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Thread: Computer Specification

  1. #1
    Laetus
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    Default Computer Specification

    After much thought i have decided to buy a new computer and move away from the Mac, seeing as though its actually my dad's anyway... But since I really only know the basics about computers, I rang up PC Specialist and they have built a computer to within my budget. What do you think of the specifications of this computer and how will it fare with Roma Surrectum and other games? Would just like to know its up to the challenge of units on 'huge' and most of the settings on high before i make the plunge and order it.


    Processor - Intel® CoreTMi5 Quad Core Processor i5-4590 (3.3GHz) 6MB Cache
    Motherboard - ASUS® Z97-A: ATX, USB3.0, SATA 6GB/S, SLi, XFIRE
    RAM - 8GB KINGSTON DUAL-DDR3 1600MHz (1 x 8GB)
    Graphics card - 4GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 970 - 1 DVI, 1 mHDMI, 3 mDP - 3D Vision Ready

    Thanks, Michael

  2. #2

    Default Re: Computer Specification

    You should be absolutely fine. The only thing that matters, though, is that first line - for the CPU speed is everything.

    RTW/RSII only uses a single core; has no idea about separate graphics GPUs; doesn't really need more than 2GB of RAM (itself, although you'll have a new Windows and 8.1 can be tricky (old XP is best) and that will need more).

    My advice, however, will still be to only play with 'Large' units - and you might still wish to tone many of the minor graphics elements down to get a smoother game. Even 16-bit graphics is fine and will reduce the processing load.
    "RTW/RS VH campaign difficulty is bugged out (CA bug that never got fixed) and thus easier than Hard so play on that instead" - apple

    RSII 2.5/2.6 Tester and pesky irritant to the Team. Mucho praise for long suffering dvk'.

  3. #3
    Laetus
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    Default Re: Computer Specification

    Thank you for the clarification.

    So am i right in assuming a dual core would be no better? I didn't have the option for a single core PC.

    And on the topic of windows, i have the option of using Windows 7 or 8, which one would be best? I have read that windows 8 is to be avoided but that could just be people exaggerating.

  4. #4
    tungri_centurio's Avatar Senator
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    Default Re: Computer Specification

    i say go for win7.didn"t had it but i have win8 and had alot of problems with my old games.i use a program now that let's old games run beter on new computers,
    so no more problems for me,can play on huge settings with all maxed out. have almost same specs as you but bigger RAM and AMD7900 card,also i5 4670k at same Ghz

    had vista on my old computer and that worked perfect for old games.
    Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth. -Marcus Aurelius

  5. #5

    Default Re: Computer Specification

    Quote Originally Posted by akko313 View Post
    .............
    So am i right in assuming a dual core would be no better? I didn't have the option for a single core PC. ...............
    Other people can advise you better on Win 7 vs Win 8 (I don't even like what Win 8.1 has done over Win 8 on my phone!)......

    On the assumption that you will be using the PC for 'other' things, then the spec is just fine. It is only RTW/RSII that will stretch just individual parts. If, like me, then you can make up an older/spare PC just for RTW/RSII (like I have one - excpet when it breaks.....Grrrrr) that has an older single fast chip and Win XP SP3; then you might want to get specific.
    "RTW/RS VH campaign difficulty is bugged out (CA bug that never got fixed) and thus easier than Hard so play on that instead" - apple

    RSII 2.5/2.6 Tester and pesky irritant to the Team. Mucho praise for long suffering dvk'.

  6. #6

    Default Re: Computer Specification

    Quote Originally Posted by akko313 View Post
    Thank you for the clarification.

    So am i right in assuming a dual core would be no better? I didn't have the option for a single core PC.

    And on the topic of windows, i have the option of using Windows 7 or 8, which one would be best? I have read that windows 8 is to be avoided but that could just be people exaggerating.
    as ur-Lord Tedric said, since RTW only utilizes one core, the speed is everything. the CPU you're buying only has a base clock of 3.3 GHz and it is not overclockable, so that is as high as it will get.

    i recommend if you really want to build a PC to run Rome I well you should try and grab a k-series CPU from intel, as you can overclock these. something like a i5 4670k which isn't much more expensive than the CPU you have selected now.

    you could easily get it into the 4.7 GHz + range if you bought watercooling for it as well

    as for windows 7 or windows 8.1 it really doesn't matter, windows 8.1 is practically identical to windows 7 except a different start screen (which I kind of have come to like more now)

  7. #7
    neep's Avatar Tiro
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    Default Re: Computer Specification

    Quote Originally Posted by Shmanky View Post
    as ur-Lord Tedric said, since RTW only utilizes one core, the speed is everything. the CPU you're buying only has a base clock of 3.3 GHz and it is not overclockable, so that is as high as it will get.

    i recommend if you really want to build a PC to run Rome I well you should try and grab a k-series CPU from intel, as you can overclock these. something like a i5 4670k which isn't much more expensive than the CPU you have selected now.

    you could easily get it into the 4.7 GHz + range if you bought watercooling for it as well

    as for windows 7 or windows 8.1 it really doesn't matter, windows 8.1 is practically identical to windows 7 except a different start screen (which I kind of have come to like more now)
    Well, I'm running an i7 920 CPU that rumbles along at 2.7GHz and the game runs just fine for me - large number of units, high graphics settings.
    But I do have a GTX 780 GPU to help carry the load on the graphics side.

    If it was me I'd certainly try to buy something with a higher clock speed and the ability to overclock - but that starts to get expensive once you add in the a few more $$ for the right board, a bunch more $$$ for water cooling.
    That board you have there looks like a neat piece of kit. You could probably get some decent overclocking just by swapping the CPU and adding a better CPU cooler, the generic coolers tend to be designed to handle the existing thermal load just fine but can't deal with any more.

    Something else to think about -
    check the CPU box to see how much expansion room you have. You might want to add more disk space later, or add additional fans for extra cooling.
    If the box had additional headroom inside it, it gives you more options for upgrading your CPU cooling later if you want.
    Last edited by neep; October 16, 2014 at 01:34 PM. Reason: Additional Thoughts

  8. #8
    tungri_centurio's Avatar Senator
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    Default Re: Computer Specification

    Quote Originally Posted by Shmanky View Post
    as for windows 7 or windows 8.1 it really doesn't matter, windows 8.1 is practically identical to windows 7 except a different start screen (which I kind of have come to like more now)
    you can have the old style startup screen like win7 and older win with win8 and 8.1 pro
    right click desktop menu and select special windows 8 tools,switch to explorer 7 setup
    i really don't like the new setups for win8+

    i have i5 4670k and watercooling so i can overclock easely to 4.7Ghz you think.
    Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth. -Marcus Aurelius

  9. #9
    Laetus
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    Default Re: Computer Specification

    Quote Originally Posted by tungri_centurio View Post
    i say go for win7.didn"t had it but i have win8 and had alot of problems with my old games.i use a program now that let's old games run beter on new computers,
    so no more problems for me,can play on huge settings with all maxed out. have almost same specs as you but bigger RAM and AMD7900 card,also i5 4670k at same Ghz

    had vista on my old computer and that worked perfect for old games.
    Good to know it will be able to handle most things maxed out! I've never had a computer capable of doing so before.

    Quote Originally Posted by ur-Lord Tedric View Post
    Other people can advise you better on Win 7 vs Win 8 (I don't even like what Win 8.1 has done over Win 8 on my phone!)......

    On the assumption that you will be using the PC for 'other' things, then the spec is just fine. It is only RTW/RSII that will stretch just individual parts. If, like me, then you can make up an older/spare PC just for RTW/RSII (like I have one - excpet when it breaks.....Grrrrr) that has an older single fast chip and Win XP SP3; then you might want to get specific.
    I wish i had the money to have a computer specifically for Roma Surrectum, but unfortunately this will be a computer for all uses. You are luckier than you know!

    Quote Originally Posted by neep View Post
    Well, I'm running an i7 920 CPU that rumbles along at 2.7GHz and the game runs just fine for me - large number of units, high graphics settings.
    But I do have a GTX 780 GPU to help carry the load on the graphics side.

    If it was me I'd certainly try to buy something with a higher clock speed and the ability to overclock - but that starts to get expensive once you add in the a few more $$ for the right board, a bunch more $$$ for water cooling.
    That board you have there looks like a neat piece of kit. You could probably get some decent overclocking just by swapping the CPU and adding a better CPU cooler, the generic coolers tend to be designed to handle the existing thermal load just fine but can't deal with any more.

    Something else to think about -
    check the CPU box to see how much expansion room you have. You might want to add more disk space later, or add additional fans for extra cooling.
    If the box had additional headroom inside it, it gives you more options for upgrading your CPU cooling later if you want.
    I have looked into water cooling and the price starts to rocket! I don't know how much difference its going to make, so i think i'll stick with an upgraded fans.

    Thanks for all the help and advice guys, its going to be put on order asap

  10. #10

    Default Re: Computer Specification

    Quote Originally Posted by tungri_centurio View Post
    i have i5 4670k and watercooling so i can overclock easely to 4.7Ghz you think.
    most likely, 4.6 GHz is like the average overclock for that CPU. probably just have to raise voltages a smidge and be sure to watch your temps

  11. #11

    Default Re: Computer Specification

    As stated before - single core is all RTW uses and the RAM is limited to like 3 GB.
    Their are methods of course................
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