Help Improving my computer for Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn?

mr kitty · Sep 24, 2013

Hi! So, I've been wanting to buy Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn, but I would like to know if there were some cheap (around $200) upgrades I could do to my computer to increase the fps and so I can play it on at least default quality. I'm really not that amazing with computers so I don't even know exactly what I would need to upgrade for me to play it on better graphics. I ran the character creation benchmark on standard settings and it gave me a score of 2067 and said I could run on standard. These are some specs for my computer right here:
System:
Windows 8 64-bit (6.2, Build 9200) (9200.win8_gdr.130531-1504)
Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-3220 CPU @ 3.30GHz
7894.785MB
Intel(R) HD Graphics(VRAM 1792 MB) 9.18.0010.3165

Like I said, I'm not too computer savvy, and my knowledge on computer lingo isn't that good either, but any feedback or help would be very much appreciated! Please and Thank you!

and for anyone familiar with the benchmark I'll post the whole thing if that helps.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Official Benchmark (Character Creation)
Tested on:9/24/2013 4:19:52 PM
Score:2067
Average Framerate:16.729
Performance:Standard
-Capable of running the game on default settings.

Screen Size: 1280x720
Screen Mode: Windowed
Graphics Presets: Standard (Laptop)
General
-Enable HDR rendering and improve overall graphic quality. : Disabled
-Disable rendering of objects when not visible. (Occlusion Culling) : Enabled
-Use low-detail models on distant objects. (LOD) : Enabled
-Cache LOD data only when necessary. (LOD Streaming) : Disabled
-Real-time Reflections : Off
-Edge Smoothing (Anti-aliasing) : Off
-Transparent Lighting Quality : Normal
-Grass Quality : Low
Shadows
-Self : Display
-Other NPCs : Hide
Shadow Quality
-Use low-detail models on shadows. (LOD) : Enabled
-Shadow Resolution : Normal - 1024p
-Shadow Cascading : Normal
-Shadow Softening : Weak
Texture Detail
-Texture Filtering : Trilinear
-Anisotropic Filtering : x4
Movement Physics
-Self : Full
-Other NPCs : Off
Effects
-Naturally darken the edges of the screen. (Limb Darkening) : Disabled
-Blur the graphics around an object in motion. (Radial Blur) : Enabled
-Screen Space Ambient Occlusion : Off
-Glare : Normal
Cinematic Cutscenes
-Enable depth of field. : Enabled

System:
Windows 8 64-bit (6.2, Build 9200) (9200.win8_gdr.130531-1504)
Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-3220 CPU @ 3.30GHz
7894.785MB
Intel(R) HD Graphics(VRAM 1792 MB) 9.18.0010.3165

Benchmark results do not provide any guarantee FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn will run on your system.

PsyKhiqZero · Sep 24, 2013

What size is your computer? Do you have a model number or link to it?

mr kitty · Sep 24, 2013

PsyKhiqZero :

this is the exact computer i bought and this is where i bought it from. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227442
does this help?
I've had it for almost a year. If you click on the details tab in the link it gives you a lot of info

PsyKhiqZero · Sep 25, 2013

You'll need a new power supply. 300 Watts won't power much. This rosewill 530 watt model should do.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182199

Then you can spend the rest on a video card. Either
Nvidia 650 ti boost
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130909
or
AMD 7850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127663

mr kitty · Sep 25, 2013

PsyKhiqZero :

Thank you for responding! But, out of the two, what would you suggest? I don't mind spending a little more if one is superior. And after installing these, any idea what kind of graphics or how many fps i'll be running for games like ffxiv?
once again, thank you so much!

rflulling · Sep 26, 2013

PsyKhiqZero :

I agree, FFXIV isn't a resource hog by any measure and many of the issues it first had are fixed, like constantly crashing the application because of a direct X error. I built my PC to play FFXIV when it was new 2 years ago... I had a i3, 4GB, 500W, 80GB, 32Win7pro, and Radeon 4650 (1GB DDR3). Cheep build with cheep parts my shop carried. FFXIV ran fine on it. I even capped my level before the servers shut down.

So now I have the same setup and the new game is out. I am very pleased. I cannot turn up the special graphics to full tilt. But the game is just fine without. I don't feel I am loosing out one bit and there are few if any frame issues, ever.

I have now since added an i5 to my system, but I know I wont see any changes to game play less I get a new video card, and ya know what. I am happy as it is.

Now, Mr. Kitty,
If you are looking to pinch pennies, I agree with PsyKhiqZero because you will need that better power supply for a good card, I mean you should have at least a decent 450W that is designed for a performance system. Not a desktop terminal. That video chip set, it just might play FFXIV. Intel HD3000 or better are supposed to support Direct X and Open GL. But still, I think it's the weakest link. ATI 5000 series or better, Nvidea GTX 260 or better.

If you still feel like spending, you can get a cheep i5 for not to much, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116782
just don't forget to get heat sync with copper core, even if it's an OEM for a Xeon, it will work.

Last there is your RAM,
This is what is in mine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145299
This is what I put in my new customer builds http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104169

PsyKhiqZero · Sep 26, 2013

Both the GPU's perform at about the same level. I personally prefer Nvidia products but the 2 games that come with the AMD card make it a great value. You should be able to do 60 fps at medium to high settings @ 1080p. If you can spend a little more, buy a AMD 7870 Ghz ed
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161404

mr kitty · Sep 26, 2013

rflulling :

PsyKhiqZero :

I agree, FFXIV isn't a resource hog by any measure and many of the issues it first had are fixed, like constantly crashing the application because of a direct X error. I built my PC to play FFXIV when it was new 2 years ago... I had a i3, 4GB, 500W, 80GB, 32Win7pro, and Radeon 4650 (1GB DDR3). Cheep build with cheep parts my shop carried. FFXIV ran fine on it. I even capped my level before the servers shut down.

So now I have the same setup and the new game is out. I am very pleased. I cannot turn up the special graphics to full tilt. But the game is just fine without. I don't feel I am loosing out one bit and there are few if any frame issues, ever.

I have now since added an i5 to my system, but I know I wont see any changes to game play less I get a new video card, and ya know what. I am happy as it is.

Now, Mr. Kitty,
If you are looking to pinch pennies, I agree with PsyKhiqZero because you will need that better power supply for a good card, I mean you should have at least a decent 450W that is designed for a performance system. Not a desktop terminal. That video chip set, it just might play FFXIV. Intel HD3000 or better are supposed to support Direct X and Open GL. But still, I think it's the weakest link. ATI 5000 series or better, Nvidea GTX 260 or better.

If you still feel like spending, you can get a cheep i5 for not to much, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116782
just don't forget to get heat sync with copper core, even if it's an OEM for a Xeon, it will work.

Last there is your RAM,
This is what is in mine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145299
This is what I put in my new customer builds http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104169

thanks a bunch! i really appreciate the feedback. I'll have look into everything. But, once again, thanks for your time!

mr kitty · Sep 26, 2013

PsyKhiqZero :

Awesome! thanks so much!
yeah, i'd actually be willing to spend a total of around $300 if there was something that made a big difference! If you have another suggestion I would definitely consider it if the power source and the video card came to around $300 and made a noticeable difference.

Also, from what i noticed all of the gpu links you sent me come with that 2 free games from amd?

mr kitty · Sep 26, 2013

Also, this may be a silly question, but can Install both the power unit and the gpu at the same time? or after installing one, turn on my computer, the shut it off, then install the other? or is it nothing to worry about?

PsyKhiqZero · Sep 26, 2013

You would want to install them at the same time. Especially since you need to Power supply to power the graphics card

mr kitty · Sep 26, 2013

PsyKhiqZero :

haha. that makes sense. also, before i commit to buying these right now, might there be a gpu in the lower 200 dollar range that i should consider? Because i certainly wouldn't mind being able to play in the higher settings. or is what you listed what i should stick with? If what you listed is what you think i should stick with, then i'll probably get:
1.) the power supply you suggested
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182199
and 2.) probably that last gpu you suggeseted
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161404

PsyKhiqZero · Sep 27, 2013

I noticed that you monitor is running at 1280 x 720 if you really have some extra money to spend then i would spend it there.

Any faster GPU IMO would prolly be bottle necked by your i3. So for that reason I wouldn't go any faster then a 7870 Ghz ed. You'll find that card to be very powerful.

MMO's can be very CPU intensive compared to other games. I would consider saving some money and upgrading the CPU to an i5 as soon as you can. Especially since Intel has moved to a different socket, new CPU's will be harder to come by.

mr kitty · Sep 27, 2013

PsyKhiqZero :

I might have been using the wrong monitor settings on the benchmark if that is what you were looking at. because i used this website:
http://www.whatismyscreenresolution.com/
and it says my resolution is 1600x900.

but would the cpu rflulling suggested be a good one? this one :
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116782

Also, did you mean i should also consider getting a new monitor or did you just mean new cpu?

PsyKhiqZero · Sep 27, 2013

Yes if you monitor can only do 1600x900 then I would get a new monitor that can do 1920x1080. Also the CPU that Rflulling suggested would be a good choice. In the long run I would be looking at upgrading both.

As far as which upgrade you should do first, I would go with the monitor. The extra resolution will make a bigger difference in how you see the game.

mr kitty · Sep 27, 2013

rflulling :

So, I'm about to buy everything, and I think this is my final question ( I hope so. And I really appreciate anyone and everyone's patience so so much.) if I buy that CPU I wasn't sure what "just don't forget to get heat sync with copper core, even if it's an OEM for a Xeon, it will work" means exactly.
I'm not sure if it means I should buy something extra with the CPU or what. Not sure what a copper core is, or heat sync, or a Xeon or OEM exactly. (Maybe OEM means original equipment manufacturer?) But I have no clue on the other three.
Once again, thank you.

(Imagine I'm a house cat (mr kitty) and think of this as if you're explaining computers to your cat)

Metalrenok · Sep 27, 2013

It means that you should buy an aftermarket cooler, because the stock one's kinda suck!

PsyKhiqZero · Sep 27, 2013

The heatsink that comes with the CPU is not exactly the best. Most people will swap it out. Personally I've used it and it's fine, it's a bit loud though. However you should be able to reuse the one that you have now. You will need to buy some thermal grease. like artic silver.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

If you feel like buying a new heatsink anyway I suggest this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134

Make sure to clean the old stuff off the old heatsink. Usually all you need is rubbing alcohol and some good toliet paper. After you've cleaned the majority of it off then wipe it off with a good microfiber cloth. This video shows you how to apply the paste.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rn0BqMyXBM

mr kitty · Sep 29, 2013

PsyKhiqZero :

i have another monitor lying around actually. it's 1280 x 1024... is that any good?

it says it's a 16 inch

PsyKhiqZero · Sep 30, 2013

1600x900 is better then 1280x1024 IMO. Most games are setup for wide screen nowadays.

mr kitty · Oct 3, 2013

should i uninstall the intel graphics driver? or can i just leave it be?

PsyKhiqZero · Oct 3, 2013

It should be fine if you leave it be. Personally I like to remove it for good measure.

mr kitty · Oct 3, 2013

PsyKhiqZero :

if i simply disable it, is that good enough measure?

PsyKhiqZero · Oct 3, 2013

That should be fine. While I'm not sure, I bet it doesn't matter in the long run. Just make sure you have the PC boot to the PCI-e graphics cards first in the BIOS

PsyKhiqZero · Oct 3, 2013

That should be fine. While I'm not sure, I bet it doesn't matter in the long run. Just make sure you have the PC boot to the PCI-e graphics cards first in the BIOS

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