Regions take long time to load (FOREVER)

[Lhume]

Every time I go from one region to another it can take from 10 to 20 minutes to load.  It's actually faster for me to enter a region, close the program, and restart, then I will be in the region.  That's like 2 - 3 minutes.

My computer is a bit antiquated, but had enough specs for this game I think.  If I get a new computer would it solve this problem or is it something else?

Pentium 4 1.8 Ghz, 384MB ram.  NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS with 256 (or maybe 528, don't remember) Video Ram.  FAST ass internet con.

[Caarrie]

you need more ram you almost dont have enough to run your operating system yet another program [assuming os is windoze]

[Lhume]

I know I could use more ram, but windows XP actually only takes 256. so I have enough, and I don't have a problem with other programs or games.  I get the "You need more Ram" response a lot but then I see the same problems on newer PCs, so I'm confused.  Unfortunately more ram isn't an option for me, because I have Rambus, it's cheaper to get a new PC.

[Miaua]

Caarrie is right...
For example Hydlaa map, togeather with OS, takes around 900MB of ram.
Windows needs to use virtual memory when they are in lack of RAMs, which is just simple space on your HDD.

I have pretty similar configuration, only with 700MB RAM and PS works (ehh.. nearly) well.

[Einnol]

I, myself, can attest to the difference RAM makes.  I saw a huge difference in map load times after I upgraded from 512 MB to 2 GB of RAM (no other hardware was changed).  As Miaua said, there would be a lot of reading and writing to the hard drive for the swapping of virtual memory at the same time that the map is being loaded from the hard drive as well.  It creates a bottleneck there and slows the system down.

[Lhume]

OK thanks that's all good to know.  Due to the fact that my RAM costs about $2/meg I have been planning to get a new PC soon.  Glad to know that things will be better then.