Mac Pro :: Added RAM And Performance Drops In Games?
Sep 16, 2008
I bought the vanilla octo-2.8 early 08 Mac Pro back in January. (I've since added in the nVidia 8800GT and a couple 500GB harddrives). As many of you know it's a beautiful machine and I've had very few problems with it. I play World of Warcraft and have recently delved into the world of dual-boxing to take advantage of a triple XP bonus currently available. Running two instances of WoW from separate install locations worked fine. But I found that I was hitting a limit. I couldn't really use iTunes while playing without taking a noticeable hit to the games' performance. So I did the logical thing in this situation: I bought more RAM. Specifically a 2GB kit (KTA-MP800K2/2G) from Kingston.
At first I had them in the wrong configuration. Since the default location for the 2GB that come with the Mac Pro are in slot 1 of each riser, I put the new sticks in slot 2 on each riser. I saw ECC errors and a very odd framerate issue in-game. After about 15 minutes, one instance of WoW would run at 60fps (v-sync is enabled) and the other instance on the secondary monitor would drop to 2-5fps. They would stay like this for about a minute then the framerates would swap: the primary monitor would tank to about 2fps and the secondary would fly up to 60fps. I stopped playing, read up on the RAM placement and found out that the pairs need to be on each riser together. I put the Apple RAM on riser 1 in slots 1 and 2, the Kingston on riser 2, slots 1 and 2. Same story. ECC errors and alternating horrible performance. I then tried swapping the RAM locations and put the Kingston on riser 1, Apple on riser two. I also reset the PRAM as I read that might clear any ECC error issues when installing new RAM. In this setup I had no ECC errors. The framerate issues were still happening though.
At first I thought it was bad RAM. But when placing them on riser 1 I see no errors. My other thoughts are a bad riser board or overheating. Although I've never had heat problems and the RAM seems to work fine if the Kingston in on riser 1.
View 2 Replies
ADVERTISEMENT
Jan 4, 2010
Well anyway, I got this MBP about 3 or 4 weeks ago. It runs great so far, but when I play a game, it will run fine, then about 10 to 15 minutes after I start, the performance will drop below 50% of what it was, then 10 minutes later, it seems to speed up again.
I've also noticed it seems to kick up performance again once the fan comes on.
So is this normal or some odd coincidence. Also, is there anyway I could prevent this period of low performance from happening.
View 9 Replies
View Related
Feb 27, 2009
I have a 2 x 2GHz Dual Core Intel Mac Pro, with 9GB of DDR2 RAM and 2 Nvidia GeForce 7300 GT graphic cards each running a Samsung 24 inch screen. I recently bought Call of Duty 4 and found that the game runs terribly on anything higher then around medium sort of settings. I know the 7300 Graphic cards aren't the best for gaming, but they have done the job for me perfectly until now. I'm a photographer so I calibrate my screens with a Spyder and run a separate colour profile through each video card per screen, and its always calibrated perfectly.
I'm just curious if there is any actual performance advantage of having 2 video cards other then running a separate colour profile through each card? So for example, If I'm playing call of duty and only 1 screen is displaying information, does the other card just sit there, or does it jump on board and process information for the game being played? Because I would have thought having 2 7300's would somewhat give better performance during gaming then just the one?
View 2 Replies
View Related
Oct 19, 2009
I am planning to buy a new 13" MBP but I am kind of concerned on the battery performance.
Specs:
a) 2.26 GHz CPU
b) Upgrade RAM to 4GB
c) Upgrade HD to 500GB 5400 WD
d) Brightness at 70% / with keyboard backlight / Bluetooth OFF
Questions: (Can you give me an estimate on the following)
1) How long will the battery last if I play Facebook games nonstop (poker / mafia wars / cafe world / etc.)
2) How long will the battery last if I play Sims3 nonstop?
3) How long will the battery last if I watch a DVD movie nonstop? (from the drive)
4) How long will the battery last if I type documents nonstop?
BTW, can this MBP 13" play sims3 in the default normal settings?
View 3 Replies
View Related
Mar 7, 2009
I was told to run Vista 64bit for games, but I was wondering about this� Since many applications don�t even have a 64bit version out and I don�t think games are 64bit, will they all run under vista 64bit? I have a feeling this might be a dumb question, but I just wanted to make sure before I go out and buy Vista 64.
Also do you think windows 7 is better for games? Will it even run games that have not been written for it? Or would I just be better sticking with vista 64 until everyone has caught up and made their apps compatible with the new windows 7? I mean will antivirus programs, ripping apps, etc work under windows 7 without a hitch, or should I wait and just use vista64 for now?
View 5 Replies
View Related
Jul 23, 2008
I have been using Qwest DSL internet for the past year. But, for the past month I've had a problem with the internet going 100% out (for just 1 minute each time) when I'm surfing the internet or using Skype/MSN. It can happen 10x per hour or just 1x per hour. It happens most often when I'm demanding a lot from my internet connection, such as visiting graphic intensive sites (360 degree tours, etc.) OR when I'm using Skype with video/audio. It's sometimes predictable, but not always. Even if I try to recreate the 1 minute "outages" there isn't a guarantee I can recreate one of them.
Tech support has replaced my 2wire modem 2x. They have also checked my internal and external wiring. They've also changed ports and all sorts of things in the main office. They say I'm getting perfect speeds and a clean signal. They say they've done everything they can. And, honestly, it seems like they really have tried. And, the speeds ARE good, except for when the internet light goes completely Off and I lose my internet for just 1 minute. It then turns back on and the connection returns. (The DSL light and other lights remain on or just flicker).
My computer: I'm using a 3 month old 2.4 MB with Leopard and the basic Mac programs. I also have Skype and Adium, but not much else. No extra firewalls or anything.
My DSL modem: I have a 2wire 2701HG-D. Built in firewall.
Changes: I've not made any changes to my hardware or software. This problem seemed to come from nowhere. Everything was great and then these 1 minute outages started occurring.
Mac/Modem settings: Standard settings using WEP.
Other users: Just my MB (wireless connection) and very occasional use of a neighbor (wireless connection) who checks her email. But, she's often gone. And, these outages DO seem to occur when it's ME online and when I'm using the internet heavily.
View 3 Replies
View Related
Oct 27, 2009
I have a Macbook Pro 13" running 10.6 that I purchased at the beginning of September. For a few weeks now, I have been getting random wifi disconnects.
The strange thing is that they only occur when the minute is :00, :10, :20, :30, :40, or :50. More often every 10 minutes, less often every 60 minutes. I am using a Linksys WRT54GL router with HyperWRT + Thibor firmware. This problem did not occur when I first got the Mac.
Yesterday I decided to format and reinstall Snow Leopard to try to resolve some issues I was having. I installed, then used Migration Utility to restore my files and settings from a Time Machine backup. I am still getting wireless drops. I tried deleting AirPort configuration plists as described in county's post here but to no avail.
When I check my router config after a disconnect (I usually reconnect within 15 seconds, but sometimes I have to turn AirPort back on), the DHCP lease remaining time is 24 hours from the disconnect time.
It may be a DHCP problem. I will try using a static IP, but having a static IP means I'll have to change my network settings when I go to school and when I come home.
This occurs in both 10.6 and 10.6.1 with my current settings.
Edit: still occurs with DHCP with Manual Address and static IP.
View 2 Replies
View Related
Apr 16, 2012
iMac drops wi-fi after sleep. Have had this problem for a few months now. Has Apple offered a fix because it appears that many users are having this same problem
Info:
iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.3)
View 4 Replies
View Related
Nov 24, 2010
As the title states, I'll be searching the web doing whatever. (Most of the time I'll be uploading my work to an FTP site) and then all of a sudden I click a link and the wireless in my house goes down. I either wait it out for a few hours and it comes back to life but most of the time I need to reset my airport by un-plugging it. Is it starting to go? Its pretty old I got it in the Summer of 04 with my powerbook (its an airport express).
View 2 Replies
View Related
Apr 13, 2010
I have two wifi networks each using identical airport extreme router but different cable companies. The networks are separated by a substantial distance. To my knowledge both are set up identical and using the latest software revision and are accessed by the same MB and MBP.
The problem I am having is that in one location I drop a connection about 2 times a day. The TV signal remains. By turning off Airport Extreme for about 30 seconds and then powering it back up, the connection returns. When I go to reset the router, the indicator light on the AE router is always green.
This cable company claims it is my problem.
The other location (different cable company) has never dropped a signal.
Again, I use the same MBP and MBooks on both networks.
I cannot change the "bad" cable company as there is only one choice in this location.
View 3 Replies
View Related
Apr 1, 2012
slider is set to max, yet there is just a whisper of sound. Headphones work fine. harman/kardon mini towers.Â
Info:
Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)
View 8 Replies
View Related
Apr 16, 2012
Internet drops out constantly. last software update fixed but only for a short time. Is my iPhone4s the cause?
Info:
iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2010), iOS 5.1
View 1 Replies
View Related
May 6, 2012
Another user with wifi drops!All updates applied!
Info:iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.3)
View 5 Replies
View Related
Jul 3, 2012
I have a new Imac and initially the internet connection was fantastic but more recently, it drops out completely usually within a few minutes of being on.The connection works fine with the PC in the house. Can anyone suggest anything?
Info:
iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.4)
View 3 Replies
View Related
Jun 25, 2014
Wifi drops then freezes on my macbook pro
View 1 Replies
View Related
Oct 31, 2010
I have been experiencing severe drops of my internet connection in OSX. I have tried different routers and multiple computers in the house but it's clearly my MBP that randomly looses its internet connection (WLAN stays connected). It's getting really frustrating. Is anyone else experiencing similar issues?
View 4 Replies
View Related
Nov 2, 2010
I have an ibook G4 1.42 ghz. It worked fine until recently. After connecting to a wireless network for a few minutes, it then begins to sporadically drop out. And after losing the connection, it can't detect any wireless networks. Turning off the card, restarting the computer, letting it sit for a few minutes... signals come in and out, but then drop again.
I'm using OS X.4, so this isn't a software problem, the OS, or caused by an update. The antenna also isn't faulty. The computer reads the card as being fully functional, but just doesn't detect any wireless networks. I've exhausted all software solutions and now can only conclude it's a hardware problem. Given the symptoms I've described, would the best idea be to replace the card altogether?
View 5 Replies
View Related
Jul 6, 2008
I have a brand new MacBook ( < 1 month old ). I usually leave it plugged in and sleeping on my desk, and open it up to use it. After about a day of this, it will still say the battery is fully charged, and the light on the MagSafe is green, but the batter display shows 99% (or 98%, 97%, 96%). If I unplug it and use it for a bit, and the plug it in again, the battery will charge back up to 100% (and then the whole process will begin again). I love my MacBook, and want to make sure this behavior is normal.
View 10 Replies
View Related
Aug 4, 2009
I am able to connect to my wireless router with my laptop airport (powerbook G4) and receive a good signal. 3 or 4 out of 4 bars. When I place my Mac Pro desktop (Early 2009) in the same spot and turn on the airport, it can barely connect to the same network (extremely weak signal) and it drops out constantly. I'm sharing my laptop connection to my desktop at the moment, but I'd rather not have my laptop on all the time. I can't really move my desktop or the router either - I live in a guest house, and the router I connect to is located in the main house.
View 1 Replies
View Related
Jul 11, 2010
I got a MBP just last month, the battery capacity has decreased to 97%.
However, recently, when I turn my MBP on and I check Coconut Battery, the battery capacity remains at 97% but my battery charge is only at 20%. And I kind of leave my MBP plugged in all the time usually at 100% charge, I have no idea why the battery charge keeps dropping and if this is normal.
As in after I charge it up, turn it off overnight, turn it on the next morning, the battery charge is only 20% and it doesn't charge until I unplug it and plug it in again.
View 3 Replies
View Related
Feb 1, 2012
I upgraded my 2009 15" MBP today to 10.7.3 and never had any issues with connectivity or wifi. Suddenly my MacBook Pro drops the wifi every few seconds and can't keep a stable connection. I know there was an issue with the iMac's and this problem but I never had this. Are you telling me in fixing this problem on the iMac, it broke the rest? Â
View 1 Replies
View Related
Feb 2, 2012
Updated this morning. Then it would not hold a wifi connection for more than 5 seconds at a time. Had to use Lion Recovery to install a Time Machine backup to 10.7.2. That took over two hours. After that wifi was semi-ok. Lion has always had a problem with wifi. I am very disappointed with how Apple has handled the Lion rollout. wifi think twice before installing this update.
Info:
iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.2)
View 14 Replies
View Related
Mar 8, 2012
My job requires me to be mobile, and I move from one office to the next frequently, to attend to various meetings etc. Every time I move from one office to the next, I have to turn WiFi OFF, and then back ON again, in order for it to re-establish connectivity. This is a major frustration, as quite often I am downloading or uploading work applications, and have to re-start the download / upload again from scratch. It's impractical to not move until these are complete.Â
Mac OS X Lion Version 10.7.3
Info:
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.3)
View 1 Replies
View Related
Mar 14, 2012
I have a Lion Server running at my house. I often VPN through the server when connecting to public wifi. However if I'm at work and connect to the VPN server and then a 2nd user from work connect to the VPN then the first connection gets dropped. I'm guessing because both connections are coming from the same source IP address. Is there any way to change this behavior?
View 5 Replies
View Related
Apr 5, 2012
How do I keep WIFI connection when OS X Lion goes into sleep mode?
View 2 Replies
View Related
Apr 8, 2012
I have a 2011 iMac 27 inch I purchased in around December. I have the most updated version of OS X Lion. My wifi connection to my router keeps dropping and losing connection. This does not happen to my other devices (MBP, iPhone, iPad). There was a fix for OSX Lion which worked for a bit but now it's happening again.
View 4 Replies
View Related
Apr 14, 2012
My iMac is connected to the internet wirelessly.
Every hour (or even more often), I get the message "Safari cannot connect to the Internet", followed by a prompt to run diagnostics. I run the diagnostics, re-select my network (provided via BT Hub) and pronto - the issue is fixed, by why does the connection drop so often. Surely this can't be right - I can't be doing that every time I want to go online. Â
Interestingly, my iPad (which uses the same network and Safari) never drops the connection, so it is something to do with the iMac.
Info:
iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.3)
View 13 Replies
View Related
May 13, 2012
installing the 10.7.4 update on my 2011 iMac 27". The symption is that the iMac drop its Wifi connection after a period of time and when that happens the iMac cannot detect any wifi networks in my area (disabling & re-enabling Wifi on the iMac doesn't help). I have to resort to restarting the iMac to revive the wifi interface. Note that my other devices (including my iPhone and my MacBook Air)can connect to my Airport Extreme without any problems.
Info:
iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.4), 27"
View 14 Replies
View Related
May 28, 2012
My imac constantly drops my wifi connection. Sometimes it'll last 5 minutes, other times less than a minute. And, yet other times, it'll go on for 30 minutes. I've tried deleting the network and the adding it again, reset router, changed channels on the router and countless other solutions with no success. Sometimes, it does not even find my wireless network! My ipad, my wife's macbook pro and my mac air all seem fine on the network and do not drop the signal. What is going on? Could it be my wireless card? Is there any easy way to check if I have a faulty wireless card?
Info:
iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.4)
View 2 Replies
View Related
Jun 22, 2012
I was just running 'sudo port install git-core +bash_completion' on my new mid 2012 MacBook Pro 15". All dependencies where fetched perfectly until it was about to fetch the distfiles for "curl-ca-bundle". It tried to fetch "curl-7.26.0.tar.bz2" from 10 different locations, but failed on every. From then on, my WiFi dropped and I get connection timeouts for every WiFi I try to access.
[url]...
Info:MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012), Mac OS X (10.7.4)
View 1 Replies
View Related