Computer to spec to run games. Why 3 FPS on simple games?

GenghisKhan44

Honorable
Jul 29, 2013
4
0
10,510
So before anyone tells me I have a piece of junk for a computer, I have a Dell Precision M4400 with all the original parts in it, AND 4 GB of RAM and my 700 or so GB HDD. So if it's a piece of junk, it's not because of the CPU, GPU, or RAM.

If you don't believe me, here is my system, per "System Requirements Lab":

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T9550 @ 2.66GHz
Manufacturer Intel
Speed 2.7 GHz
Number of Cores 2
CPU ID BFEBFBFF0001067A
Family 06
Model 17
Stepping A
Revision 07
Video Card NVIDIA Quadro FX 770M
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Chipset Quadro FX 770M
Dedicated Memory 512 MB
Total Memory 2.0 GB
Pixel Shader Version 4.0
Vertex Shader Version 4.0
Hardware T & L Yes
Vendor ID 10DE
Device ID 065C
Plug and Play ID VEN_10DE&DEV_065C&SUBSYS_02501028&REV_A1
Driver Version 8.16.11.8992
Memory 3.6 GB
Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition Service Pack 1 (build 7601), 32-bit
Service Pack 1
Size 32 Bit
Edition Home Premium
Version 6.1.7601
Locale 0409
BIOS Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A22
Version Dell Inc. A22
Manufacturer Dell Inc.
Date 05/06/10
Display Maximum Resolution 1920 x 1200
Sound Device High Definition Audio Device
Driver Version 6.1.7601.17514
DVD PLDS DVD+-RW DU-8A2S ATA Device
CD PLDS DVD+-RW DU-8A2S ATA Device
Drive 1
Size 627.4 GB
Free 406.4 GB
Drive 2
Size 71.2 GB
Free 14.2 GB
Browsers
Internet Explorer 8.0.7601.17514
Chrome
Firefox 29.0.1 (en-US)
Safari
Software
Java
Flash
DirectX 11.0
.NET 3.5.30729.5420
QuickTime
Adobe PDF Reader

It's not a gaming machine per se, but there is no excuse for it not being able to run simple games like Railroad Tycoon 3. But this game, which only requires 128 MB RAM, a 16 MB video card, and 1.2 GB HDD space, GETS 3 FPS.

I've read the problem might be my BIOS, which is A22. From what I've heard (on forum posts 5 years old), I may wish to downgrade to A02, which doesn't throttle my machine so violently. But that seems risky - especially since I have no battery. So I was wondering if you have any other idea what the problem might be?
 
Solution


The Dell Precision M4400 is a piece of junk!!!

:D :D :D



Actually, it seems there are known issues with RT3 running on windows 7. Below are possible solutions. You can research further by simpy Googling "Railroad Tycoon 3 windows 7" without the quotes.

http://www.thegameengine.org/railroad-tycoon-3/railroad-tycoon-3-on-windows-7/

http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2585744



The Dell Precision M4400 is a piece of junk!!!

:D :D :D



Actually, it seems there are known issues with RT3 running on windows 7. Below are possible solutions. You can research further by simpy Googling "Railroad Tycoon 3 windows 7" without the quotes.

http://www.thegameengine.org/railroad-tycoon-3/railroad-tycoon-3-on-windows-7/

http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2585744

 
Solution

GenghisKhan44

Honorable
Jul 29, 2013
4
0
10,510


Hi, TeaUrchin,

The game was originally built for XP. I am running Win 7, but all that is needed to make it runnable is to disable Hardware T&L. I've accomplished that.

But disregarding that game, previously I had Win XP installed on this system. (Actually, I just pulled my old hard drive out of an old system, an 8510w.) I tried Minecraft on it. FPS was kinda low, even for my standards (30 FPS is too much to ask??) and crashed after half a minute. Age of Empires II: Forgotten Empires Mod, had some FPS issues. So did "Don't Starve". Didn't even touch Team Fortress 2.

Speaking from my experience, as I said, my previous computer was a Compaq 8510w. So I'm not expecting graphics that supercede real life - or even Half Life: Source. But this is ridiculous. At least the 8510w could reasonably play all the aforementioned games. I just see no excuse, as the Dell M4400 is clearly a superior machine.

And the OS, I don't think, is the problem. But it should not be the other hardware. Other ideas?
 

GenghisKhan44

Honorable
Jul 29, 2013
4
0
10,510


Hi, JaguarSKX!

When RRT3 wouldn't even boot up, I went looking for why, and I found the Vista/7 fix, and applied it. I think I'll also download the patches and Coast to Coast and try that.

I might also try a more more game - perhaps I will break out my TF2 or The Guild II, and see if those work better.

I know "Papers, Please" does - not that that surprises me.
 

GenghisKhan44

Honorable
Jul 29, 2013
4
0
10,510
Ok, so you were right, jaguar! All I needed was a patch. Now I get a decent 15-30 FPS, even in ultra high mode. Not mindblowing, but I'm used to that, and it means a lot to me. :)

I also tested Minecraft (~12-20 FPS on low settings), Team Fortress 2 (mid range settings work OK, but drop to ~8 FPS? if there are about a dozen? players on the screen [including AI bots]), Age of Empires III (lagged a bit at mid-range settings and 1280x700, but not badly) and Rome: Total War (no lag problems). I mean to test The Guild II: Renaissance this afternoon, or maybe tomorrow, but your answer helped me get RRT3 playable.

It looks like I do have a pretty good machine. But Windows 7 rates my processor as a 2.3/7.9. It is an Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.66 Mhz. Any tips for the guy who has no plans to add another cooling system?