Thread: Can't play

Originally Posted by T_Rattler

I don't mind so much about the price of the GPU, as much as I just want something that WORKS, is compatible with my machine, and doesn't break after a year.

Unfortunately with the amount of gaming that we do, it's typical that video cards melt/die/break around the two year mark. That's why it's so important to monitor your GPU temperatures (I use GPU-Z), clean out the dust of your case regularly with compressed air so that the fans can work and cool properly, and make sure the area around your computer is well ventilated with cool air. There's other things you can do, but those are some of the core basics.

Oh, and even if you do take these precautions, video cards will still probably die around the 2 or 3 year mark because we game so much and so hard for long periods of time.

As far as NVIDIA vs. ATI, I highly recommend NVIDIA for less hassle and headache for the casual gamer that may not be super computer savvy. In my 10 years of PC gaming, I've probably gone through 3 NVIDIA cards and 3 ATI cards. ATI is notorious for having crappy drivers (I am experiencing this right now with my gaming laptop; I can't play FF14 without updating my vBIOS) that cause all kinds of problems. For more proof just do a quick Google search. In all my years of using NVIDIA I've never had problems with their video cards or their drivers. NVIDIA probably costs 5% or 10% more, but for me that extra cost is worth it. You don't want to spend hours or days trying to fix your video card or getting your game to work when instead you could have just spend $25 more dollars on an NVIDIA.

Originally Posted by T_Rattler

I'm on a string of bad luck with my damn computer. First, headphones/mic broke.

Second, GPU sucks. I get like 20 fps on my 9800GT. I have only had this GPU for like a year and already its on the fritz. Before that I had an 8800GT and it broke as well. I think I'm done with nvidia. I have always liked their GPU's, but enough is enough. I guess I am going to have to go with ATI in one form or fashion.

Needless to say I can't play with 20 fps and no mic. I'll try to get my shit together, but until then I won't be able to play much

its not that hard i played with 20-30 fps up untill 2 months ago just throw everything on the lowest possible setting

Originally Posted by Madmax (Grape)

Get an ati 5770. I have one, one of my friends has one, Hub has one. They are awesome and max out CSS, TF2, L4D2, and SC2. They are directx 11, have low power consumption, and are not very loud or hot. All for about $150.

i'm happy with my 5770 was even playing the new medal of honor on high settings sometimes you can find them on sale via new egg for less then 150

Buy cards with lifetime warranties. If you like nvidia, go evga.