Gaming When playing WoW... Graphics or RAM?

[War]

So here's the deal: My OTHER brother (Not the CounterStrike one. I have 4 brothers >__> wants to start paying for WoW on our other computer. Personally, I think he's gonna waste his money on that thing monthly, but whatever, that's not the point of the thread. The thing is, Im not sure how to check, but Im almost sure we have a standard if not below standard graphics card. Also, we have the minimum requirement of RAM, which is 512 if I remember correctly. Now, would he be fine running it like that?

If not, what is more importnat when playing WoW - a better graphics card or more RAM?
How much would those 2 things cost me?
Which one is more worthwhile for the computer overall?
How much money do they usually cost?

Thanks in advance, everyone! :]

 

[Osaka]

I play WoW and I love it ^^;

I would say RAM is more important for WoW but a video card would help as well.

 

[cruddybuddy]

A video card is more important. I know this because I made some upgrades a few years back in order to have better performance in WOW and the video card made a huge difference.

 

[laminaatplaat]

To be more sure:

start -> run -> type dxdiag -> enter -> post some off the info

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 1/24/2008, 00:32:55
Machine name: SLAAPKAMERGUY
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)
Language: Dutch (Regional Setting: Dutch)
System Manufacturer: Fujitsu Siemens
System Model: MS-6567V2
Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU 2.53GHz
Memory: 1024MB RAM

Card name: RADEON 9600 SERIES


EDIT: gfx card info is on the 'screen' tab

 

[Osaka]

A video card is more important. I know this because I made some upgrades a few years back in order to have better performance in WOW and the video card made a huge difference.

well, It all depends on what the video card is. if its anything decent, then the ram would help more. from my experience.

 

[cruddybuddy]

A video card is more important. I know this because I made some upgrades a few years back in order to have better performance in WOW and the video card made a huge difference.

well, It all depends on what the video card is. if its anything decent, then the ram would help more. from my experience.

She just told us he has a below standard video card.

 

[War]

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 1/23/2008, 15:43:39
Machine name: COMPY
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_qfe.070227-2300)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: Dell DV051
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A04
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 CPU 3.06GHz
Memory: 502MB RAM
Page File: 481MB used, 745MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

Card name: Intel 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2582&SUBSYS_01C41028&REV_04
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ialmrnt5.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.4410 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 10/14/2005 18:06:58, 36990 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: ialmnt5.sys
Mini VDD Date: 10/14/2005 18:15:18, 1302812 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B78E66-66C2-11CF-A262-CE21A5C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x8086
Device ID: 0x2582
SubSys ID: 0x01C41028
Revision ID: 0x0004
Revision ID: 0x0004
Video Accel:
Deinterlace Caps: n/a
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Not Available
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

 

[thegame07]

I'm afraid wow will run like a bi**ch on that system

It may be playable in some parts in the game but once he reaches a major city it will almost be unplayable

I may be wrong but that's how I feel

Tell your bro to download the free trial and test it out first.

 

[laminaatplaat]

Windows® System 2000/XP OS:
Recommended Specifications

- Intel Pentium® IV 1.5 GHz or AMD XP 1500+ MHz
- 1024 MB RAM
- 64 MB 3D graphics card with Hardware Transform and Lighting, such as NVIDIA® GeForce™ FX 5700 class card or above
- Broadband Internet connection
- Two-button scroll-wheel mouse


----

I guess both

 

[War]

Then again, heres another bit of info I just came to find out.

Apparently, he is going to play a private server. Meaning, there wont be 657 billion people on at the same time. In fact, there are less than 1000 on. This could mean a lot less stress on the computer, right?

 

[Osaka]

Then again, heres another bit of info I just came to find out.

Apparently, he is going to play a private server. Meaning, there wont be 657 billion people on at the same time. In fact, there are less than 1000 on. This could mean a lot less stress on the computer, right?

nope. thats about how many people are on one server at once on normal servers. (that may be more...)

there are a TON of servers splitting up the people.

 

[coolbho3000]

Then again, heres another bit of info I just came to find out.

Apparently, he is going to play a private server. Meaning, there wont be 657 billion people on at the same time. In fact, there are less than 1000 on. This could mean a lot less stress on the computer, right?

Well then he won't waste any money on monthly fees now will he.

Man, I just got the sudden urge to install that game again... must... resist...

 

[cruddybuddy]

Sorry, the private server will make a minimal difference in speed.

Then again, heres another bit of info I just came to find out.

Apparently, he is going to play a private server. Meaning, there wont be 657 billion people on at the same time. In fact, there are less than 1000 on. This could mean a lot less stress on the computer, right?

 

[War]

I see. Thanks for all the help then. I guess he can try out, but he shouldn't be TOO excited, because it'll probably run like crap. :\

Also, coolbho3000, please actually read the post. See the part that says I just came to find out?

 

[NeSchn]

Warcueid, on Gamespot when you go to WoW's page there is a link where it checks your computer for you.

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/worldofwarc...=result;title;0

Click on "Can You Run It?" and it will do a test.

 

[Osaka]

Warcueid, on Gamespot when you go to WoW's page there is a link where it checks your computer for you.

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/worldofwarc...=result;title;0

Click on "Can You Run It?" and it will do a test.

yay, I passed all of them with full bars on everything ^^;

 

[thegame07]

EDIT

 

[War]

I cant seem to find the Can You Run It thing :\

Edit: Found it, and apparently, I passed them all, and they are all at least over the minimum mark. -slightly feels good about her compy- :3

 

[thegame07]

Its on the banner at the top of the page next to the big green orc!

Edit.. However the minimum system requirements for world of warcraft has went up over the years due to the patches they added. So im not sure if that test will be up to date.

 

[War]

Hmm... okay, even though I passed, apparently, I didn't pass the recommended stuff. They recommend 1Gb RAM, which I don't have, Video HW Transform & Lighting which I don't have, Vertex Shader Ver. which Im also missing in my video card. Other than that, I passed everything else pretty good.

Since graphic cards are so expensive, Im not gonna waste all my money (which I dont even have) on a graphic card JUST for WoW. I might invest on more RAM later on though. Hopefully the game will run okay...ish.