Computer Was Built For Games, But Runs Them Slow

Chuck0 · 07 Feb 2015

I bought this computer I am using a good few months ago, and it was built to be able to withstand the requirements for games. The only problem is, the games aren't as fast as I feel they should be able to get. If you play games, you should know what FPS is (Frames Per Second, not First Person Shooter). In my opinion, with the specs I have, I should be getting at least 60 fps on an old game I play called Counter Strike: Source, but I get at most 16 on maps made for the game, and 40 on maps made by other people. Can anyone tell me if there is anything I can do to somehow either get my computer up-to-par with my expectations, or somehow increase the performance in any way without damaging or putting my computer at risk?

Britton · 08 Feb 2015

Well first off someone's will come in here and say there is not enough information provided in your original post. When making a new help topic it's always good to list your system specifications with detail and as clearly as possible. This will help others identify what piece(s) of hardware (if any) is the source of your issue. Did the sudden slow down affect system wide applications? What operating system are you running, Windows, Linux, or a custom variety? How much ram is installed? What kind of Graphics Card is installed? Word size of the operating system, is it 32bit or 64bit? After providing more details you will get more responses form the forum community, but not always.

Usually a game running poorly indicates that the graphics hardware is not as good as needed to run a game. Could be that your Graphics Card is very powerful but has been paired with a sub-par central processing unit. Low end Intel or budget AMD chips for example. Your GPU may lack enough dedicated on board RAM or may even be an APU (a gpu inside your main processor). Ram speed is also a big factor, and the front side bus and the type of PCI slot your using (for add on cards) are all necessary pieces of information that would be required to better understand your problem. Again I have no idea what your system specs are so trying to determine what the problem is won't be possible under these circumstances.

Chuck0 · 08 Feb 2015

If my computer specs is what you need, there should be an arrow in the bottom left corner of my original message that says "My System Specs". Click that arrow and you will find my system specs. If more information is needed, please don't hesitate to ask. If more specs are needed, I would also like to ask that you provide a method of finding the type of hardware without having to manually take apart my computer. Thanks in advance.

ignatzatsonic · 08 Feb 2015

Chuck0 said:

If more specs are needed, I would also like to ask that you provide a method of finding the type of hardware without having to manually take apart my computer. Thanks in advance.

You probably don't need it for your gaming issue, but you can download Speccy from Piriform.com to provide all kinds of detailed info on your hardware--brand names, models, voltages, temperatures, serial numbers, etc.

AstaLaVista · 08 Feb 2015

Have you updated your drivers?

Also, CSS is a very old game (iirc), perhaps you may want to put in compt mode for XP or even W98?

Berkey · 08 Feb 2015

AstaLaVista said:

Have you updated your drivers?

Also, CSS is a very old game (iirc), perhaps you may want to put in compt mode for XP or even W98?

Agreed with the Compatibility Mode I went back and played Age of Empires and Command & Conquer about three years ago and they worked better in compatibility mode, then they re-released AOE as an enhanced version, which worked seamlessly on 7 so, you could also check to see if thy ever enhanced COunter strike as well.

Chuck0 · 08 Feb 2015

The only issue with that is I can't find the exact program to run in Compatibility Mode. I use Steam for my games, and they don't have an executable for the game to run on. The shortcut I use to start the game opens a internet shortcut that starts my game, so I don't think compatibility mode would work, unless there actually is a program to use it on.

RoasterMen · 08 Feb 2015

According to your PC Specs, it should withstand some Source games at about 80-150 FPS, if that is it uses the old Source Engine(like CS:S, HL2, GMOD, etc.). But mine only maximized to 110 using the same card for unknown reasons.

Solarstarshines · 08 Feb 2015

Ok well i have to say this is not a Gaming system at all and would be considered average system not saying this to put you down in anyway but your tech is pretty behind in all fronts and the video card is no better it's a low end card

If you are trying to play any new titles that is the reason why here is the specs you said were your machine a Athlon dual core is a major bottle neck and so is a HD5450

Chuck0 · 08 Feb 2015

I understand my specs aren't good enough for newer titles, but I am playing an older title, around 11 years old, so the requirements shouldn't be that good. I also used a website called System Requirements Lab to check and see if my computer's specs would be good enough to run this game, and by the looks of it, I over-achieved with all my specs beating the recommended specs to play the game effectively. And, even with newer titles, they run pretty much just as smoothly as said game, usually running from around 25-30 fps on newer titles.