I used to have a different computer, but I've been recently moved down to a desktop with an i3-7100, 8gb RAM (single stick), regular HDD, and integrated graphics (Intel UHD 630).
It lags the browser when I alt tab from Hearthstone and when I alt tab from Classic, and I figure that's from the integrated graphics taxing the RAM. I hover around 3-4 on the graphics settings to get 45-60 FPS in starting zones for Classic depending on how high I want to turn up the resolution (which is 100%).
If I got a 2gb RAM graphics card, would that be enough to run Classic at 10? If not, is it because my CPU/RAM will bottleneck, or because 2gb is simply not enough?
While I could always spend more money here on a new computer, the less money I spend on the computer the more time I can spend playing Classic, so it's a weighty delimma. Hoping someone here has something close to that sort of build with 2gb graphics and can give FPS/graphics rates.
you need to provide more specific information. what is your resolution? power supply model etc.
i highly recommend you building a new pc with ryzen 3400g which will be enough for classic, but if you want to upgrade the current one, then you need a gtx 1050/ti/gtx1650 with another 8gb ram stick and obviously ssd.
He doesn't need an SSD nor any more RAM. 8GB is still standard for gaming -- though 16GB is becoming preferred -- so 8 will easily be enough.
What 2GB graphics card are you looking at and what is your budget? Any of the options atkars mentioned would work depending on your location, though it is worth looking at the RX 570 if you have the money. As they have are currently cheap for the performance they offer.
The single stick of RAM is probably what's causing your computer to lag a little when alt-tabbing out of the game and opening a browser in the background. While single channel memory is not necessarily the worst thing in the world for gaming, for multitasking a dual channel setup is absolutely recommended.
On the topic of WoW Classic's graphics performance, an AMD RX570 (€135-150) or Nvidia GTX 1050Ti (starting from €130) are about what you would need for 60fps at 1080p max settings. Because WoW Classic is based on a newer client, the fancier graphics options it supports can be somewhat taxing even for modern GPUs. 4Gb of video memory is an absolute must, 2Gb just won't cut it anymore.
In short, my recommendation: get another stick of RAM so you have dual channel memory, which is better for multitasking, and invest in an entry level dedicated GPU to maximise your graphics performance in-game. Together these upgrades shouldn't run you over €200,- unless you also need to upgrade your power supply. Your CPU is plenty power efficient and those graphics cards don't need much either, so if your PSU is 350/400W or higher, you don't need to worry about a thing.
One note on the RX570 front, if your power supply doesn't have an additional GPU power cable (4-pin) then it won't be supported. If thats the case get a GTX 1050
If I got a 2gb RAM graphics card, would that be enough to run Classic at 10? If not, is it because my CPU/RAM will bottleneck, or because 2gb is simply not enough?
PC Minimum Requirements:
Operating System: Windows® 7 64-bit (with latest Service Packs)
Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6600 or AMD Phenom™ X3 8750
Video: NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800 GT 512MB, AMD Radeon™ HD 4850 51 MB, or Intel® HD Graphics 4000
Memory: 2GB RAM (4GB for integrated graphics such as Intel HD Graphics Series)
Storage: 5GB available space
Internet: Broadband internet connection
Input: Keyboard and mouse required. Other input devices are not supported.
Resolution: 1024x768 minimum display resolution
Mac Minimum Requirements:
Operating System: MacOS® 10.12 (latest version)
Processor: Intel® Core™ i5, 2GHz or better
Video: Metal-Capable GPU with 1GB VRAM
Memory: 2GB RAM (4GB for integrated graphics such as intel HD Graphics series)
Internet: Broadband internet connection
Input: Keyboard and mouse required. Other input devices are not supported.
Resolution: 1024x768 minimum display resolution
It used to be (with the old client) that even with a beast of a machine, when you log into a crowded place, your frames would drop. In a 40-Man Raid, your frames would drop. This is not because your machine is too slow, but because the engine simply wasn't optimized.
I have no experience with the new engine, but I imagine it supports dx12 & it has greatly optimized loading and rendering performance. That being said: Integrated Graphics are shit! Period. You should be fine running the game at very decent settings (7ish) upgrading your graphics card to something from even the GeForce 700 Series or equal.
You may want to consider a custom graphics setup, too. As a VERY SIMPLIFIED guide:
Be aware that this is a very simplified view of a hardware setup. No setup sinks or swims with one part alone.
Upgrading your Graphics Adapter is your best bet at improving performance, but if you want to play at full quality at high framerates, you will likely need to address more than that. Hell, running at Full Quality probably still requires a beast of a machine.
I'm still paying for the cost of my laptop, via a credit plan as it is mid-high end that I couldn't pay in whole at the time.
Unrelated to graphics I will say that the SSD makes a huge difference.
Everything loads almost instantaneously with a SSD and makes my desktop computer feel like garbage, even though that PC has an i7 and the GPU is bigger and slightly better. I suppose I should really fit one into the desktop but money is tight atm... Solid states are cheaper than they used to be.
The operating system starts in less than 30 seconds. If I want to play WoW at any time I don't have to wait longer than that.
this is running a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti with 8gb ram.
No performance issues and runs perfect.
He doesn't need an SSD nor any more RAM.
ssd doesn't cost much, 120gb one is less than 30€ and it will improve his pc the most. not in fps, but in loading speeds and overall usage and it's a huge difference vs hdd. single stick ram is bad and 8gb is not the standard for some time already. if you use only chrome, then sure, by your standards it's enough.
Your computer has some pretty low end parts in it. But I'd say the worst part is lack of a graphics card. Buying a graphics card even in the ~$200-$300 range is going to get you the biggest bang for your buck. It should be a noticeable improvement in frame rates.
I am more heavily considering just buying a new PC after the comments, possibly this one.
8gb RAM / Ryzen 2600 / RX 580 4GB / 500gb SSD / ~$620
Not sure if I could build a computer in time, but I'm looking into if the cost is comparable to that.
Though I hate to spend the money, the official classic release is a bit of a once-in-a-lifetime event and those new graphics are beautiful.
That is probably the better idea. The system you linked is much better all around.
Another resource you can check is PC Part Picker:
But if you don't wanna complicate things, the rig you linked is still going to be a hell of a lot better than what you already have.
What kind of monitor do you have?
That is probably the better idea. The system you linked is much better all around.
Another resource you can check is PC Part Picker:
But if you don't wanna complicate things, the rig you linked is still going to be a hell of a lot better than what you already have.
What kind of monitor do you have?
1080p Acer, was from my other computer and should be fine I believe? It's not one of those ultra high res ones if that's what you're asking. I'd need a nicer graphics card for that I think.
I upgraded my potato to a bigger, rounder potato.
I am more heavily considering just buying a new PC after the comments, possibly this one.
8gb RAM / Ryzen 2600 / RX 580 4GB / 500gb SSD / ~$620
Not sure if I could build a computer in time, but I'm looking into if the cost is comparable to that.
Though I hate to spend the money, the official classic release is a bit of a once-in-a-lifetime event and those new graphics are beautiful.
Seems like a great price for an excellent value system. If you can afford it, go for it.
Although I will still maintain that your processor is more than good enough for WoW Classic, and that all you really need is a bit more RAM and a graphics card. If your PSU is up to it, of course.