What Graphics card? I really need help!?

Question

Hey guys, Ive been looking at buying a new graphics card - mainly because I just bought Empire:Total War and despite it saying that it can play on my system, it is REALLY laggy and I assume its my graphics card letting me down. Ive pasted my system info below if anyone has any other ideas (Im not particularly a computer whizz so am not 100% sure on everything). Also, Ive been looking at certain graphics cards that state they have "HD Video" - do I need a special monitor for this? Any help would be greatly appreciated! thanks!


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System Information
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Operating System: Windows Vista™ Ultimate (6.0, Build 6001) Service Pack 1 (6001.vistasp1_gdr.080917-1612)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO.,LTD
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.4GHz
Memory: 3326MB RAM
Page File: 1563MB used, 5308MB available
DirectX Version: DirectX 10
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 6.00.6001.18000 32bit Unicode

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Display Devices
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Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 8500 GT
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Display Memory: 2419 MB
Dedicated Memory: 1011 MB
Shared Memory: 1407 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Generic PnP Monitor
Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll,nvwgf2um.dll
Driver Version: 7.15.0011.8208 (English)
DDI Version: 10

Answer 1

That video card should be more than enough to run that game okay.



Try these: http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/



Reduce the load on your video card with the games options tabs by disabling some effects such as 'shadows' or 'reflections'.



Or try and find out if there are any conflicts with your anti-virus software.



Disable any extraneous start - up programs from your running system.

Answer 2

Your systems decent, your 8500 GT may be a little week, maybe an 8600 gtx or if you have the money one of the newer 200 series cards. In order to get true HD you will need a monitor capable of HD with an HDMI connection.

Answer 3

Make sure you have downloaded the latest patch,s or upgrades for the game you are running, this is normally the reason games run slower. Go to game web site and see if you are up to date. Your card and computer should be able to run that game.Not on the highest game options tho.