Why is my computer bad at playing games?

[Captain Crazy]

It seems to have good specs (1 TB hard drive, 6gb ram) but it doesn't play Garry's Mod or TF2 at a good framerate ('round 20 fps).

What Dxdiag has to say about this whole situation.


I'm going to try Gamebooster, and any other advice is helpful.

[Ad Bot]

[Dodger]

Nvm.

What about GPU?

[Captain Crazy]

Nvm.

What about GPU?

does that mean how much memory my graffix has

if so

[Bisjac]

on the dxdiag. click the display tab

[Dodger]

I can't be 100% sure, but I think the problem is your Graphics card. Its very outdated from what I can tell.

[Captain Crazy]

Huh. Poked around the internet, found that the graphics card's pretty weak. Gonna see what I can do about replacing it. (This comp is actually my parents and I'm not so sure if they'll agree to blow some cash on a new card)

EDIT: wowee, didn't think that graphics cards were that expensive (before you call me out on being half handicapped I've never really built any computers or anything)

[Captain Crazy]

Another question! Is it guaranteed that a graphics card will fit in my case or even work with my computer? I don't want to make this computer go FUBAR.

[Bisjac]

it should fit.

unless you buy one of them 300-600 dollar ones. 14 inches long, you might have to (should for heat) have a larger custom gaming case.

[Smash Fan]

(1 TB hard drive, 6gb ram)

[Captain Crazy]

it should fit.

unless you buy one of them 300-600 dollar ones. 14 inches long, you might have to (should for heat) have a larger custom gaming case.

I'm aiming for one that's affordable, 'round 200-300 bux. Something like this.

[Snaffle J. Bean]

I'm aiming for one that's affordable, 'round 200-300 bux. Something like this.

If you're only going to be playing source games and aren't expecting to max out the newest games and get a good framerate, this would be a cheap card that would allow you to do just that.

[Captain Crazy]

If you're only going to be playing source games and aren't expecting to max out the newest games and get a good framerate, this would be a cheap card that would allow you to do just that.

What framerate do you mean by "good"? I don't want to skimp on quality once I have the chance. (also wow, that card has pretty good reviews)

Well, I'd like to play games such as GTA IV, L4D2, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Portal and the upcoming Portal 2. The listed games seem kind of graphically intensive, but I'm no graphics expert.

[MackTheHunter]

You might want to ask your dad about this seeing as it's his computer.

[Snaffle J. Bean]

What framerate do you mean by "good"? I don't want to skimp on quality once I have the chance.

Well, I'd like to play games such as GTA IV, L4D2, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Portal and the upcoming Portal 2. The listed games seem kind of graphically intensive, but I'm no graphics expert.

You'll be able to run any source game released by now with maxed settings at around 40-50 FPS. I got 30 FPS in GTA IV with that card on medium settings, but that's because my processor sucks (you should be fine with what you have.) I'm not sure about Black Ops or Portal 2, but I'm guessing you could run them at medium settings and get 30 FPS at least.

[Jetlok]

because your father smelled of elderberries