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

[alQamar]

@totalwarzone What have you done to solve it?what was the cpu bench result?
@mimox the problem is CA haven't declined nor committed our benchmarks that an i7 is not useful on Rome 2. But as many things they do not like to say officially we cannot expect much better results than Shogun 2.

[eXistenZ]

So instead of openeing a new topic in The Basement, i might as well ask here. I hav been planning on upgrading my gear some time, but now with Rome II closeby and work over, i finally got the time. So first my dxdiag:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

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System Information
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Time of this report: 4/10/2013, 10:56:34
Machine name: ---
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.130104-1431)
Language: Dutch (Regional Setting: Dutch)
System Manufacturer: MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO.,LTD
System Model: MS-7367
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 945 Processor (4 CPUs), ~3.0GHz
Memory: 4096MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 4096MB RAM
Page File: 2455MB used, 5733MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 2: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce GTX 560 Ti
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_1200&SUBSYS_23821462&REV_A1
Display Memory: 2770 MB
Dedicated Memory: 978 MB
Shared Memory: 1791 MB
Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Algemeen PnP-beeldscherm
Monitor Model: L194WT
Monitor Id: GSM4B05
Native Mode: 1440 x 900(p) (59.887Hz)
Output Type: HD15
Driver Name: nvd3dumx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvd3dum,n vwgf2um,nvwgf2um
Driver File Version: 9.18.0013.1106 (English)
Driver Version: 9.18.13.697
DDI Version: unknown
Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 2/26/2013 00:32:38, 18055184 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp:
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-5140-11CF-8073-8F031CC2C435}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x1200
SubSys ID: 0x23821462
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Driver Strong Name: oem5.inf:NVIDIA_SetA_Devices.NTamd64.6.1:Section02 4:9.18.13.697ci\ven_10de&dev_1200
Rank Of Driver: 00E02001
Video Accel:
Deinterlace Caps: n/a
D3D9 Overlay: n/a
DXVA-HD: n/a
DDraw Status: Not Available
D3D Status: Not Available
AGP Status: Not Available

im quite a noob when it comes to assembling and hardware: i bought my pc like ten years ago at a local store who also does repairs, and from time to time i go there to upgrade something: some extra RAM, new video card, then new processor. If i remember correctly the last time i went was almost two year ago for the GPU i have now.

On another site where i asked for recommendations, i've hd two sort of advices. One was to upgrade some stuff:
MOBO: MSI Z77A-G45
CPU: Intel Core i5 3570K
And another 4GB RAM with it and upgrade the GPU

Second advice was to use an SSD along to cut down loading times. I have however no idea how to combine it. I know there is some way to let your games be installed on your HDD and let your OS be run by SSD, however how complicated is this? Remember that i wont install/reinstall the upgrade myself. (money isnt really an issue). I also hard something about hybrid drives?

Thanks

[alQamar]

Hi checked your dx diagnosis and I don't recommend any upgrade at the moment as your cpu and gpu are still recent enough. 4gb ram is enough for total war. I suggest to wait till release and check how it runs. Perhaps then consider an upgrade if you are not satisfied as we still haven't any data about rome 2 improvements.
Is that ok for you? Please run cpu AND gpu benchmark to give me a sight on current performance

[Mimoxx]

The i3-3220 is not enough to run rome 2 at high settings with units large with good fraps, my cpu is currently about the same speed and cant run s2 with many units, u will nees a i5-4670

[eXistenZ]

Hi checked your dx diagnosis and I don't recommend any upgrade at the moment as your cpu and gpu are still recent enough. 4gb ram is enough for total war. I suggest to wait till release and check how it runs. Perhaps then consider an upgrade if you are not satisfied as we still haven't any data about rome 2 improvements.
Is that ok for you? Please run cpu AND gpu benchmark to give me a sight on current performance

It might be ok, but for example the booting time of Shogun 2 is already quite long, and the endturn games on bigger maps in Civ V also take a lot of time. So i wanna boost that performance.

What is the best way to give my benchmarks? (like said, im a noob on this, i only know of dxdiag)

[Epic28]

It might be ok, but for example the booting time of Shogun 2 is already quite long, and the endturn games on bigger maps in Civ V also take a lot of time. So i wanna boost that performance.

What is the best way to give my benchmarks? (like said, im a noob on this, i only know of dxdiag)

You want to boost loading/startup times you can look into buying an SSD like you said, keep in mind SSD's dont do anything in terms of raising FPS. Upgrade to 8GB of RAM, just because RAM is usually cheap and the easiest component to install yourself. Other than that your PC isn't really "due" for an upgrade, obviously there are better components out there (new CPU, new GPUs) but its all depending on how much $$$ you're willing to drop.

Intel CPUs are the way to go for TW games, that'll also mean upgrading your motherboard as well.

Give us a ballpark figure on how much you'd be willing to spend. Don't worry, self installation is easier than it sounds.

[eXistenZ]

You want to boost loading/startup times you can look into buying an SSD like you said, keep in mind SSD's dont do anything in terms of raising FPS. Upgrade to 8GB of RAM, just because RAM is usually cheap and the easiest component to install yourself. Other than that your PC isn't really "due" for an upgrade, obviously there are better components out there (new CPU, new GPUs) but its all depending on how much $$$ you're willing to drop.

Intel CPUs are the way to go for TW games, that'll also mean upgrading your motherboard as well.

Give us a ballpark figure on how much you'd be willing to spend. Don't worry, self installation is easier than it sounds.

About the installation you dont have to worry, someone else will do that. As for figure, i would say €600-700 is my upper limit. But that means i wanna play on high to top settings without investment for the next 2-3 years

[Lockcaps]

Hi checked your dx diagnosis and I don't recommend any upgrade at the moment as your cpu and gpu are still recent enough. 4gb ram is enough for total war. I suggest to wait till release and check how it runs. Perhaps then consider an upgrade if you are not satisfied as we still haven't any data about rome 2 improvements.
Is that ok for you? Please run cpu AND gpu benchmark to give me a sight on current performance

Ehhh i wouldn't necessarily say 4 GB RAM will be enough. If i have Shogun II, Steam, and a few tabs of chrome open i am very very close to hitting 4gb, sometimes over. Better be safe than sorry.

[Mimoxx]

The proceesor still much importante than graphics card , lets say u will need like a i5-4670 , a gtx 460 will do . This pc will handle a lot of units in the screen with no problem, just need to reduce graphic detail. the i3 3240 and gtx 660 will be almost at the same price but u will let u put graphics a bit higher but cant handle a lot of units!!!! so the 1st combo is much better.

[alQamar]

What posting do you refer mimoxx?

[Synorisc]

Please could someone tell me if this pc would be powerful enough to run Rome 2.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zoostorm-787...pr_product_top

[Synorisc]

Please could someone tell me if this pc would be powerful enough to run Rome 2.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zoostorm-787...pr_product_top

Would it be able to run on the highest settings?

[Totalheadache]

Would it be able to run on the highest settings?

build your own. (if u can).

this doesnt have a graphics card...it's using on-board.

[Totalheadache]

....oops

[alQamar]

valid question: is he able to Headache?
Synorisc, what computer do you use now, please submit detailed specs and also you PSU vendor and wattage? What is your budget?

[alQamar]

The end turn bug is same on my high end rig so you will not make a good deal anyway believe me. The bug appears the more ai and city states you fight and the later the game. Also it happens only in war times. Not in times of peace. If you are looking for a loading time boost get a vertex 4 or vortex.

[alQamar]

Well but honestly you also see that not shogun2 is allocating this amount of RAM and Windows is able to place non active in parts out of ram into the page file without affecting your FPS. If you are low on RAM you might assume to close RAM soaking apps like chrome that runs a lot of instances

[KingDazza]

I was just wondering al Qamar, as someone who also builds silent PC rigs and would also advise people to be aware of how loud a potential build would be for Total War. Why would you choose a BitFenix Survivor case and a stock cooled, GTX670 graphics card? I'm intrigued, as personally I find there are far quieter options. For example I'd highly recommend an R4 Define Fractal Design case, over the BitFenix kit.

[alQamar]

Well my rig is quiet even with the stock cooled Gtx 670 and the survivor core case. But did I recommend this? I was just posting results of cooler exchanges AFAIK.

[KingDazza]

@alQamar: I was asking based on your sig statement and your linked build profile. As building silent PC's has been a passion of mine for many years, I was curious. Cheers.