PC questions..

[rmcguire]

just bought NBA 2k11 for my Dell XPS 400

my specs are 3 GB of RAM
Vista SP2
Intel Pentium D CPU 2.80 Ghz processor
ATI Radeon X300/X550/X1050 video

I can play it with the player detail low and at 1024 x 768 resolution but the game minimizes constantly especially right before tip off

Does my specs support the game? Or if anyone could provide any help as far as what needs to be done to run this more consistently I would really appreciate it.

thanks

[idrisguitar]

Re: PC questions..

i have never heard of the minimizing problem

i played on lowest setting on a similar laptop with no problems whatsoever

what other software is running when you play, that could be calling attention to itself causing the minimization.

and have you tried it on lowest possible graphics settings to see if the problem still happens.

[rmcguire]

Re: PC questions..

I have the resolution at 1024 x 768

The sidelines on, arena high, everything else low

Plus I put the camera at skybox

Any other suggestions appreciated

[Leftos]

Re: PC questions..

The game would have no reason to minimize by itself. Some other application is stealing focus. Try closing all other programs and browsing through your Tray (the part with the icons in the lower right corner, in case you don't know) for any applications you don't want, and right-click and exit them. Also, search for a program called Autoruns (by Sysinternals), it's free and it will help you stop any unwanted programs from starting when you turn on your computer.

[rmcguire]

Re: PC questions..

Would you suggest that the video card could be the problem? What would need to be changed to increase the visual settings more

Any cards suggested for and XPS machine?

[idrisguitar]

Re: PC questions..

the video card is good enough to play this game on low setting
i had almost the exact same laptop not long ago.

unless you buy a new laptop/ or relatively cheap desktop its going to be hard to increase your playing experience any more than low.

[rmcguire]

Re: PC questions..

Do you believe the video card is the only thing which would need to be changed to enjoy the visual experience more? Any to suggest not too exppensive for an XPS experience?

[myownsun]

Re: PC questions..

Do you believe the video card is the only thing which would need to be changed to enjoy the visual experience more? Any to suggest not too exppensive for an XPS experience?

For the minimizing problem try checking what programs you have running in Task manager and shutdown most if not all and see if that helps.

Xps experience that's a laptop if I'm not mistaken, is the gfx processing even upgradeable in that or any laptop? I'm not really up to snuff on mobile tech.

[rmcguire]

Re: PC questions..

This is a desktop

[myownsun]

Re: PC questions..

This is a desktop

oh ok how much $ do you have to spend on a gfx card?

And maybe on a Psu which is usually the thing pre-built Pcs skimp on but it VERY important.

[rmcguire]

Re: PC questions..

Preferably not more than $100 something that can be gotten at walmart, etc.

[myownsun]

Re: PC questions..

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/VisionTek+-+AMD+Radeon+HD+6770+1GB+GDDR5+PCI+Express+2.1+Graphics+Card/3197031.p?id=1218384141914&skuId=3197031

This is $30 more than you want to spend but it's a solid card, paying retail will cost you at least $20 more than newegg and other online retailers.

How many watts is your power supply

Another good one http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+N...&skuId=3195088

[rmcguire]

Re: PC questions..

Dumb question how do I check the wattage on the psu? Also I'd be willing to order from newegg if I knew this would solve the issue, and how do I know that the card will work with my system?

Any from newegg you suggest?

[Leftos]

Re: PC questions..

There should be a sticker or writing in general near the PSU's exhaust or on its side (after you open your tower's side cover).

And wattage isn't the only important thing. The total amperage on your 12V rails is important as well. So if your sticker has detailed amperage (and it should), you can sum up the amperage on all 12V rails (12V1, 12V2, etc.) and give us that number as well.

[myownsun]

Re: PC questions..

1.how do I check the wattage on the psu?
2.how do I know that the card will work with my system?
3.Any from newegg you suggest?

1.There should be a sticker on the side (usually the back) of your psu.
2.If you system uses pciExpress it "should" work
3.I'll get back to you on that but there are some really good card on new egg for around $100.

If your pc was purchased from dell try to have chat session with one of their reps about the above questions I'll try to google your system and see what i can find.

What is the model and brand?