What is slowing me down?

[jefegordo]

To start, I don't know too much about computers. From browsing through some of the threads I have gathered that there are three main things you need to play smoothly at high levels: adequate RAM, quick processor, good video card.

I have a Dell with 2GB RAM, a Pentium 4 3.0 Ghz, and an ATI X600 256MB.

I start to get slow down in some of the bigger battles. I do have most of the graphics options turned up but I am wondering - which of the three things on my computer is slowing me up?

RAM? - I think I have enough but is it fast enough? How fast is fast?
Processor? - I heard AMDs are better for gaming but is mine pretty decent?
Video card? - Is this one dated? If so, should I look into the x1800, x1600, an nVidia card, or wait for a new product altogether down the line?

Thanks everybody.

[Lee1026]

It is a dell. Dell loads up their computers with all kind of junk when you first get it. They slow down the computer alot.

[Incinerate_IV]

Agreed.

This is a good guide to help you maximize your PC:
http://www.stratcommandcenter.com/rtw/maximizepc.php

Also an X600 graphics isn't that good of a graphics card. I had an X600 and I have to leave unit settings on medium and turn High quality shadows off (Especially on BI) to get some decent frames, High quality shadows don't make that much of a difference anyways, with all the units on screen you can't even see their shadows.

BTW how many men are on the field when you say "some of the bigger battles"? If its 8000+ then I'm not surprised... You need a pretty highly overclocked system to handle all these men.

[jefegordo]

Thanks guys. Is there anything I can do to "clean up" my Dell like get rid of some of the crap they load up on it. My computer slows down around 5,000 troops on pretty high settings. Thanks for the high quality shadows tip. It sounds like my video card is pretty lousy but my RAM and processor are alright?. Do you recommend a particular video card I should get or should I wait?

Thanks again guys.