Sound and Video Questions

[chano305]

Two technical questions, thought I'd put them together but if its better to post separate threads, I'll go do that.

So, video first, more of a recommendation really. What video card should I need to max out everything? I'm not CPU inhibited, and I shouldn't be RAM inhibited either (i7-930 and 6Gb 1333MHz RAM, respectively). I'm running a HIS Radeon 5850 currently, trying to decide if I'd need to sell that and go for a 5870, or double up and get another 5850, etc. I'm liking ATI mainly cause of heat and noise reasons, so recommendations in that direction would be appreciated. Currently I'm on Large unit size, and a mix of high and ultra settings in all areas, except for AA which is at 4x or so. Can't get much higher than that without it slowing down alot. Realistic recommendations appreciated

Sound: I have a surround system, 5.1 Logitech (well, 5.1 in the sense that its a 5 speaker + subwoofer setup, but for some reason it shows up as 7.1 in the Win7 control panel, but without side-speakers). How do I get all the speakers to work in ETW? I've tried playing with the sound options in-game, nothing. Setting it to 5.1, 7.1, surround, at varying settings and ranges, nothing. Any advice? The system tests like it works (again, in the Control Panel), but the Front central speaker and the 2 Rear speakers don't do anything. To reiterate, I have a subwoofer, 2 Front side speakers, a Front central speaker, and 2 rear speakers. They all came together, as in, one single kit. I'm actually unsure of whether the speakers in question are working in other programs (youtube, media players, etc) but like I said it tests fine (in the control panel where it makes each speaker ding one at a time).

Help, tips, opinions and advice appreciated

Thanks in advance!

Sean

[irishron]

You did not say how much vram on the graphics card and your playing monitor resolution.

I have yet to invest in a 5.1 sound system so someone else will have to chime in here.

[chano305]

Apologies:

HIS 5850 1GB, with that iCooler V (all frequencies and clocks are stock, just a slight up on the fan speed)

Monitor resolution: 1680x1050

The 5.1 was a hand-me-down, now if I could just get it to work properly.... I have a Gigabyte X58A-UD3R, and I'm using the board's built in sound hardware (no add-in sound card).

Thanks!

Sean

[irishron]

I would not touch the card. I don't think you would get any better performance, performance/price ratio.

I have read one instance of a player installing an enertainment center version for his at the old officia forums but then disappeared without offering any details. I am not sure the game even supports 5.1 much less 7.1.

[chano305]

Yeah I'm loving the card, except that I got a line on someone who's willing to buy it from me at near full price, so I'm deciding if it's worth it to sell and upgrade to a 5870, or if I should stick with this and get another 5850 down the road. Just wanted opinions more than anything.

I know that in the Empire option menu you can pick 5.1 or 7.1 (as well as surround and a couple other options, not sure, I'm not at home). Either way it doesnt work. What are the other options for? Intensity and something in MHz if I remember right, which I'm sure I don't. What should I have those settings at?

Thanks,

Sean