Need help playing GTA IV more smoothly - are my computer specs really that bad?

mitch0310

Reputable
Jun 19, 2014
2
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4,510
CPU: Pentium Dual Core @ 2.8 GHz
GPU: PNY XLR8 GeForce 9800 GT (GDDR3 512 MB)
RAM: 8GB
HD: 500 GB
Fans: CPU: CoolerMaster Hyper 101; 2x CoolerMaster SickleFlow 120

What do I do to improve the quality of the game?

Here's the other thing, when I first installed and played the game, it ran pretty smoothly @ 1600*900 with medium textures/graphics, at max cars and max distance detail (keeping view distance @ around 23), but then it started to bog down once I progressed through the game.

Ultimately, the game is pretty choppy, maybe around 20-30 fps outside, and almost 60 fps indoors.

I've searched for at least >10 hours for a solution, including overclocking the GPU (which showed no improvement, and seemed to make things worse), researching how to overclock the CPU (and then did not because it seems too tedious), and lowered the resolution. The games runs the same at 800*600 as it does at 1600*900, without changing any other settings during the switch.

What am I missing here? I know my hardware is definitely outdated, but I can run Skyrim on medium everything without any lag, and can even bump up some of the details without losing smoothness.

Aside from upgrading hardware, what can I do? I know at this point this is an essay, but I feel that more details allow for a more specific and precise answer. If more info is needed, please let me know. Thanks in advance.
 
Solution
GTA IV was a poorly optomized game when it came out 4 years ago. Having old hardware isnt gonna help make it run good at all. Time to upgrade im afraid.