Topic 'Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience' in forum 'World of Warcraft' - dslreports.com http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20517400 en Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:54:58 EDT Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:54:58 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-21095593
From my experience I'm able to run WoW+BC on considerably less and it's quite playable even in BGs and Shatt. Only time I've experienced severe lag was in a 25+ raid in Undercity. Under most normal circumstances I have no noticeable problems at all.

AMD Athlon XP 2700+ CPU
1GB DDR 333MHz RAM PC2700 (2x512MB)
256MB ATI Radeon AIW 2006 AGP graphics card
200GB IDE hard drive 7200RPM
Chaintech NForce 2 motherboard
Windows XP SP2

Mind you I have to turn down some graphics settings, but can still run at 1280x1024 at 60Hz at medium detail which is not the best, but still very playable. With 512MB of RAM, this system is noticeably slower so I would consider this about the minimum at which the game can be enjoyed at least at medium detail.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-21095593 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:25:29 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20920029 said by mlody:

since we all love the topic, I wonder if WOLK will bump up requirements. Since the graphincs are pretty the same type/style I am thinking the requirements should not be that much off from the current one?
They could, I know BC did seem have slightly higher req's than Original. Looking at some of the WOLTK screenshots, especially those with moving flames makes me think that the req's may go up a touch again.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20920029 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:57:57 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20917678 bit memory interface card, not 128-bit. The extra 128 bit will make a huge difference in the performance of the card at higher resolution.

Make sure you look for that when you have a monitor at high res.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20917678 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:17:51 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20912085 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20912085 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 01:41:20 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20908192 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20908192 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:53:22 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20908002 said by DreamCarr:

If you read my posts... I say that! I blatantly state that the specs are OVERKILL and meant to be used as a guideline!

Guidelines are generally reserved for norms, not overkill. If the intent of this post is really to let people know what level system will play WoW, then why is every system on here overkill. Why are you even mentioning your own system instead of what system you would consider to be a "guideline", since you've already stated that your own system is overkill.

I know why.

My original epeen flexing statement stands.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20908002 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:14:59 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20907952 said by Dolgan:

You do not need high End GPU to play WoW at max framerates, and the cards mentioned above are overkill!
If you read my posts... I say that! I blatantly state that the specs are OVERKILL and meant to be used as a guideline!

I agree that what I specc'ed out is a little bit overkill, but it's only meant as a baseline to judge what a system will be capable of doing with WoW. I've purposely gone conservative on the resolution and memory requirements so that it covers the broadest range of configurations as possible. Whether you have a high-end system that matches those specs (fast ram, fast HDD, bigger monitor,oc'd video card with more memory) or a low end (slow/less ram, slower hdd, minimal video card) it should perform relatively the same, in terms of the resolutions/graphics qualities I've specified.
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20907952 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:05:10 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20906784 an ati 9600
768 ram

It was unplayable.

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20906784 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:18:01 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20906177
350 watt Antec PSU
Intel P4 @ 3.4 GHz
Win XP {Media Center Edit} SP3
PNY 7900 GTS 256MB
2 GB{4x512} Cheapest Kingston SDRAM
Whatever Mobo that came with the VAIO it was yanked from
Whatever 200GB HD @ 7200rpm that came with the VAIO also
NEC Multi-Sync 70GX2 @ 1280x1024 res{max for Monitor}
All sliders at max
With V-Sync 60FPS in every zone no matter the load
W/O V-Synch 70+FPS in all zones

A lot of the appeal of WoW is that it is meant to run on low end PCs as well as laptops.

No longer play WoW myself, but here is my rig that got 100+FPS w/o V-sync in all zones
Generally played w/ V-synch on @ constant 60FPS

OS = Vista Home Premium SP1 32-Bit
HD = 400GB SATA @ 7200rpm
CPU = AMD 64X2 5000+ 2.61 GHz
PSU =Antec Neo-He 550watt
RAM = 2x 2GB DDR2-800MHz pc2 6400 @ 2.1V 4-4-4-12
GPU = PNY NVIDIA 8800GTS 640 MB
MOBO = ASUS M2NPV-VM
AUDIO = Creative X-Fi
MONITOR = HP w2007 1680x1050 @ 60Hz
CASE = Antec 900 All 4 120mm and the 200mm top fan at high speed
Not the best rig, but aren't they always evolving? lol

This rig plays AoC with everything maxed{shadows disabled} with:
30-50FPS daytime Tortage/Old Tarantia/Khemi/Etc
45-60FPS nightime/Destiny Quests
50+FPS Daytime in the Wilderness

There are many issues that can cause low FPS including:
Poor Cooling-GPU Overheating
Full HD
High rate of Disk Defragmentation
Not enough system Power
Bottlenecks in system
Etc, ad nausem

So, in the end it is poor advice to tell someone it is their GPU causing low FPS when there other variables that need to be considered. You do not need high End GPU to play WoW at max framerates, and the cards mentioned above are overkill!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20906177 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 01:05:17 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20906097 will thiz help or hurt me for plaing wow

(i have best processors/ vid cards u could get)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20906097 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:40:42 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20904080 --
"I am Jack's utter lack of surprise."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20904080 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:02:52 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20903139 said by wowisdead :

rofl are you guys all joking?? warcraft is a 5 year old game that can be played on most LAPTOPS!! even at good framerates. Quit flexing your epeens over computer specs for a game that could be run by two hamster wheels, a rubber band, and some lighter fluid.

Try loading up age of conan on LOW settings, and then get back to me.

Well, if you had read the thread, then you would have noticed that the first page stated that there was a lot of threads that started with "Will this computer play WoW..."

All this thread was meant to do is give people a place to check to see if what they want to buy will do what they want it to do.

If you don't like it, don't post. this is not the official WoW forums, and we don't need posts like your's.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20903139 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:21:33 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20902566 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20902566 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:14:47 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20902364 said by wowisdead :

rofl are you guys all joking?? warcraft is a 5 year old game that can be played on most LAPTOPS!! even at good framerates. Quit flexing your epeens over computer specs for a game that could be run by two hamster wheels, a rubber band, and some lighter fluid.

Try loading up age of conan on LOW settings, and then get back to me.
I'm just excited, it's been years since I've had a decent computer. Sorry if I've offended you. I'm installing quake4 to give it a real test.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20902364 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:32:32 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20902297
Try loading up age of conan on LOW settings, and then get back to me.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20902297 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:20:54 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20902278
I'm now able to get 60fps in Shatt EVERYTHING cranked to the max @ 1680 1050 (8x multisampling). I'm not getting over 60fps because of vsync but 60fps is fine, don't wanna turn it off. Heard it creates tearing.

ASUS P5K SE/EPU Mobo
E8400 Duo 3.0 GHZ - not going to OC it for now..no need.
2 GIGS 800mhz RAM
500 GIG SATA drive
500 watt p/s
ATI 4850]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20902278 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:18:29 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20901086
I love shuttle barebone pcs and decided to get a new/better one since the original was/is very reliable system

I purchased SX38Pro2 (intel x38 chipest)
CPU E8400 - 45nm, 3.0 dual core
evga 8800GT 512 (single slot cooling)
gskill 2x2gb ddr 800mhz (do not intend to o/c anyway)
147gb 10k rpm wd raptor (from my old system)

Since I did not upgrade my monitor at this time, I am limited to max 1280x1024 res. WIth everything on set to max, I am running 60 FPS EVERYWHERE including Shat- the reason for 60 FPS only is that I have my vsync on so the FPS are limited to my refresh rate. when I unchecked that option, I was getting 200+ FPS in some open areas.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20901086 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 02:07:22 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20671620
»www.systemrequirementslab.com/re···r/srtest]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20671620 Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:01:41 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20641926 AMD Athlon 64 2400mhz (Venice)
2gb PC3200 400mhz RAM
Geforce 8800GT 1gb
SATAII 7200rpm 180gb HD
Some generic 600w PWS.

And this is what I have now.
Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.6ghz
4gb DDR2 800 RAM
Geforce 9800GTX 512mb
SATAII 7200rpm 250gb HD
OCZ GameXstream 700w PWS.

Holy mother of God, talk about a whole new gaming experience. I get a solid 50-70fps everywhere I go, with even higher in caves/buildings/rooms. I have everything turned up to max, including the card 3d settings, and my new computer doesn't miss a beat. I put the above setup together for just shy of $700 from Newegg.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20641926 Sat, 14 Jun 2008 09:12:11 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20639818
E6600 oc'd to 2.9Ghz
2GB DDR2-800
eVGA 8800GTX
7200rpm Seagate drive

No issue, WoW looks good and runs even better.
--
"There are two American flags flying on the property I reside on. Anyone who tries to take them down will be rendered inoperative." -Lindy]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20639818 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:51:23 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20632872
There's no point whatsoever in buying dual video cards, quad core processors or memory that can be overclocked. WoW plays no better with 120 FPS frame rates than it does with 30-60 FPS frame rates. It isn't a 3D shooter.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20632872 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:11:08 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20632348
So my recomendation is get a 2x2G kit of name brand ram.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20632348 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:45:49 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20627036
»www.ncix.com/products/index.php?···tid=1300

Ram isn't that expensive.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20627036 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:50:16 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20626571
waste of money.

you can get low end mid range memory for hundreds less and performace difference will not even be different.

not for wow.
--
www.stopfcc.com I do not think the government needs to restrict free speech especially on a device that has an off knob.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20626571 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:11:35 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20626099
Yeah, my bottleneck for sure was the processor and also probably the power supply not being able to supply the card with enough juice.

Also, I went ahead and swapped out the RAM in favor of 4gb DDR2 1066.

I'm putting it all together tonight when I get home, and barring any unforeseen troubles I'll post the performance boost results here.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20626099 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:32:36 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20625921 said by Nile_tanaris :

So the parts arrived for my most recent upgrade, and I wanted to put it past you all to see how much of a performance I'm going to achieve. I'm using 2 22" LCD monitors, for reference sake.

Currently-
AMD Athlon 64 2400mhz (Venice)
2gb PC3200 400mhz RAM
Geforce 8800GT 1gb
SATAII 7200rpm 180gb HD
Some generic 600w PWS.

With the above setup I can get around 12-20 fps in Shatt, and around 7-10fps in a 25 man raid with everything turned up to max.

As of tomorrow-
Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.6ghz
4gb PC3200 400mhz RAM (I know, this is slow RAM, but that'll be upgraded next paycheck.)
Geforce 9800GT 512mb
SATAII 7200rpm 250gb HD
OCZ GameXstream 700w PWS.

Considering these upgrades, how much of a performance upgrade will I be looking at?
I don't see how your only getting 12-20 fps in shatt with an 8800GT, must be your processor bottle necking your GPU.

I run a 7950GT 256MB and get well above 40 FPS in shatt.

Also, from what many reviews have said, the 9800GT performance is not that much above the 8800GT. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20625921 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:00:47 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20623506
lol

You'll probably see 50-60fps in shatt, higher n the wild. As for raids, not sure, as I've not raided much.

This is all dependent on resolution of course.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20623506 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:13:45 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20622835
Currently-
AMD Athlon 64 2400mhz (Venice)
2gb PC3200 400mhz RAM
Geforce 8800GT 1gb
SATAII 7200rpm 180gb HD
Some generic 600w PWS.

With the above setup I can get around 12-20 fps in Shatt, and around 7-10fps in a 25 man raid with everything turned up to max.

As of tomorrow-
Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.6ghz
4gb PC3200 400mhz RAM (I know, this is slow RAM, but that'll be upgraded next paycheck.)
Geforce 9800GT 512mb
SATAII 7200rpm 250gb HD
OCZ GameXstream 700w PWS.

Considering these upgrades, how much of a performance upgrade will I be looking at?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20622835 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:57:32 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20620365 said by GTJiga:

Any user could most likely get away with only spending around $600 to make WoW very smooth.
I agree -- as I said above, the whole build could probably be done for $500]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20620365 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:05:47 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20619613
I recently upgrade from AGP X800XTPE to this new PCI-E 7950GT system.


EVGA NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard
Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 Conroe 2.33GHz LGA 775 Processor
BFG Tech GeForce 7950GT 256MB PCIE
Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC2 6400
Antec True Power Trio TP3-550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply

All of that plus a case, new DVD R/RW, some extra 120mm fans, and a replacement fan for the stock VGA fan ran me about $900ish back in Oct 2007. I pulled my HD's from my old machine which were SATA drives.

I run all my settings on high @ 1280x1024 on a Viewsonic VX922 2ms flat panel. I get a constant smooth frame rate anywhere I go. Shatt use to lag on my old machine which is in my profile as my secondary machine now.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20619613 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:50:28 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20615194
I've noticed that newer LCD monitors have started to appear with better refresh rates, and even those that don't seem to be better able to cope with higher frame rates than the older generation.
--
If people taste like bacon, doesn't it follow that bacon tastes like people?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20615194 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:08:33 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20614561
But, if you notice your screen 'tearing' or half the picture not refreshing at the same time as the other half, turn it on. Its an image quality thing, as the post you quoted mentions.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20614561 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:20:12 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20614305 said by Forlin:

A $70-$100 sound card will give you an extra 5-7% performance too - depending on the sound quality settings. The onboard sound chipsets push most of the load onto the processor, so just about any sound card will help. You'll get less from the card than you would with something like BG2, because you don't need to use the 3D sound effects, but you will get something.

The rest of what you wrote seems about right. I use a Radeon 3870, 2Gbytes Ram, Athlon 5400+ dual core processor with an old Audigy 2 sound card. I get 60 FPS most places with almost every setting maxed (except ground clusters and weather intensity).

In Shatt or if things are really kicking off in a 25 man raid, that falls to around 35-40 FPS, still extremely playable.

One thing, unless you turn of Vsync and thus subject your graphics to corruption (tearing), you won't get more than 60 FPS on an LCD monitor. Vsync keeps the frame rate to the frequency of your monitor and therefore keeps the picture at its best. You don't need more than that for WoW, this isn't a 3D shooter. Instead you can max out the quality settings and have a prettier picture.

Tube monitors are capable of much higher framerates though, and some of the new LCD TVs coming out now have higher refresh rates too - some as high as 240 Htz (which means a potential frame rate of 240, and causes the movement in movies to look weird, until they can think of a way to slow it back down).
Hm, I always thought vsync was a detriment to FPS. Was told to turn it off for previous iterations of things, but perhaps I'll turn it on since I have a newer rig. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20614305 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:27:43 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20536774 said by chaud:

at 800x600 prebc? :p
Pre BC yes, but at 1280x1024]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20536774 Sun, 25 May 2008 09:59:36 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20532938
athlon64x2 @ 2.8ghz
2gb crap brand but fast speed ddr2
Vista Ultimate Disaster Edition
ATI x1300 with 256mb
onboard sound :( Vista hated my sound card.
500gb SATA drive, Seagate, 7200rpm, 2 partitions
19" widescreen at 1400x900

The sliders are all over the place based on what I think is important, like grass and ground clutter, who cares if it is only showing the close stuff, but textures gotta be high.

Cities are not fond of me, but don't hate me, usually coming in around 30fps, new SSO island hates me at like 15-20 when busy, but 40-50 when not, and the rest of "the wild" usually the 60-70 range. I also have all the sound maxed out on quality and number of channels.

Being a mage, if one city hates me that night, then I just port over to darn or exo, and pop back when done. 18 silver round trip is cheaper than a new $150 video card :p]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20532938 Sat, 24 May 2008 09:01:35 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20532779 said by Dissembled:

I have:

KN8Ultra motherboard
AMD 3700+ Socket939e
2GB of the CHEAPEST generic 3200 RAM
7800GT
400W Antec TP

I have the essentially same rig more or less except I have X1950Pro vid card and I run WoW flat out at 1680x1050ws like butter.
--
"We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times" - Barak Obama]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20532779 Sat, 24 May 2008 07:28:25 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20532159 http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20532159 Fri, 23 May 2008 23:55:52 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20530922
Gigabyte GA-7n400-l
Athlon XP 2500+ Barton
1GB RAM
9800pro
integrated everything else.

I think these specs are way overkill.
--
Ever wonder about the stars? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20530922 Fri, 23 May 2008 18:56:31 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20529191
The rest of what you wrote seems about right. I use a Radeon 3870, 2Gbytes Ram, Athlon 5400+ dual core processor with an old Audigy 2 sound card. I get 60 FPS most places with almost every setting maxed (except ground clusters and weather intensity).

In Shatt or if things are really kicking off in a 25 man raid, that falls to around 35-40 FPS, still extremely playable.

One thing, unless you turn of Vsync and thus subject your graphics to corruption (tearing), you won't get more than 60 FPS on an LCD monitor. Vsync keeps the frame rate to the frequency of your monitor and therefore keeps the picture at its best. You don't need more than that for WoW, this isn't a 3D shooter. Instead you can max out the quality settings and have a prettier picture.

Tube monitors are capable of much higher framerates though, and some of the new LCD TVs coming out now have higher refresh rates too - some as high as 240 Htz (which means a potential frame rate of 240, and causes the movement in movies to look weird, until they can think of a way to slow it back down).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20529191 Fri, 23 May 2008 13:01:59 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20528443
I would say performance feels 'normal' I don't every feel I'm getting slowed down when I'm in normal play, solo through raids. Loading into a capital can be slow though. But once in game it is smooth play.

Shadows kill lower end cards. As can water reflection and the like. I'm use to playing in PvP mode, so I want to be able to see as clearly as I can.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20528443 Fri, 23 May 2008 10:50:30 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20528249 said by chaud:

The performance is just bad, and I think it may have something to do with not reinstalling windows when I made the jump to DDR2/Dual core. Hopefully when I find time to reformat the performance will improve.
Start saving your pennies and go get yourself an 8800GT. I think you'll be amazed. If you don't have PCIe, well....save more pennies.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20528249 Fri, 23 May 2008 10:10:57 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20526379 2gb DDR2 @ good timings and slightly OCed speed.
a 6600 nonGT :( @1680x1050
7200 rpm drive, different physical drive than the OS

I get 30-60 FPS depending on where I am with everything but terrain distance on lowest possible. That I leave halfway up.
The performance is just bad, and I think it may have something to do with not reinstalling windows when I made the jump to DDR2/Dual core. Hopefully when I find time to reformat the performance will improve. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20526379 Thu, 22 May 2008 22:09:10 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20524892
And in terms of cost, if you look at it, a 2Ghz Athlon x2 is only a 4000+ iirc (my 4200+ is 2.2ghz), and those can be had for dirt cheap. Depending on your retailer and sales, this entire build could be done for ~$500 I'm guessing. (Haven't actually priced it out, just going from memory on prices I've seen recently)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20524892 Thu, 22 May 2008 17:24:41 EDT Re: Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20524001
KN8Ultra motherboard
AMD 3700+ Socket939e
2GB of the CHEAPEST generic 3200 RAM
7800GT
400W Antec TP

This is significantly less horsepower and money to build and it plays WoW plenty, plenty "decent" enough. I play on a 22" widescreen with 1680x1050 rez and all texture/detail and draw distance sliders at max. Shat does not "hate" me. I play arenas with no problem and get more than enough fps for an enjoyable experience.

The point of my reply is not to argue with you. What you have spec'd out will certainly play WoW just fine. But, if someone wants to get out with the least amount of money invested to get a rig up and playing WoW well, they don't need everything you've suggested.

Edit: You mentioned load times as well. I do think my load times are a bit longer than some buddies who have nicer rigs, but it's not a game breaking difference.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Re-Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20524001 Thu, 22 May 2008 14:41:45 EDT Computer Specs for an enjoyable WoW experience http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20517400
Please note these are not high-end specs, and may need to be tweaked for your personal preference, but it will allow for a very enjoyable experience at a good level of graphical quality/framerate

CPU:
Intel: Core 2 Duo at 2Ghz or better
AMD: Athlon x2 at 2Ghz or better

RAM: 2+ GB of the fastest RAM your Mobo will support. You can play with 1GB, but Shattrath will hate you.

Video Card: Heres where it gets a little sticky. For larger monitors, you will need a better video card. I'm basing my guideline on a 19" CRT (1600x1200) or 19" (1440x900) LCD Monitor.

AMD: Radeon 3850 or better, Minimum 256mb Video Memory

Nvidia: 9600GT or Better, Minimum 256mb Video Memory

If you're Running a 20+" display, look at bumping up the video cards to possibly the 3870 x2 or 8800/9800gtx for the best results.

Hard drive: almost any SATAII, 7200 rpm drive will do. you could go crazy and get RAID 0, or Raptors, but when I went from a single sata I 7200 rpm drive to a RAID 0, SATAII, NCQ 7200 rpm setup, I only Noticed about 3 seconds shaved off of the load times. (Yes I Defragged!)

The above specs should allow you to run the game at 1440x900 or 1600x1200 with everything on max, 16xAF, and at least 4x AA with no problems, pulling 25-40FPS in shatt, and often 60-140fps in the 'wild'
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never apoligize for being who you are, and never respect anyone that says you should.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/Computer-Specs-for-an-enjoyable-WoW-experience-20517400 Wed, 21 May 2008 12:40:56 EDT