Requirement for mods? : Fallout 3

» Thu Apr 07, 2011 8:18 pm

Ok well i just found out that my PC is just scratching by for minimal requirements. So is adding mods to my game going to make it so i cant play, in other words are mods going to raise the requirements of my PC? If so ill just get oblivion for my computer.

» Fri Apr 08, 2011 6:41 am

Should probably move this to the MODS section because I don't think you're going to be getting a whole lot of help here.

{EDIT:} And/or that thread about PC's

» Fri Apr 08, 2011 8:42 am

How do i move it?

» Thu Apr 07, 2011 5:29 pm

hit the report button, and request it to be moved.

If your pc barely meets minimum requirements, I wouldn't go crazy with mods. Some of the larger mods, (overhauls like FOOK, MMM etc... or texture replacers) can be a real killer on even very good systems. Keep them simple.

» Thu Apr 07, 2011 5:53 pm

Mods will require you to have a better processor at least. I don't know much about pc's but I DO know from playing Morrowind/Oblivion/Fallout 3 that adding mods simply adds more to the game (people, monsters, items, buildings, etc.). Mods also add changes to the landscape in some cases. All of this needs their own files to work, as well as needing the game itself to remember these changes. There's also something called FPS (frame rates per second, I think). This is basically related to movement of your player inside the game. Everytime you enter a new area, or even move a few feet, your pc needs to be good enough to process what's in view and be able to spit it out in a split second, as if you were actually looking. The less your pc can handle, the harder this will be for the pc to process, causing skipping, slow-downs, or even crashes to the desktop (CTD's). I don't know if this explains anything, but it's the basic concept I think.

» Fri Apr 08, 2011 1:00 am

Mods will require you to have a better processor at least. I don't know much about pc's but I DO know from playing Morrowind/Oblivion/Fallout 3 that adding mods simply adds more to the game (people, monsters, items, buildings, etc.). Mods also add changes to the landscape in some cases. All of this needs their own files to work, as well as needing the game itself to remember these changes. There's also something called FPS (frame rates per second, I think). This is basically related to movement of your player inside the game. Everytime you enter a new area, or even move a few feet, your pc needs to be good enough to process what's in view and be able to spit it out in a split second, as if you were actually looking. The less your pc can handle, the harder this will be for the pc to process, causing skipping, slow-downs, or even crashes to the desktop (CTD's). I don't know if this explains anything, but it's the basic concept I think.

Okay if that's the case I'll prob just get oblivion for pc since I loved it on the xbox, and I have way above reccomended for it

» Thu Apr 07, 2011 9:41 pm

What kind of hardware do you have? Can you post a http://www.ddraiggoch.co.cc/tech/dxdiag/

» Fri Apr 08, 2011 8:23 am

I run many mods with a "low" end computer. Worst thing I've encountered is the occasional crash, some stutter. Doesn't bother me too much, the changes to the game are worth it.

This is what's in my machine atm:

Spoiler

Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.091208-2036)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: Dimension 9100
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A01
Processor: Intel® Pentium® D CPU 2.80GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 1534MB RAM
Page File: 581MB used, 2847MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 9500 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 9500 GT
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0640&SUBSYS_0643196E&REV_A1
Display Memory: 1024.0 MB
Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0011.9713 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 3/16/2010 02:51:59, 6432128 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 3/16/2010 02:51:59, 10232352 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4500-11CF-2F5F-482600C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x0640
SubSys ID: 0x0643196E
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D

The mods I'm currently running:

Spoiler

Fallout3.esm

BrokenSteel.esm

PointLookout.esm
* The current load order of this mod does not match the current template

Anchorage.esm
* The current load order of this mod does not match the current template

ThePitt.esm
* The current load order of this mod does not match the current template

CRAFT.esm

CALIBR.esm

FO3 Wanderers Edition - Main File.esm

Mart's Mutant Mod.esm

CALIBRxMerchant.esp

CRAFT - Activation Perk.esp
* The current load order of this mod does not match the current template

DarNifiedUIF3.esp
* The current load order of this mod does not match the current template

FO3 Wanderers Edition - Main File.esp

FO3 Wanderers Edition - DLC Broken Steel.esp

FO3 Wanderers Edition - DLC Anchorage.esp
* The current load order of this mod does not match the current template

FO3 Wanderers Edition - DLC The Pitt.esp

FO3 Wanderers Edition - Followers Enhanced (BrokenSteel).esp

WeaponModKits.esp

WeaponModKits - FWE Master Release.esp

WeaponModKits - FWE Optional Worn Weapons.esp

WeaponModKits - BrokenSteel.esp
* The current load order of this mod does not match the current template
Requires BrokenSteel.ESM

WeaponModKits - PointLookout.esp
* The current load order of this mod does not match the current template
Requires PointLookout.ESM

WeaponModKits - OperationAnchorage.esp
* The current load order of this mod does not match the current template
Requires Anchorage.ESM

WeaponModKits - ThePitt.esp
* The current load order of this mod does not match the current template
Requires ThePitt.ESM

Stealthboy Recon Armor - CRAFT.esp
Needs CRAFT.esm

EVE.esp

EVE - FWE Master Release.esp

EVE - FWE Master Release (Follower Enhanced).esp

EVE Operation Anchorage.esp
Requires Anchorage.ESM

EVE - FWE with WeaponModKits.esp

CASM.esp
* The current load order of this mod does not match the current template

Mart's Mutant Mod.esp
Requires Mart's Mutant Mod.esm

Mart's Mutant Mod - DLC Broken Steel.esp
Requires BrokenSteel.ESM

Mart's Mutant Mod - DLC Point Lookout.esp
Requires PointLookout.ESM

Mart's Mutant Mod - FWE Master Release.esp
Requires FWE.

Mart's Mutant Mod - FWE with EVE.esp
* The current load order of this mod does not match the current template

GalaxyNewsRadio100[M].esp
* The current load order of this mod does not match the current template

I say go for it!

» Thu Apr 07, 2011 11:16 pm

What does "Mart's Mutant Mod - FWE Master Release.esp" do exactly and where would I get it? I'm using MMM and FWE and i don't have it in my mod list for some reason.

» Thu Apr 07, 2011 6:49 pm

What does "Mart's Mutant Mod - FWE Master Release.esp" do exactly and where would I get it? I'm using MMM and FWE and i don't have it in my mod list for some reason.

It's a patch you need from the Fallout Interopability Program (FOIP) page. Nexus is down so no link at the moment. There should be a link to it in the opening post of the FWE thread.

» Thu Apr 07, 2011 6:29 pm

It depends on the mods you want to run.

Texture mods will require more VRAM, as more detailed textures take up more space in memory.

Mods that add a lot of creatures and other NPCs/Scripts will require more CPU power

Mods that either add or replace models with more detailed models will need more GPU power to render it.

So, again, it depends on what mods you are trying to run. If your computer hardly meets the requirements, then you can kinda get away with more mods by turning down graphics quality, but probably not much.

Also, keep in mind that Oblivion is an older game using an older version of the engine Fallout uses. From personal experience and reading things, Oblivion's engine is more CPU demanding, and because of its more lush landscape, can at times be more demanding then Fallout.

» Fri Apr 08, 2011 6:06 am

OK heres what I have for http://cyri.systemrequirementslab.com/CYRI/anolysis.aspx, I just posted this because this is what i used to find out i could run it. And here is http://cyri.systemrequirementslab.com/CYRI/anolysis.aspx

OK wow that didnt post my results just the search bar... hmm ill post what it say i have then

» Thu Apr 07, 2011 7:49 pm

CPU
Minimum: 2.4 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor
You Have: Intel® Pentium® D CPU 2.80GHz
PASS

CPU Speed
Minimum: 2.4 GHz
You Have: 2.79 GHz Performance Rated at: 3.348 GHz
PASS

RAM
Minimum: 1GB System RAM (XP)/ 2GB System RAM (Vista)
You Have: 1022.1 MB
PASS

OS
Minimum: Windows XP/Vista
You Have: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 (build 2600)
PASS

Video Card
Minimum: Direct X 9.0c compliant video card with 256MB RAM (NVIDIA 6800 or better/ATI X850 or better)
You Have: GeForce 6800
PASS
Features: Minimum attributes of your Video Card
Required You Have
Video RAM 256 MB 256.0 MB
3D Yes Yes
Hardware T&L Yes Yes
Pixel Shader version 2.0 3.0
Vertex Shader version 2.0 3.0

Sound Card
Minimum: Yes
You Have: Creative Audigy Audio Processor (WDM)
PASS

By the way i have no idea what any of this means. Hopefully you guys do. These are the minimum requirements for fallout 3 on my pc and i got them from the CanYouRunIt? Link in my previous post.

EDIT: Only my Video Card and RAM don't pass the Recommended and the only thing that doesnt pass on the Video Card is the Video RAM.. So suspect my problem is primarily RAM related haha.

» Fri Apr 08, 2011 4:46 am

I just bought a Gforce 9500 GT for relatively cheap. I think you could probably find a significant video card upgrade from what you're running at a pretty low price.

» Thu Apr 07, 2011 11:06 pm

a 6800, although the minimum supported can still run the game. However your real problem, even with a videocard upgrade is your RAM. 1GB is pushing minimum. Fallout uses about 550-60MB of system memory when in the outside world, and the operating system takes about 15-25% of your system memory for its own use, leaving you with almost nothing for anything else. This will cause a lot of loading lag and bottlenecking aas the game tries to swap things in and out of memory.

If you do plan to go with a basic videocard upgrade, IE: the 9500GT, be sure to get the 1GB version, as this will significantly help, though it won't solve the problem. Ideally you would want at least 2GB of RAM.

Also keep in mind that if you have a 32bit operating system, looks like XP so i would assume so, that if you ended up getting 4GB of ram and a 1GB 9500, that stacks together totalling 5GB of "ram, and a 32bit OS can only support up to 4GB, so you are losing out on 1 whole GB of memory.

The details of fine tuning a computer for performance are almost endless, as there are so many things you can do, but if you are looking to spend as little as possible (aren't we all) then perhaps something like a 9500GT 1GB might do you wonders. If inclined, upgrading to 2GB of RAM wouldn't be a bad choice either. With those 2 changes, you should be able to run fallout fairly well.

Also, don't trust CanYouRunIt. It fails to recognize videocards power, and instead rates them on how new it is.

» Fri Apr 08, 2011 3:18 am

Okay if that's the case I'll prob just get oblivion for pc since I loved it on the xbox, and I have way above reccomended for it

If your computer can't handle Fallout, it won't be able to handle Oblivion. Both games use the same basic engine but the revised one for Fallout is alot more efficient and less demanding.

PS: No I definitely wouldn't recommend trying to play Oblivion with a 6800. You're in desperate need of an upgrade, you're something like 5 generations behind with that thing. Pretty soon it will qualify as an antique.

» Fri Apr 08, 2011 12:10 am

If you do plan to go with a basic videocard upgrade, IE: the 9500GT, be sure to get the 1GB version, as this will significantly help, though it won't solve the problem. Ideally you would want at least 2GB of RAM.

One problem with that plan. I'm pretty sure the 6800 is an AGP card, the 9500 is PCI-E. In order to upgrade his video card, he'll no doubt need to upgrade his motherboard as well. Which will also mean a new processor, since his old one won't fit into the newer socket. In short, he pretty much needs a whole new computer.

PS: I just looked it up and the 6800 comes in both AGP and PCI-E versions. But since he's still using a Pentium 4 CPU, my guess is he has the AGP version. That's a really old computer.

» Thu Apr 07, 2011 9:32 pm

:brokencomputer: forgot how much I hated AGP cards.

» Thu Apr 07, 2011 6:52 pm

One problem with that plan. I'm pretty sure the 6800 is an AGP card, the 9500 is PCI-E. In order to upgrade his video card, he'll no doubt need to upgrade his motherboard as well. Which will also mean a new processor, since his old one won't fit into the newer socket. In short, he pretty much needs a whole new computer.

PS: I just looked it up and the 6800 comes in both AGP and PCI-E versions. But since he's still using a Pentium 4 CPU, my guess is he has the AGP version. That's a really old computer.

Haha, Yah i thought so. I was thinking about getting my own computer for my room anyway, or ill see if my mom will let me use here laptop since she only uses it for her email anyway, which im pretrty sure can run it because we just go it new this christmas... ill check its capabilities when it gets back from being fixed (damn viruses)

» Thu Apr 07, 2011 11:58 pm

... or ill see if my mom will let me use here laptop since she only uses it for her email anyway, which im pretrty sure can run it because we just go it new this christmas

No it probably won't run on that either, or at least not very well. Laptops use integrated graphic chips that are built into the motherboard, and most of them aren't good enough to be playing games like Fallout or Oblivion. The fact that it's new means nothing. You either need a custom ordered high end video chip for a laptop or a desktop system with a fairly good dedicated video card in order to play either of those games at a reasonable level of detail. On the Nvidia side, which you have now, you should have at least an 8600 or above. Preferably above. I'm using an 8800GT and I still have to make a few compromises in the level of detail with both games. Especially with Oblivion. I can turn my graphic detail higher with Fallout than with Oblivion and still get about 10 FPS better performance.

» Thu Apr 07, 2011 7:40 pm

I'm actually going to move this back to H&S since we're discussing hardware here.

To answer the original question, I think just use a bit of common sense: if it adds a lot of stuff, or increases e.g. textures, then it is going to kill your computer. Small additions like a player shack home are not going to cause any issues.

I would remind people that few gamers upgrade in order to play specific games, and I'm sure if the OP wanted to spend a lot on a high end computer, he would have already done so.

Luckily, Fallout 3 doesn't need much in the way of mods as far as I see it - it already has most of the things I'd mod in anyway.

» Fri Apr 08, 2011 6:27 am

I would remind people that few gamers upgrade in order to play specific games, and I'm sure if the OP wanted to spend a lot on a high end computer, he would have already done so.

Well you certainly don't need a high-end system to run the game, and mod it. A middle-of-the-road rig is good enough. But the OP doesn't even have that. A Pentium 4 with an nVidia 6800 GPU? That's getting far too old to consider playing any modern games even reasonably well, not just Fallout. He wouldn't be upgrading to play a specific game but all of them.