Oblivion hates GeForce 9600GT?

[MrGray]

Hello everyone! I have recently upgraded my PC by replacing my old burnt-down GeForce 7600GT 256 MB with a brand-new GeForce 9600GT 512 MB. So I decided to once again install Oblivion and see how it runs on my new graphics card. And that's where weird thing happened - you know that Oblivion launcher function that auto-defines optimal graphical settings for your PC? Well, It said that best settings for my comp are.... LOW! Even though when I had 7600 it said HIGH! With a facial expression like "WTF" I set it to Very High and started the game. And it DID run much better than with my old 7600, but still, I expected a little more. Take this review for example, it says that 9600GT pumps out 91 FPS in 1280x1024, but in my case it's about 30 FPS in 1024x768 with no AA and AF. So, what might be the problem? Are these reviewers freakin' liars? Then why does auto-define say "Low"? Please help! Do you, by any chance, happen to have same card? What does auto-define tell you and what's your in-game performance?

[bben46]

The auto define probably doesn't have the specs for your new card. It defaults to low if it doesn't recognize it.

 

Remember that if a reviwer rates a card low, the manufacturer will probably not send him another one to test, so he tweaks the system to fit the card - then may still fudge the numbers a little.

 

There are other factors involved in FPS than the video card. Did the review say what all of the video settings were? or what the processor was? or how much RAM? or how big a cache? All of these and more can affect FPS.

 

The biggest boost I got - still using a 7600GTS - was a separate sound card.

[Maigrets]

I bought a new GeForce EN9500GT 512Mb. Same thing happened, but there's nothing to worry about, I expected it. The card is newer than the game so it doesn't recognize it's capabilities as bben says.

 

I'm running the game with the big overhaul mods, heaps of texture replacers at 1680x1050 resolution and I could still up the graphic options. I haven't bothered to check FPS etc. Numbers don't always mean that much. To me anyway.

 

As long as the game runs smoothly it's fine with me. However, I still get the little hitch on loading a new area, but it's barely noticeable compared to my old GeForce 6600NX, which did a fantastic job considering.

 

Just adjust your settings in the options and you're fine.

[MrGray]

OK, thanks for your replies, they really make me feel better. I thought Oblivion has the ability to check the card's specs, didn't think it's simply a database.

Numbers matter to me little as well, since I don't even see the difference between 30 FPS and 60 FPS. I was just worried about that review (link in my first post). Well, I'll never ever trust a review again :D

[Maigrets]

I had a look at the site you linked and I couldn't even find info about my card. Except for a link to the manufacturer and some forum page for overclockers.

 

I was just astounded when I loaded Oblivion for the first time with the new card. I saw details I never knew existed and am still seeing them and that's in the vanilla textures. Not to mention the custom ones I have. Like the fabric weave in carpets and clothing and details in architecture.

I can't believe how much I was missing visually. My poor old graphics card... you did a great job but now it's time to retire. :smile:

 

I think some reviewers ares biased in their views and l don't go much by them. Just like a movie reviewer will write an awful summary of a movie from a genre eg horror, they don't normally watch. Obviously they won't feel the same as someone who does like horror movies.

 

If I want reviews on anything, hardware, games whatever, I go to a forum like this one where you can ask actual users or a forum that has unbiased opinions from people with nothing to gain.