Build a PC for Rome 2 / Hardware Recommendations and Advice Thread

[Biggus Splenus]

Congratulations, I would have it a little different, but well done. Is that motherboard revision 2.0, or the original?

Keep in mind that AMD is releasing new graphics cards in a couple of months

[Totalwarzone]

I would like to have some help from anybody that knows anything of hardware. I recently bought a new computer, this are the specs:

CPU: Intel i5 3470 @ 3.2 Ghz
GPU: xfx radeon hd 7970 double dissipation black edition 3gb
Memory: 8GB
Resolution: 1920x1080

Temperatures won't reach 70+ so that's pretty OK. Weird thing is that my C drive has a max of 149 GB and my D drive a max of 764 GB. Maybe this could cause the problem, I have no idea really.

So basically, my FPS seems to low. Everything is updated but I always manage to get lower FPS's then the benchmarks of sites and it seems like it is even worse then my old GTX660.
Other games are fine though, I can run games like BF3 easily on Ultra.

I play Shogun 2 on high settings, no AA and AF, etc. Low shadows. Still a low FPS. Tuning down to medium doesn't really matter for the FPS, only low helps, but that is awfull.

It could be just me, I am used to games like BF3 and Call of Duty where I experience no lagg at all, never. I can't even tell if it runs at 60 FPS or 700 FPS.
In Total War, it's different. If I look at an army, I can always feel lagg, always. When I watch video's it seems like their game runs smooth that lagg is almost not to feel, unless their are large fights. Maybe it's me, but I think it's not. Does anybody have an idea of what could be wrong or any solution? Thanks in advance.

[SamueleD]

I would like to have some help from anybody that knows anything of hardware. I recently bought a new computer, this are the specs:

CPU: Intel i5 3470 @ 3.2 Ghz
GPU: xfx radeon hd 7970 double dissipation black edition 3gb
Memory: 8GB
Resolution: 1920x1080

Temperatures won't reach 70+ so that's pretty OK. Weird thing is that my C drive has a max of 149 GB and my D drive a max of 764 GB. Maybe this could cause the problem, I have no idea really.

So basically, my FPS seems to low. Everything is updated but I always manage to get lower FPS's then the benchmarks of sites and it seems like it is even worse then my old GTX660.
Other games are fine though, I can run games like BF3 easily on Ultra.

I play Shogun 2 on high settings, no AA and AF, etc. Low shadows. Still a low FPS. Tuning down to medium doesn't really matter for the FPS, only low helps, but that is awfull.

It could be just me, I am used to games like BF3 and Call of Duty where I experience no lagg at all, never. I can't even tell if it runs at 60 FPS or 700 FPS.
In Total War, it's different. If I look at an army, I can always feel lagg, always. When I watch video's it seems like their game runs smooth that lagg is almost not to feel, unless their are large fights. Maybe it's me, but I think it's not. Does anybody have an idea of what could be wrong or any solution? Thanks in advance.

Mmmh, so Shogun 2 is the only thing that gives you problems, right?
That rig should play Shogun 2 on High/Ultra, same with Rome II.
I think your hard disk simply has two partitions, I don't think that is causing the problem, unless one of the two is very low on free space 8like less than 1GB free).
There are very few solutions I can think of unfortunately:
0) Are you running any mods? They might be the cause.
1) There might be a problem with the Shogun 2 files, if that's the case try using the "verify game cache" (right click on Shogun 2 in steam, properties, local files), it should fix that.
2) There might be a problem with you Shogun 2 settings, to access the preference file you need to make hidden folders visible (you can do that from control panel -> folder options), then go to your account folder, open AppData/Roaming/The Creative Assembly/Shogun2/Scripts delete the preferences.script.txt file, once the game launches it will generate a new one.
3) Shogun 2 might be using the Integrated Graphics instead of the Discrete GPU, in the Grahpics Card Control Panel (Catalyst Control Center) you should be able to fix that.
4) Remember to run in DX11, if after generating a new preferences file the problem persists open the preference file and change the following lines:
gfx_video_memory 0; # gfx_video_memory <int>, Override available video memory (bytes) #
to
gfx_video_memory 3221225472; # gfx_video_memory <int>, Override available video memory (bytes) #
[This ensures that the game will see and use all of your graphics memory, the new number is simply 3GB in Bytes]
and
number_of_threads 0; # number_of_threads <int>, Set the number of threads <= 0 - automatic, >0 = explicit number #
to
number_of_threads 4; # number_of_threads <int>, Set the number of threads <= 0 - automatic, >0 = explicit number #
[This ensures that the game runs on all four of your cores/threads]

I am about to buy my "Rome II upgrade kit" (i5 4670k + 8 gb RAM + mobo). I'll hopefully be able to run the game on ultra without too much of a problem paired with my current CF 6970's (2 gb VRAM versions)

Anyway, the reason i post is because i was thinking about my SSD. I bought my current one about 3 years ago (when SSD's were relatively new and expensive as hell). It's a 120 GB OCZ Vertex 2. According to my googling, it's got a max reading speed of 285 MB/s and a max writing speed of 275 MB/s.

I've "discovered" that SSD's are kind of cheap now. I found this one :http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820211602 for about 150 USD. Now it's got a read of 550 and a write of 520 MB/s. This looks really good on paper, but im not particularily good when it comes to SSD's. Will i notice a big difference going from the one i have to the one i just linked?

I found myself in a similar situation last year: the Vertex 2 is sata II, so yes, you will see quite a big difference if you get a newer SSD with sata III compatibility, your motherboard should have sata III ports (refer to its manual and use only the intel ones), the important thing then is to remember to use a sata III cable also (should be included with the new motherboard).

[Totalwarzone]

Mmmh, so Shogun 2 is the only thing that gives you problems, right?
That rig should play Shogun 2 on High/Ultra, same with Rome II.
I think your hard disk simply has two partitions, I don't think that is causing the problem, unless one of the two is very low on free space 8like less than 1GB free).
There are very few solutions I can think of unfortunately:
0) Are you running any mods? They might be the cause.
1) There might be a problem with the Shogun 2 files, if that's the case try using the "verify game cache" (right click on Shogun 2 in steam, properties, local files), it should fix that.
2) There might be a problem with you Shogun 2 settings, to access the preference file you need to make hidden folders visible (you can do that from control panel -> folder options), then go to your account folder, open AppData/Roaming/The Creative Assembly/Shogun2/Scripts delete the preferences.script.txt file, once the game launches it will generate a new one.
3) Shogun 2 might be using the Integrated Graphics instead of the Discrete GPU, in the Grahpics Card Control Panel (Catalyst Control Center) you should be able to fix that.
4) Remember to run in DX11, if after generating a new preferences file the problem persists open the preference file and change the following lines:
gfx_video_memory 0; # gfx_video_memory <int>, Override available video memory (bytes) #
to
gfx_video_memory 3221225472; # gfx_video_memory <int>, Override available video memory (bytes) #
[This ensures that the game will see and use all of your graphics memory, the new number is simply 3GB in Bytes]
and
number_of_threads 0; # number_of_threads <int>, Set the number of threads <= 0 - automatic, >0 = explicit number #
to
number_of_threads 4; # number_of_threads <int>, Set the number of threads <= 0 - automatic, >0 = explicit number #
[This ensures that the game runs on all four of your cores/threads]

0) Nope
1) Will try after reinstall
2) Will try after reinstall
3) Integraded GPU has been disable, so this can't be the problem.
4) I could give it a try after reinstall.

And the first point is actually correct. When I first installed S2 I put it on the C drive not knowing that it only contained like around 100 GB
At the moment there is less then 1 GB left, but could this really be a big deal? And when I installed it at first, it still had space and I got the same fps.
But I will probably redownload it and install it on the D drive.

Anything else? Don't you guys think the CPU could be the problem, I really dont know.

Thanks for the help!

[SamueleD]

0) Nope
1) Will try after reinstall
2) Will try after reinstall
3) Integraded GPU has been disable, so this can't be the problem.
4) I could give it a try after reinstall.

And the first point is actually correct. When I first installed S2 I put it on the C drive not knowing that it only contained like around 100 GB
At the moment there is less then 1 GB left, but could this really be a big deal? And when I installed it at first, it still had space and I got the same fps.
But I will probably redownload it and install it on the D drive.

Anything else? Don't you guys think the CPU could be the problem, I really dont know.

Thanks for the help!

I don't think CPU or GPU are the problem, otherwise there would be problems outside TW also.

Reinstalling S2 can be a good try, even though it will take time, so go on. The hard drive space could be a problem, even though it's a long shot, check if you have 2 hard disks or just 2 partitions. In any case the latest version of steam allows you to create a steam library wherever you want, so create one on D and install S2 there, so you can exclude disk space as the problem.
Since you are reinstalling checking integrity won't be necessary, so try points 2) and 4) after you have reinstalled.

oh wait, I had a dumb attack. And by the way, I just checked my preferences script and it showed number of threads: 0.

That is the default setting, it means that the game will automatically decide the number of threads, i shouldn't cause problems with your CPU, I suggested putting 4 only to make sure that it used the correct number.

If you haven't already done it there is no reason to reinstall, just move the steam library with steam and then verify integrity.

[Lockcaps]

I am about to buy my "Rome II upgrade kit" (i5 4670k + 8 gb RAM + mobo). I'll hopefully be able to run the game on ultra without too much of a problem paired with my current CF 6970's (2 gb VRAM versions)

Anyway, the reason i post is because i was thinking about my SSD. I bought my current one about 3 years ago (when SSD's were relatively new and expensive as hell). It's a 120 GB OCZ Vertex 2. According to my googling, it's got a max reading speed of 285 MB/s and a max writing speed of 275 MB/s.

I've "discovered" that SSD's are kind of cheap now. I found this one :http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820211602 for about 150 USD. Now it's got a read of 550 and a write of 520 MB/s. This looks really good on paper, but im not particularily good when it comes to SSD's. Will i notice a big difference going from the one i have to the one i just linked?

[alQamar]

Do you run your os on the vertex 2? Or what else?

[Lockcaps]

Do you run your os on the vertex 2? Or what else?

Yes, and a few other games.

[alQamar]

Yes, and a few other games.

Hi again. You can exchange the vertex 2 versus a vertex 4 450.
I have both and speed difference is noticeable but not huge for daily use if you don't work a lot with files.
The vertex 4 450 including Acronis true image 2013 that enables you to clone windows from one to another disk and save the reinstall.

[alQamar]

Why reinstall and not moving steam simply?

[Totalwarzone]

oh wait, I had a dumb attack. And by the way, I just checked my preferences script and it showed number of threads: 0.

[alQamar]

Can you please run a CPU and GPU test. You can enable all additional features in the game and everything ultra. Set antialiasing to mlaa. Run "benchmark game settings" and dx9 cpu

[Totalwarzone]

I will do all the points and to a benchmark when it's done. Thanks in advance!

[Mimoxx]

Taking off the i7 processor for i5 , because rome2 will use the same amout of cores has Shogun2 , are u really sure of that ?? where is it writted by CA?????
Another thing about laptop being out of question , i may disagree with this : Clevo P170SM

17.3" FullHD
i7-4700QM
8GB RAM
GTX 780M
Samsung 840 Pro 128GB
500GB 7200rpm

Processor	Intel® Core™ i7-4700HQ ---> quicker than i5 4670
Chipset	Mobile Intel® HM87
Operating system	Windows 8/Windows 8 Professional
Memory	DDR3 1600MHz 8 GB
Display	17.3” anti-glare FHD LED backlit (1920 x 1080)
Graphics	NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 770M with 4GB GDDR5 VRAM or 780m ---> the 770 is 35 % slower than gtx 760 for desktop , but the 780m is almost has fast
Storage	2.5” SATA 500GB/750GB (7200rpm) 2.5” SATA 256GB SSD Dual HDD support (with RAID 0) 256GB SSD x 2/128GB SSD x 2 default RAID 0 (available August)
Optical drive	DVD Super-Multi /Blu-ray combo/Blu-ray writer
Camera	HD with array microfone All this with the 770m is about 1500$ , with 780 m is 1700$ Laptop takes less space , u can move around u house , playing on desktop, change to sofá in leaving room etc , if u move in hollidays etc

[MrChris]

I myself have been assembling some parts for my new PC in anticipation

i5 4670 (not really going to gain anything from getting an i7 when it comes to games, faster memory can make a difference with Haswell CPUs though, given their memory controllers)
8GB of Patriot Viper DDR 2400mhz
Creative Sound Blaster Z
Samsung 840 Pro SSD (I cannot stress how worthy an SSD is, I'm sure most people have one these days, but if you don't then get one! The new Samsung EVOs are very good also)
2TB Seagate Barracuda HD
BeQuiet 530w PSU

I'm still deciding on the motherboard, thinking of an Asus Maximus VI Hero (although I'm not going to overclock too strenuously if at all - reason for non K cpu, but I am very trusting of Asus products, probably just get a Asus Z87 pro type board)

as for GPU, I believe the new AMD cards are coming out in October, so I'm going to hang onto my 6950 until then and see what happens, currently I would be eyeing a 770, but don't want to buy a new GPU given how close to the release of new ones we are

all inside an Antec P280 (current PC is inside a P180, I very much like the style of case)

[AtheistDane]

I myself have been assembling some parts for my new PC in anticipation

i5 4670 (not really going to gain anything from getting an i7 when it comes to games, faster memory can make a difference with Haswell CPUs though, given their memory controllers)
8GB of Patriot Viper DDR 2400mhz
Creative Sound Blaster Z
Samsung 840 Pro SSD (I cannot stress how worthy an SSD is, I'm sure most people have one these days, but if you don't then get one! The new Samsung EVOs are very good also)
2TB Seagate Barracuda HD
BeQuiet 530w PSU

I'm still deciding on the motherboard, thinking of an Asus Maximus VI Hero (although I'm not going to overclock too strenuously if at all - reason for non K cpu, but I am very trusting of Asus products, probably just get a Asus Z87 pro type board)

as for GPU, I believe the new AMD cards are coming out in October, so I'm going to hang onto my 6950 until then and see what happens, currently I would be eyeing a 770, but don't want to buy a new GPU given how close to the release of new ones we are

all inside an Antec P280 (current PC is inside a P180, I very much like the style of case)

Nice build. I would have gone with a K-model, the extra clock speed will matter in Rome 2, I expect.

Also, don't buy the Asus Maximus Hero with that CPU, there's no point. If I was you I would just get one of these - unless you need a wireless controller.

Also waiting for the next generation of GFX's - wonder if Nvidia will wait till 2014, with AMD launching their cards in October.

Personally, I'm still holding out on SSDs, don't think they are worth it for the price. Also I don't want any storage units under 500 GB, and one of those cost the same as a new CPU/Mobo.

[alQamar]

Nice build. I would have gone with a K-model, the extra clock speed will matter in Rome 2, I expect.

Also, don't buy the Asus Maximus Hero with that CPU, there's no point. If I was you I would just get one of these - unless you need a wireless controller.

Also waiting for the next generation of GFX's - wonder if Nvidia will wait till 2014, with AMD launching their cards in October.

Personally, I'm still holding out on SSDs, don't think they are worth it for the price. Also I don't want any storage units under 500 GB, and one of those cost the same as a new CPU/Mobo.

@mrchris: Some of your things are nice to have. I second danes comments.
The oc ram is indeed useless and will not give you one second less loading times or one more fps. Tested that. The sound blaster is nice to have also. The maximus mainboard won't help you to get a better overclocking result compared to a normal asus z87 board

[Totalwarzone]

Ok, I did everything and got an average FPS of 85! That's definitely an improvement. I checked the logs and all the fps's it measured were higher then I am normally getting in a custom battle.

But I think 85 FPS is normal for my rig?

[SamueleD]

Ok, I did everything and got an average FPS of 85! That's definitely an improvement. I checked the logs and all the fps's it measured were higher then I am normally getting in a custom battle.

But I think 85 FPS is normal for my rig?

It depends, what benchmark and on what settings?

But if you feel like you have seen a big improvement I think your problem has been solved, play the game a bit (on ultra settings) to confirm that.

[Totalwarzone]

It depends, what benchmark and on what settings?

But if you feel like you have seen a big improvement I think your problem has been solved, play the game a bit (on ultra settings) to confirm that.

Highest benchmark with just the standard settings. (Everything maxed out). So it serms pretty ok! Gonna try it tomorrow, thanks for your help! +Rep