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Steely Carver
The dreamer or the dream?
Join date: 10 Nov 2007
Posts: 515
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11-16-2007 08:08
System:
PowerMac G5, dual 2.0, 1GB RAM, Nvidia 6800 Ultra Pro video with 256 MB RAM
OS:
OSX 10.4.11
Problem:
Serious, debilitating lag in crowded clubs.
Query:
What are the best tweaks for this system to improve performance in SL?
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Deej Kasshiki
Dangerously Cute
Join date: 2 Oct 2006
Posts: 90
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11-16-2007 08:52
Keeping in mind that in a really crowded situation like that you're going to see a performance hit no matter what, the best and least expensive things you can do are:
1. Add more memory! 1 GB is a skimpy amount and it's really not enough to really run OS X well, much less OS X and a memory intensive program like SL. 2 GB is more realistic and more if you can afford it (assuming you're planning on holding onto your G5 for a while).
2. Make sure your internet connection is up to par. If you're running over a wireless connection you may need to run hardwired straight into your Cable/DSL modem or router. If you have a slower DSL connection you may need to upgrade to a faster tier of service. SL pushes a LOT of data in realtime and it needs a lot of bandwidth, so the faster your connection speed the better your experience will be.
Another option would be to upgrade your video card. This is the expensive route (in the Mac world anyway--but don't get me started on that, GRRR!!!) and your choices are limited. Your G5 probably has an AGP 8X Pro video slot so I think your only route is the ATI Radeon X800 Mac Edition (256 MB).
More memory, a fast stable internet connection and a stronger vid card make a huge difference in SL performance. Hope this helps. Good luck!
_____________________
My tail is not wagging, I am not amused
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Steely Carver
The dreamer or the dream?
Join date: 10 Nov 2007
Posts: 515
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11-16-2007 10:29
From: Deej Kasshiki Keeping in mind that in a really crowded situation like that you're going to see a performance hit no matter what, the best and least expensive things you can do are:
1. Add more memory! 1 GB is a skimpy amount and it's really not enough to really run OS X well, much less OS X and a memory intensive program like SL. 2 GB is more realistic and more if you can afford it (assuming you're planning on holding onto your G5 for a while).
2. Make sure your internet connection is up to par. If you're running over a wireless connection you may need to run hardwired straight into your Cable/DSL modem or router. If you have a slower DSL connection you may need to upgrade to a faster tier of service. SL pushes a LOT of data in realtime and it needs a lot of bandwidth, so the faster your connection speed the better your experience will be.
Another option would be to upgrade your video card. This is the expensive route (in the Mac world anyway--but don't get me started on that, GRRR!!!) and your choices are limited. Your G5 probably has an AGP 8X Pro video slot so I think your only route is the ATI Radeon X800 Mac Edition (256 MB).
More memory, a fast stable internet connection and a stronger vid card make a huge difference in SL performance. Hope this helps. Good luck! Great, thanks for the tips. I think I will add some RAM first and see how that goes. I can't afford a better card or a new computer at this point. Most of the time this computer does pretty well, so more RAM might make a big difference. |