Computer problems?
 

I'm stumped any ideas on this one:
I puchased and installed a new game, Command & Conquer Generals. But for some reason when I play it the video is super choppy and so is the sound. Its almost like the computer can't keep up. Then it crashes after a few minutes.

I went through all the toruble shooting things, supposidly my system has more than whats needed to run it. I even re installed the game.

Any ideas? Its almost like my video card can't keep up.

Look and see what kinds of other programs you have running in the background. Like maybe and antivirus program, or a screen capture program, or ipod service. If you aren't using it, make it go away.

what is the specs on this computer.. integrated graphics card on the mobo.. dedicated memory for the graphics card or leaches off the ram?

I'm no expert, this is what it says I have. Its a Compaq 6300:
Operating system: Windows XP Service Pack 2, 5.1.2600
CPU: 1394 MHz, GenuineIntel Pentium Model 11 Step 4
Total Memory 254MB, free 110 MB.
DirectX Version 8.1
Hard drive 37.26GB, free 29.59
SoundMAX Integrated Digitial Audio
Legacy Audio Drivers
Samsung SC-148C

Does this mean anything? I don't know much about computers, and I plan on replacing this one within a year. But I want to play my game before than, and I wonder if say a $50 video card will let me do that.

http://www.upgradedetect.com/default.asp

Click on upgrade detect

If I remember right, it gives you your specs for your machine...some of which you won't know what to do with lol.

System Requirements:

Windows XP/Me/2000/98 (Windows 95/NT not supported)
800 MHz processor (1.8 GHz recommended)
128 MB RAM (256 MB recommended)
1.8 GB free hard disk space (plus space for saved games and Windows swap file)
32 MB AGP video card (GeForce2, Radeon 7500, or more recent chipset with DirectX 8.1 driver)
8x CD or DVD drive, sound card, mouse, keyboard



I'd say more memory and a really good video card.

if you are running Win XP 1GB is almost mandatory if you want to do anything but internet. If you are running antivirus plus alot of other things in the background you can try turning everything else off. $125 spent on a video card can go a long way.

You definitely have very little memory.

So if I bring it to the place that works on computers, they can upgrade it for me for a few bucks? I wouldn't mind spending like $200 on it. I just don't want to go nuts because I'm getting another next year.

I know nothing about computers! As long as it works I'm happy! When it doesn't I get annoyed.

Do the work yourself! It's a piece of cake. Go to Best Buy Office Max or whatever. Spend $25-$50 on RAM. (ask a pro for help picking the right one)
Another $50-$75 on a video card and your set. If they say they'll do it for free-$15, then do it. If not, do it yourself.

I'll get my buddy to show me how to do it. I know nothing about computers I really don't want to get it apart and have it break right before school.

Actualy the place I usualy use is run by a family and I think they don't charge for install if you buy the stuff from them.

If you can do work on your W126 then adding memory and video card to your computer is a piece of cake... all you need is a screwdriver. I would get your memory to at least 512MB if not 1GB of RAM. Check newegg.com, you can get some good deals there. Make sure to get the right kind of memory as there are many different kinds. Before you get a video card make sure you know if you need an AGP card, a PCI card, or a PCI-Express card. You probably need an AGP. Generals is a pretty old game, shouldn't take much to get it running at a decent clip. Best Buy charges ridiculous prices for installing RAM and video cards, something like 40 or 50 bucks around here... so dont waste your money on the labor.

Too little memory. I have a "workstation" computer for work that has 2 gigs of ram because of the graphics programs I have to run at the same time. If you can work on your car you can beef up the RAM yourself. Good luck.

Sounds like your machine will be running PC2100 or maybe PC2700 DDR memory since you likely have a Socket 423/478 P4. It's cheap, very cheap now and depending on the number of slots which is likely 2 for the mass produced machines, check the specs again through the Compaq site and look at the upgrades to be sure. Check to see if your machine can handle 2 1GB memory pieces and that should be plenty of memory to run C&C. If you want to do it yourself you can go online through Pricewatch or Tigerdirect which has a good selection, and decent pricing.

You might find a performance monitor on your computer that will help you find bottlenecks. Read about swapping for memory issues. The choppiness you describe may be a low frame rate if you want to read about that. Read about WinXP tweaks. Check for spyware and viruses.