change with a 64mb video card

[tdin2003]

Will there be a big change in the graphics of live if i update from a 32mb video card to a 64mb[/b]

[Andrew]

Assuming the rest of your specs are good, you'll be able to play the game at a higher resolution with more details enabled, with smooth framerates. However, if the rest of your PC's specs don't exceed the recommended requirements, you won't notice much difference.

[celticslegend33]

Andrew,

Such as? Memory? Processor speed? Hard disk rpm speed? Motherboard's AGP/ATA speed?

My system memory is 256MB SDRAM. Somehow, I am still unsatisfied with my GeForce3 Ti200 64Mb DDR. I wonder if upgrading my memory more will do the trick. I really am doubting if it has something to do with my Athlon 850Mhz processor.

[bishibashiboy]

Will there be a big change in the graphics of live if i update from a 32mb video card to a 64mb

Don't believe the hype when it comes to more memory ALWAYS = greater performance. That may be true only in certain instances. What graphics card are you using?
For instance, a Geforce2mx400 with 64 megs of ram is THE SAME speed (if not a little slower) as a geforce2 GTS 32 megs of ram simply because the GTS has a faster core and faster memory timings. A geforce4 Ti4200 64 megs is actually faster than the 128 version too.

celticslegend33:
Actually..you're graphics card is decent enough to run this game at medium settings.

What kind of framerates do you expect?..i know for a fact that it is not uncommon to achieve between 35-40 on medium settings for sure with that card.

Honestly, your athlon 850 IS the limiting factor in this case if you're not achieving adequate framerates, because the Geforce3 Ti200 can definitely still scale up if you have a faster processor..

IMHO you have an adequate amount of memory to run this game..however 256MB ddr would be better..if your motherboard supports it..also make sure AGP fast write is on and AGP is set to the highest speed (typically 2X-4X is good enough) and also that you have the latest drivers for everything.

As for the speed of your hard drive that will have almost no impact on your framerate because it's highly doubtful you are experiencing jerkiness due to excessive loading during gameplay.

[Andrew]

Well, having upgraded my video card today, I can say from personal experience that it certainly does make a difference. My specs still don't allow me to play the 5 on 5 game with maximum detail, but with a:

PIII 550 MHz
256 MB RAM
64 MB GeForce 4 Ti4200 video card

I can still play with fairly high settings...and maximum detail in practice/1 on 1 mode. Definitely worth the $$$.

[celticslegend33]

Ack!

My Athlon 850Mhz is the limiting factor??!? Guess it's no wonder why a lot of people have more than 1Ghz processor nowadays.

I'm still wondering, though. Recommended specs indicated by EA Sports includes processor speed of 700Mhz. I'm pretty much sure my Athlon 850Mhz is much up to the task. How can this be? How can this be??!

[bishibashiboy]

Well it depends actually..your processor is the limiting factor when compared to your graphics card (which ideally requires something in the range of an athlon xp1600 before it tops out)..and not to knock your system or anything..but BOTH pieces of hardware are becoming quite dated by today's standards set by stupid game companies that make games that demand the latest and fastest hardware..I share your pain when it comes to upgrades and how pathetic it feels when a system that you recently upgraded is no longer adequate anymore.

Although NBA Live 2003 DOES list that a processor speed of at least 700mhZ and up as their recommended platform..you have to understand that this is:
a) a quote they use to make their game not look as demanding (how many people want to buy a game that recommends a pentium 4 2.54ghz processor on their box???..doesn't that scare the crap out of u?)
b) the recommended speed to at least get a decent amount of fun with the game w/ semi-decent details turned up..definitely not MAX details however.

The graphics card is THE major factor in 3d games now..a processor can go so far if coupled with a crap 3d card..and a slow processor coupled with a fast 3d card will show minimal improvement since the 3d card is just too fast to be coupled with a slower processor that can't fully utilize its capabilities...so take "recommended processor speeds" with a grain of salt because BOTH graphics and processor are key components to a fast gaming system and need to be BALANCED properly...ideally..when you buy a new system looking at recommended specs for games gives you a good idea of how low you should go.

[celticslegend33]

@#$%&*....... I know, bishibashiboy.

My specs were the result of a 'major' upgrade I had last 2001. Take note: I upgraded last 2001 in anticipation of NBA Live 2002, which never came out for PC. (@#$%&* again.) My specs then were considered as fast enough (Athlon 850Mhz, 128Mb SDRAM, and GeForce2 MX400 32Mb) and I still had some dough to shell out that time. Problem is, my EPOX 8KTA3 could only support up to 1.something Ghz processor speed. It can't support Athlon XP, as far as I know.

My initial plan was to buy myself a GeForce4 Ti4200 64Mb. Unfortunately, my budget's quite tight nowadays and I'm living in a 3rd world country. I had to settle for a GeForce3 Ti200 and a 40Gb 7200rpm HD (I had a 6Gb 5400rpm then).

Anyway, I had to make-do with my current setup. I don't have a choice. I'm trying to earn enough so I could get married. On the other hand, why don't EA Sports just concentrate on gameplay instead?!?? At least that way, we could save some extra bucks. Makes sense, am I not?