System Requirements?

[Grundy]

Our GUESSTIMATE so far for requirements is...

1Ghz CPU              ( Most likely 1.33 + )
64MB Video Card    (128MB preferable )

Those two estimates are wrong, Grundy.  Right now it's running fine on a P3-500, and Torque is able to support as low as P2-500, so I wouldn't say it's 1 Ghz.

And I've been able to run the engine fine with 32MB Video Card, but I'm not sure if it will work with 16MB or lower.  I KNOW it won't work with 4MB or less though (you get a frame rate of under 0.1 FPS).

But are you taking into account the huge ammount of textures and polygons we'll have on screen?

Like I've said in previous posts, try running Tribes 2, that would be a 'closer' representation of the ammount of textures and polys we'll be using.

I WAS going to be a bit more lenient with system specs, but your aim isn't to say
"This is the bare minimum that the game will run on, so if you have this you should get about 5 frames per second."

I would rather give a requirement that will allow the palyer to enjot atleast 30-40 FPS.  

It's an all too common practice with games companies these days, they give ridicullously low system requirements, that are just truely unplayable.

I believe KQ9 will be PLAYABLE on a 750Mhz or more and 128MB ram with 64MB video card... but I was players to be prepared and be able to play it without going "stupid crap computer, low FPS crap..."   lol

[Yonkey]

There's a difference between minimum system requirements and recommended system requirements.  KQ games used to be good at describing these, but I take it current 3D games aren't.

Anyway, the reason why we haven't stated them officially yet is because we won't know until they're tested on such systems.  I don't like to put guesstimates out there and have people upgrade their systems needlessly, nor assume their system is fine when it does need upgrading.  

The only thing conclusive I can say is that bare minimum requirements for the Torque engine will most likely be the bare minimum requirements for KQIX, but most likely they will be higher.

[Grundy]

Great, so you agree with me now.


OK, "FANS, DO NOT UPGRADE JUST YET!"

[Louisiana Night]

Why not?

Oh well, I wouldn't upgrade until the new PCI-Express motherboards were out anyways(Intel already has them, I'm talking about one for AMD).

[Yonkey]

I don't agree with the video card.  And still doubt it's 1 Ghz, but I do agree that the CPU will be more than Torque's minimum.

[Louisiana Night]

Whatever video card you get, make sure it has something like T&L. I'll bet that's one of the more important things to look for in a videocard for KQ9.

[Grundy]

Why not?

Oh well, I wouldn't upgrade until the new PCI-Express motherboards were out anyways(Intel already has them, I'm talking about one for AMD).

That's why I'm getting my new system in a few months, and not right now... because I'm waiting for the new tech to be released, bug free and a decent price. 'Instead of Brand new VERY expensive price.'

As for System Reqs. Neil... well, I know my systems will run it... I'm just concerned for Jeysie... lol  

[Yonkey]

I believe mine will be fine as well (not the one I'm on right now, a different one).  But yeah, I'm more concerned for the people who will have to upgrade their computers to play KQ9 (i.e. Jeysie).

If people need to spend money, I'd rather they have proper minimum and recommended requirements first.  

[Louisiana Night]

I don't really see the problem. A 128mb videocard, costs just a few dollars more, than a 32mb one. I wouldn't even consider buying something as slow as a 1ghz CPU, when I could get a 2ghz one for slightly more.

*continues comparing prices*

[Yonkey]

Really?  Wow, things have changed a lot.  But yeah, most of us can't just drop in a new CPU chip.  You need a new motherboard, ram, cpu heatsink (if you're buying OEM) and cpu fan.

Maybe you can drop in a new video card, but chances are older motherboards won't support newer ones, especially some of the newer features.

That's just the CPU and Video Card, there's still the other requirements your system will need.  And then to see if the overall cost and hassle is better upgrading than buying a new computer.  Right now, I don't think anyone is willing to buy a new computer strictly to play KQIX, and they definitely should not buy one based on Grundy or my comments at this time.

[Louisiana Night]

I put pieces together, I don't buy a PC as a whole(I prefer barebone systems though, because I hate putting in the motherboards). So I don't pay much attention to how much a complete PC costs(Although, I know I can normally put one together cheaper, but not always).

[Jeysie]

Hee! Don't worry about me... I would need a new computer regardless of whether KQ9 had high requirements or not. The only difference is that maybe I might buy slightly higher spec things than I would otherwise. (I probably should anyway, since there are other modern games I want to play that look interesting to me.)

The only question is how long after KQ9 is released I'll be able to get a new comp and play the game So far I've been trying to earn up enough money for 3 years to get a new comp, and I'm still treading water.

Peace & Luv, Liz

[Yonkey]

Yeah, I'm like Jeysie.  I tend to buy something that is very high performance wise (not necessarily top-of-the-line, but definitely new) because I use them for at least a year or two before having to upgrade it again.  Also, I don't buy stuff when I don't have enough money (I don't use credit cards) so, I wait until I have enough saved up and get something really secsay.  

[Louisiana Night]

I always buy hardware, right before the price increases(like 100mhz more, for $50 more).

I normally use mine for more than 3 years(I have mastered the art, of playing games below their minimum requirements).

I've never spent more than *deletes* on a PC. Now my PC's not even worth half that much.  

[Grundy]

This year alone I've already built 2 new systems... probably spent upwards of $6000 on hardware.  

( And I'm buying a new one in a few months... I'm insane. )

[Yonkey]

( ... I'm insane. )

We knew that already, but now we actually have physical proof.  

I don't think I've spent more than $3300 after taxes on a computer, and that was because my old computer literally fell apart (motherboard, memory and a hard drive).  

[Louisiana Night]

Jeysie, if you need money, ask these two rich folks.

[Yonkey]

Hahaha, it was more out of necessity than luxury for me.  And now to get that money back will take a long time.  

[Jeysie]

Yeah, right, Louisiana?

I think that my average *yearly* salary is likely around $6000. Certainly I've never made more than $9000.

Peace & Luv, Liz

[Louisiana Night]

Yeah, right, Louisiana?

Umm.....

What did you mean by that?