SWTOR Having problems in certain areas with screen freeze

[urbs1703]

Hello all,

I have been playing SWTOR since it came out.  Everything was fine until I reached level 17ish and reach an area where my screen will freeze.  I restart the game and sometimes I can't make it passed the loading screen.  Other times I will log in and take 2 steps and the screen freeze will happen.  It is very frustrating to try and play the game...please help!!!

OS: Windows XP 32
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6700  @ 2.66GHz
Ram: 8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 400MHz
MB: EVGA  122-CK-NF68 (Socket 775)
GC: 320MB GeForce 8800 GTS (nVidia)

Thank you

[Joey]

Hu urbs. Thanks for posting all of your PC specs. You have a nice system to run SWTOR on. Don’t see any type of hardware problem unless you are trying to run SWTOR on max settings or at max resolution on a 1920x1080P monitor.

Try the following. It may solve your issue…
1 – Fully update Windows XP. If you are not sure how to do this then checkout YouTube for videos on how to update Windows XP

2 – Download and Install the latest driver for the GeForce 8800 GTS directly from the nVidia site.
Here are the exact 8800 GTS drivers for your Desktop PC running Windows 32-bit: http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp-285.58-whql-driver.html
(I have this GeForce driver version installed on my PC right now when I play SWTOR. It is very stable, runs SWTOR nice.)

3 – Restart your PC after the drivers have finished installing

4 – Download and Install the Free version of “Game Booster”: ttp://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html
(Most people use this to speed up their gaming PC but also temporarily closes background apps and processes that can be causing SWTOR errors or crashes.)

In case you need it I created a video tutorial on how to install and optimize Game Booster. The video is at the end of the article: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Get-Less-Lag-Higher-Frame-Rates-running-PC-Games-Game-Booster

5 – Run Game Booster

6 – Run SWTOR, but do not play it yet

7 – Go into the graphics settings. For Testing Purposes Only, set the graphics settings to the absolute lowest possible. Checkout my screen capture below and copy every setting.
http://i.minus.com/iKyprc8d4Bucz.png

8 – Save / Apply graphics settings

9 – Run SWTOR. If it runs play it for at least 10 minutes.

Does it run okay now? If yes then go into the graphics settings and raise them to around medium settings and see how smooth it runs.

SIDE NOTE: You have Windows XP 32-bit with 8 GB of RAM installed on your desktop PC right? Your desktop PC is only using 3.2-3.4 GB of RAM. It ignores everything else. This is normal for all 32-bit operating systems even the newer Windows 7 32-bit. I highly recommend upgrading to Windows 7 64-bit. Do not get WinXP 64-bit since a lot of games do not support WinXP 64-bit.

[urbs1703]

All I have to say is WOW!!! 

I updated everything (or so I thought I did).  I think it was my graphics card that was not updated plus a couple of settings need to to be changed in the SWTOR preferences. I've been running around in Balmorra where I have issues but it seems to be fine.  I don't have lag spike or freezes so far.

I found out that the 8GB of ram is a waste on 32 bit.  That was after I put it in.  I want to upgrade to Win 7 64 but I hate changes.  Oh well, time upgrade anyway.

Well thank you for the help!!!!  I'm so happy I finally got a reply from someone.  Hopefully everything will continue to run smooth so I don't have to ask any more questions.

Well 1 last question:  I want to upgrade my graphics card.  What would be a smart choice??  I was looking into a 1GB DDR3 GeForce.

[Joey]

Glad SWTOR is running smooth for you.

If you are going to upgrade your graphics card go with a GeForce GTX 460 1 GB. You can get it for under $150 from NewEgg or Amazon. I have the PNY XLR8 OC version and I can run SWTOR at max settings (but I have a very fast Intel Core i7 CPU).
If you want something better/faster than what I have you can get the GTX 560 Ti 1 GB. It sells for around $220.

Just Note: After the graphics card upgrade the new bottleneck will be your processor. The Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 is a good processor for SWTOR but it does not have enough power to max it out, probably not enough to run it at very high settings either.

Feel free to ask anymore computer questions. And don't forget to tell your friends about this site!