How can you boost performance for Train Simulator 2013?

[Ericmopar]

Wait a minute. It looks like the processor is too slow. I'm running on 2.30 GHz. Don't know how I missed that.

I doubt that's the problem as I only have a 2.4GHz processor and I can run routes fine with TSX on.

That's because of the little known phenomena of IPS when talking about CPU and GPUs.

IPS is Instructions Per Second.
Some CPUs run at 3+ gig but only process at low IPS.
Some top end older CPUs, like the top end Core 2 Quads, can muscle along at high IPS even at lower clockings.

And of course there are the peripherals on the MoBo like the chipset that also matter. That's why upgrading some motherboards is not practical, even if the chipset drivers will support a newer and faster CPU in the socket.

And that concludes Eric's tip of the month...

[OldProf]

I would also advise a video card with at least 1GB of built-in, dedicated memory.

[beech1972]

Hi Buzz,

I wonder if you or anyone can help me please.

I have just inserted my GTX 550Ti and i noticed you have one for your rail sim.

Every time i now play it, whether TSX on or off, the game just goes to the Pause menu whilst i am playing it, then sometimes just goes back to steam. I have an Intel i7 processor and the GTX 550 Ti, so i assumed this would be enough.

has anybody got any ideas please as its driving me up the wall, it worked before without TSX on the very basic in build graphics.

Many Thanks

Graham

[buzz456]

Wow! that's a new one on me. Have you checked to see if you have the latest drivers for the card? This should not be happening at all. AZ Chris any ideas?

[XDriver]

Make sure you have all the power plugs necessary for the card and a big enough power supply. 600 watt at the least but preferably higher.

[arizonachris]

Surprised this didn't get moved to Geek Speak.

Graham, did this just start happening? And when you say sometimes the game goes back to Steam, How are you launching the game? Thru Steam or thru a desktop shortcut? (preferred way). I really can't think of why the game would go to the pause menu, maybe an old, messed up keyboard? Only "ESC" should do that.

How long after you launch the game does this happen? Could be a heat issue. From your PC's specs, your PC should only be a year or so old. May want to open it up and give it a check for dust (I'm presuming it's a desktop).

[beech1972]

Thanks for the quick responses.

I have noticed on another thread on steam that someone else is having the same problem.

It will happen at any time during game play, i click on the desktop short cut to log on.

I installed teh graphics card after i installed the game, if that makes any difference, PC is only 8 months old.

It only started after i installed new Graphics card, it will just go to the pause menu, and the FPS is only 39 or so when it does it, and can do it if it drops too.

Latest Drivers are installed.

I run the game whilstt recording the heat etc, and all seem ok.

Will a re install help?

Thanks again

[arizonachris]

OK, what wattage is your power supply? A 550Ti only has one 6 pin power plug, but you should have at least 600 watts PSU as XDriver said.

Did you switch brands of video cards, as in from an ATI card to this Nvidia card? If so, unless you get rid of all the ATI drivers you can have problems. Is RW the only game you have issues with? I always clear out old unneeded drivers using "Driver Sweeper". Just be careful what you remove.

You could try running CCleaner http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner (click the green download arrow) Run both the crap cleaner tool, and the registry tool. Do a backup for the registry when prompted. Reinstall is last resort and may not fix anything. Oh, are there any yellow triangles in Device Manager?

[beech1972]

Hi Guys,

Many thanks again for your replies.

Sorry i have been away, so only just got back.

Well i have just looked at the PSU, and its a miserable 300 watts, so i am guessing from what you are all saying this could very well be the cause and needs replacing.

I will get one over the next week and let you know if this is the cause of the problem.

I only had the basic PC graphics in before as there was no graphics card in there to replace.

Thanks again.

Graham

[arizonachris]

300 watts? yep, I'd bet that is the culpret. A 500 to 600 watt will be fine with the new video card.

[beech1972]

Thanks Chris,

will try get a 600w one then,

Do you think a 600 one is enough power? or is it worth getting say a 750?

Am i right in thinking once i get the PSU, this sim should run fine with TSX on and say medium level graphics?

OK, i think i will get one of these, will this be enough?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Gaming- ... 0+watt+psu

Thanks again

[krellnut]

Think about it this way. Your doing upgrades with probably more to come. I say get a 1200 or 1500 watt. Then you will never think about a power supply upgrade again. Everything always seems to work better with a robust power supply. I have a 1200, wish it was a 1500 but 1200 was the biggest I could get at that time.

[BlueLight]

Also along with any power or video upgrade will require the use of more cooling fans. Make sure your tower has the space for them or your upgrades will be for naught.

[kcs_fan]

It is a little card you put in your computer which makes images on your screen, but that's not important right now.

What's your vector Victor?

On a more serious note, I have been using Game Booster 3 when running scenerios off and on for a while. It seems to help.

[arizonachris]

Get the most wattage you can afford, Graham. 600 to 750 should be enough (with all due respect to Krellnut ) Never get the cheapest power supply in that wattage range. I use Cooler Master, others like Corsair, so many brands these days.