Fallout 3, Graphics Performance, and a GeForce 8600 GT
Written by Brian on January 3, 2009 – 6:00 am -
I bought this computer earlier in the year (May, I believe) from Best Buy. It wasn’t a powerhouse – I just wanted a desktop to handle web development, some low-end graphics development, and some gaming.
At the time, I only played World of Warcraft, so I didn’t see the need for an uber graphics set up. The integrated graphics chip wasn’t very good, so I went out and bought an add-on video card (GeForce 8600 GT
Since ditching WoW, I spent a good deal of time playing Fallout 3. This is a bit more graphics intensive than World of Warcraft, so you might be thinking, “How is the graphics performance in Fallout 3 with a GeForce 8600 GT?”
The GeForce 8600 GT – A Few Notes
Here’s the lowdown on the GeForce 8600 GT.
I was looking for a relatively cheap video card with 512mb of RAM. When I did some research, I found mixed reviews of the GeForce. Some people complained it wasn’t good enough for cutting edge gaming (not my concern), but others reported that it did just fine for average gaming (i.e. WoW).
At the time, I picked one up at NewEgg for about $99.99. You can find them now a bit cheaper - XFX GeForce 8600 GT 512mb RAM
It has 512mb of RAM, like I wanted. I’ve never had problem with fan noise (some people complained about that). Nor has it ever over-heated on me, despite long sessions of playing WoW.
It’s served me quite well in the past few months.
Computer Specs
Next, here’s a quick rundown of the specs of the computer.
- Manufacturer: Gateway
- Processor: AMD Phenom 8400, Triple-Core, 2.1ghz
- Memory: 3.00 gb RAM
Not over the top by any means. However, my days of hardcore gaming are over, and I didn’t see the need to spend twice as much on a slightly better machine.
Graphics Performance in Fallout 3
So how does the GeForce 8600 GT perform in Fallout 3? Excellent.
When I first started playing, there were some problems with sudden freezing. I wasn’t sure if it was related to the graphics or the audio or just a bug in the game. I found a tip to update to the latest K-Lite audio and video codecs, and that seemed to clear up the issue.
Just running around, I tend to stay around 45-60 FPS. In combat, that can drop to 25 to 35. That might not sound insanely high, but it’s high enough that I don’t notice any slugishness.
The graphics definitely look nice – nothing more satisfying than a Raider getting obliterated by a blast from the Terrible Shotgun or watching a Super Mutant get goo-ified by a Plasma Rifle.
Despite playing for hours at a time, there have also been no issues with over-heating or fan noise. The built in fan seems to work fine at cooling the chip and keeping it running well.
I’ve got no complaints about the GeForce 8600 GT. I wouldn’t suggest that you get it if you’re trying to push the envelope of gaming graphics, but it’s done good by me. For Fallout 3, the GeForce 8600 GT should give you plenty of power.
Posted in Fallout, Nerds at Play | 7 Comments »
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Damn im having the ‘suddenly freeze’ still. Just like you reported, and i have the same grapic card. Everything is totally up to date, audio driver, video driver and i have the latest k-lite installed as well. I just wish i had the same luck.
I also read that AVG Anti-Virus running in the background could trigger a similar lock up. You might want to turn off AVG or any anti-virus software you have that might initiate a scan.
Otherwise, I’m not sure what could cause the freeze. Sorry to hear about your troubles, it’s a great game if you can avoid the technical glitches. =(
Uhm, strange enough. I do have AVG and even though i close it on the task manager, it stills running up. Ill just try uninstalling it, thanks for the advice.
Hey, I’m in a bit of a quandary here… I’m a diehard fallout 3 fan, I’m completely addicted to it thanks to the xbox version (alas I don’t have an xbox). I have a dell dimension E520… and its not lookin to good:
Pentium 4 processor (3 Ghz)
1 Gb RAM
Integrated graphics card ><
I’m willing to just build a computer from scratch to be able to handle Fallout 3… but before I go shelling out and ungodly amount of money for another way to waste my life, I was wondering if I could simply add the 8600gt to the dell… I don’t think the processor and RAM would get the job done…. ?
@CollegeBum,
Your processor might work, but I doubt the current amount of RAM would be enough. If your motherboard can handle 3-4gb of RAM you might be ok.
Between the RAM and the vid card, you’re looking at $150-200. On the other hand, a slightly newer PC (with a Duo Core processor, enough RAM, and a real video card) might set you back $600 or so. Of course, you could also just buy an X-Box for that much.
think in the monitor and other things of the box… allways try to get a balanced configuration. about the monitor a 8600 gt is very good up to 17 inches… for monitors over 19 inches works forced… anyway still a good balance of price and performance if you can find it. And don´t forget about the overclocking… go for asus, xfx, and others of that level.. mine is an 8600 gt asus silent with 512 ddr3 (i added a fan from an old power source)… overclocked at 700 mhz (fabric 540),(memory clocks from fabric)with full stability and normal temperatures… and with some modding can go higher…
i had a geforce 8400 GT with 516rm and upgraded to 9600 geforce GT with 1gig ram on it
i’ve found that the graphics have been lowered (it said first card was medium high, and other was medium, yet i now have no lag, no overheating and it’s smooth when i run round the wastelands.
just my 2 cents