully updated.

I've been able to run both TS2014 and TS2015 I think with medium settings but been having a few minor issues recently with game freezes, for example on the ECML tunnels just coming into Kings Cross.

Also, I've just bought the Newcastle to Edinburgh route and the PC seems to really struggle on the current settings so I'm looking to try and tweak things a bit if I can.

The game does run a bit even in highest settings but I soon run into problems as can be expected.

I'm interested to see if I can tweak individual advanced settings but I don't know what they all mean to be honest.

Thanks again.

[gptech]

Depending on which revision of the board you have you'd be looking at spending 60 quid on paired kits of memory to upgrade to 8GB, plus another £100 for a decent graphics card.

The question is would spending £160 be money well spent, or even possible?

I'm interested to see if I can tweak individual advanced settings

First you need to get to a level where you can use the more advanced settings, your machine is always going to struggle to hit that spot.

[ttjph]

If you're confident doing processor swaps, look for an E8500 on Ebay - about 30% faster than your current CPU and fits the same socket, so should be a direct swap unless someone knows different. (Technically the E8600 is slightly faster, but when I was looking they fetched a lot more money). If you're even more confident, overclock it.

But yes, new graphics card too - again, try Ebay, maybe a GTX 560 (or 560 Ti) although first make sure your power supply is rated high enough, and has enough of the right connectors. Looks like you can get a 560 Ti for close to your £50 budget.

Worth being careful not to throw too much money at your current system though. With slightly more budget you could go a lot further - I replaced my motherboard, CPU and memory for a nice round £200 (all brand new) to end up with a vastly more modern system; add a graphics card to that, but same options as already mentioned still apply for that.

Good luck!

[gptech]

I'm guessing this is a PC from the Medion stable; if so it's liable to have a cheap and cheerful generic PSU rather than one with enough oomph to power a decent graphics card comfortably so checking that is essential.