Guild Wars 2

Hey. I’ve been having crashing errors since day 1. I can’t seen to beat Teq because of crashing. And now tonight while we were about to go 5/5 on Marionette, I crashed and was denied the chest. So that’s a bit of a bummer. I always crash at bad times. So at first I thought it was my Graphics Card and got a new geforce 650. Then I thought it was my processor and got an AMD Phenom II. Still constant crashing. Tonight made me think well its time for a motherboard. But just to be sure, is that really it? I have to run my settings to all low in order to have decent FPS. When I turn it to high, I crash within 30 seconds.

I Have:
GeForce 650 1 gb
4 gb DDR2 (Yes, DDR2. )
AMD Phenom II

My current motherboard does not support DDR3. Could the constant crashing be due to the low 4 GB DDR 2? For the switch to DDR3 I would need a new mobo and I HOPE thats what the issue it. Im tired of crashing at horrible times.
Thank you

I ran the game with 4gb of DDR2 in my old rig with no crashes so its highly unlikely its the cause.

Please run a repair command on the games shortcut to ensure the game data is correct.

https://help.guildwars2.com/hc/en-us/articles/201863008-Repairing-the-Game-Client

Also update your graphics drivers, sound drivers and direct X software to the most recent versions.

Then if the game still crashes, please try a “clean boot” procedure (google for guide). Then run the game and see if it still crashes.

If none of this works, please attach a crash log to your next post.

Best of luck.

Which Phenom II to be precise? Also, GTX 650 I assume?

What matters most for RAM is the amount (up till 4-6 GB for only playing this game). Next comes CAS latency (which is higher in DDR3) or dual channel vs single channel, not really sure which one comes first. Only then comes frequency, which is higher in DDR3. I run with 4 GB DDR2 @ 800MHz right now and it brings no problem.

Your CPU is on the weaker side but it should be enough, if it’s some of the newer ones. Download CoreTemp and see if it’s overheating. If that’s the case there might be problem in it’s installation. Let’s talk about that more when you have the results

Yes, GTX 650
AMD Phenom II x4 965 3.42GHz
I do have 2.75 GB of free ram. Just found that out and doesnt seem like much. Last night I crashed AGAIN at the new event on 4/5 chains.
CPU is at about 55*c

I did repair the client as well.

It must be a ram issue Because I have old ddr2 and only 2.75 available. I have a great gpu and enough watts to support it. Not to mention a good cup but I can only play the game on lowest graphics and still crash. My fps is alright. Tried repairing the client and same issues. I updated drivers and same issue as well.

The lack of performance is due to having an AMD CPU. The game has known performance issues with AMD processors. Crashes are a separate issue entirely, usually caused by faulty software.

Did you try a clean boot? Without testing the game under a clean boot, its unknown if they issue is related to hardware or software.

Hmm so it could be the amd huh? I just dont know why i cant run good graphics settings and need to run low. What do you mean exactly by clean boot? Of the game? Its not just the game. I crashed in Assassins creed 3 as well. Most of the time in GW2 right before I crash I will see blue amd green textures on npcs signalling I am about to crash. I keep my gpu driver updated..

Clean boot is a procedure for windows to remove extra programs that are not essential to the running of the PC temporarily. It allows you to test if a program is causing interference with another thereby causing crashes. However your last bit of info on “blue and green textures on NPC’s” to me indicates an issue with your graphics card.

Please do not take this the wrong way, but you are not very skilled with computers yes? If so I would strongly advise you take the system to a qualified repair store and have them take a look at it, showing them the crash issue with GW2 if possible.

Well to be honest no. I know how to build computers but not problem solve them. Come to rhink of it it could be a gpu issue. Ill be able to play fine then turn my graphics up for best appearance and crash within a minute..

Having DDR2 is not an issue like I said. Currently I have an Intel Q6600 and while it’s an Intel, your AMD is still more powerful than it in every way and I have those 4 gigs of DDR2 as well and I never crash. Actually I think I’ve only crashed twice, those were consecutive times about 2 months ago while I was meddling with my gfx settings. Since then that hasn’t been a problem either.

Since turning graphics down and seeing weird colours I believe it’s a video card issue as well. Make sure your card actually is in the PCIe x16 slot. If it is, pull it out anyway (the power cable as well), blow out some dust, clean the connectors and put it back to it’s place. Download GPU-Z and see what your GPU temps are and where does it’s usage % go to.

I will try that tomorrow and see if it works. Tonight was the third time in a row where I crashed after winning Marionette. Cut scenes comes up, and crash. Least I got the meta done but I got back in and no chest. Getting real sick of this always crashing and only crashing at worst possible times lol

Up your RAM count to 8 GB if you’re able to. It should solve your crash problems, and not cost you a fortune and a half.

Avelos.6798:

Up your RAM count to 8 GB if you’re able to. It should solve your crash problems, and not cost you a fortune and a half.

I wouldn’t do that, especially since it’s older mobo with DDR2 and you can’t use them anymore after a system upgrade. Also like he said, only a little over 1 GB of it is used.

The amount is fine, but what came im mind is what RAM stick(s) do you have and are they in correct sockets? You could pull them out, clean the pins, dust the socket and put them back to their place. If it’s a RAM issue it’s an issue of them not being properly configured or faulty modules, not the amount or technology.

What I mean is, GW2 will use up to around 3.8 GB of RAM. If it runs out of RAM to burn, it crashes. OP says there’s 2.75 GB useful. Therefore in any event with lots happening such as the marionette battle, it’s gonna have a higher chance of crashing. Cleaning the modules and slots might do something but if the crash persists, I’d look into seeing if the board supports more than 4 GB and get a second stick of preferrably the same spec and installing it. (Not having the same spec won’t make too much of a difference. I had 4 sticks of 3 different spec’d RAM and they worked just fine but it was also a crappy computer)

I greatly appreciate your guys’ responses. This is why I made this thread to see if I did have to buy a new motherboard for more ram. I have no issue doing that. I just wanted to make sure its correct. I’ve tried getting everything new but mobo and ram. So if GW2 will use up to 3.8gb on my amount of available RAM, it would crash. See I crash mainly at big instances or big boss fights. I can be parked in lions arch jumping around or going jumping puzzle to one another all day just fine. Albeit still cant go any higher than low graphics.

Avelos.6798:

What I mean is, GW2 will use up to around 3.8 GB of RAM. If it runs out of RAM to burn, it crashes. OP says there’s 2.75 GB useful. Therefore in any event with lots happening such as the marionette battle, it’s gonna have a higher chance of crashing. Cleaning the modules and slots might do something but if the crash persists, I’d look into seeing if the board supports more than 4 GB and get a second stick of preferrably the same spec and installing it. (Not having the same spec won’t make too much of a difference. I had 4 sticks of 3 different spec’d RAM and they worked just fine but it was also a crappy computer)

I got the impression that he was left with 2.75 GB after GW2 was counted in. In any case I have not seen my system eating anywhere near 3.8 GB, even in WvW. It’s mostly siting at 2.5 GB and it rises a bit, maybe to 3 gigs when a lot of stuff is happening. Also it has been tested that a system will eat up more RAM when there’s more of it available, i.e. 8 gig system will have more used in a same situation than a 4 gig system, so if you have 8 GB you might be seeing higher reading than him.

@OP: If you’re willing and wanting to buy a new system, it would come in handy. Get an Intel 3rd or 4th gen (2nd will do also if you find it cheaper) unlocked i5 or i7 processor, those are 3570K, 4670K, 3770K and 4770K and an aftermarket cooler. All the mobos for those CPUs use DDR3 memory so you’ll get that sorted out as well if that’s the problem. Overclock your CPU a bit (the better cooler you get the more you’re able to OC) and you’ll theoretically double your framerate in big fights (a 4670K overclocked only to 3.8 GHz will give you double the single threaded performance of your current CPU), plus no need to buy a new old DDR2 stick to see if more of it or different one helps.

locx.6412:

Avelos.6798:

What I mean is, GW2 will use up to around 3.8 GB of RAM. If it runs out of RAM to burn, it crashes. OP says there’s 2.75 GB useful. Therefore in any event with lots happening such as the marionette battle, it’s gonna have a higher chance of crashing. Cleaning the modules and slots might do something but if the crash persists, I’d look into seeing if the board supports more than 4 GB and get a second stick of preferrably the same spec and installing it. (Not having the same spec won’t make too much of a difference. I had 4 sticks of 3 different spec’d RAM and they worked just fine but it was also a crappy computer)

I got the impression that he was left with 2.75 GB after GW2 was counted in. In any case I have not seen my system eating anywhere near 3.8 GB, even in WvW. It’s mostly siting at 2.5 GB and it rises a bit, maybe to 3 gigs when a lot of stuff is happening. Also it has been tested that a system will eat up more RAM when there’s more of it available, i.e. 8 gig system will have more used in a same situation than a 4 gig system, so if you have 8 GB you might be seeing higher reading than him.

Oh of course. I have 16 GB of RAM and the system only burns around 2 GB without a game. 8 GB will probably do the same. My game has reached to 3.5 GB used in just Lion’s Arch at one point, however.

I dont want to put in money if I do not have to is the thing. I have no issue buying a new mobo and ram but you got me thinking its my gpu. Last night I crashed at the end again at marriotte right when the end cut scene started. Thats the 4th time in a row now. Yes, my pc has 2.75 BEFORE GW2 is ran.

Oh, so how much is it with GW2?

Also, did you pull out the card and RAM modules too, and test with GPU-Z yet?

Your GPU is fine for this game.

Avelos.6798:

Your GPU is fine for this game.

Like with the RAM, I believe what he has is good enough, but there might be a problem in that specific card. Might be stuck in x1 link width for example. The fact that lowering the graphics helps makes me wonder, otherwise it should be just fine.

Crashed while tabbing out from internet back into game and waypointing to another map. That was rather quick this time.
RAM total: 2814
Cached: 849
Available: 875
Free 52****

I am running chrome and gw2 only

Your best bet is to do those cleanings and remountings and then monitor, have you done any of those yet?

I did try that and unfortunately it did not fix my issue.

I still disbelieve a GPU is the problem here. You say it only happens with high population areas which tells me it’s RAM. The only thing I see happening with a GPU thati s not defective is once it exceeds it’s load, things just become slower with the more that’s put onto it’s plate. More RAM is something to consider.

Avelos.6798:

I still disbelieve a GPU is the problem here. You say it only happens with high population areas which tells me it’s RAM. The only thing I see happening with a GPU thati s not defective is once it exceeds it’s load, things just become slower with the more that’s put onto it’s plate. More RAM is something to consider.

I have to agree. While Memory Latency does play in. So does Mem Bandwidth.

1600mhz is lightyears faster then 667 DDR2. Then if you add in the differences between CL4, CL7, CL9 and/or CL10 you can see that not only is the DDR3 alot faster then DDR2, it can handle more throughput between the CPU and everything else.

I would say, upgrade your system. I would not upgrade to AMD unless GW2 was not your only game you go to. As even with the best AMD system, it cannot touch Intel for the ‘low end’ performance (My Fx8350 got beaten by a i3-2120 for ‘low end’ FPS).

I would build around the 1155 Socket, aim for either a i5 if you got the cash, or get a cheap i3-2000 series (3.2Ghz or higher) used from Ebay (I got mine for 65bucks shipped). Get a high grade MB that supports the higher frequency DDR3 (1866+), and maybe buy in on kitten (128G are going for 99bucks now adays).

Or if you got 1k to spend on this, go for the bang for your buck and build into a i5-4670K on a z87 board. Get the fastest DDR3 memory you can and get a decent GPU (I still rec a HD7790/R7-260X, but a 7850/7870 would be better if you got the 250~ to spend).

Basically, I would not waste time or a dime on fixing that AMD system. I would also not build into AMD if you are trying to build better for Guildwars2.

Right so thats why I was wondering if I needed a new motherboard for DDR3 ram. Looks like thats the case. I have a good CPU and good GPU and cant run anything but low. I want to experience high graphics playable in this game! So switch to intel you say? I wasted $100 on Phenom II but if AMD really wont help me out I can do that. $1k is too much to spend but I will be able to get 8gb DDR3, Intell Mobo, and Intel CPU.

Next Spirit.2894:

Right so thats why I was wondering if I needed a new motherboard for DDR3 ram. Looks like thats the case. I have a good CPU and good GPU and cant run anything but low. I want to experience high graphics playable in this game! So switch to intel you say? I wasted $100 on Phenom II but if AMD really wont help me out I can do that. $1k is too much to spend but I will be able to get 8gb DDR3, Intell Mobo, and Intel CPU.

I went from a FX8350 to an I3-2120, and my FPS on that FX peaked at 60FPS while no other players were around.

on the i3, 55-60FPS is what I get with players on the screen. No Players around and I peak at 80-98FPS.

All I did was change the MB and CPU. Still using an R7-260X and my DDR3-1600MHZ ram on that system (Wifes system, btw).

On my system, I went from a Phenom II x4 965 to a i5-4670K. My max on the Phenom was 45-65, on the i5 Ill hit 145FPS on some areas the game now.

and those stats are with everything on High/Ultra with Native Sampling, and Low Character Limit, Medium Character Quality. The upgrades were, and are, totally worth it.

The lows on both Intels are about the same, however. 15-20FPS. Though the i3 will drop to 8FPS when 80~ players are in a concentrated area and there are a lot of effects around (such as the World Boss train fighting Maw). But that could be helped if my wife would lower SOME of her ingame settings :-)

If your board supports DDR2 800 then grab some of that if you can. DDR2 CL6 or CL8 or CL7 can keep up fairly well with DDR3 2133 CL11/CL12.

Unfortunately I have a 32 Windows so I can only support up to 4gb. I need to get ahold of a 64 one to support the 8GB Im going to get. I will look to go with intel thanks for the advice. Now to go on newegg and find the most cost effective parts

Ha, now that’s the news bomb! It can’t use more than 3.25 GB or so (don’t know the exact amount) so upgrading your OS could do the trick here. If you buy a new system (or at least upgrade multiple parts at once) it’s gonna be hard to tell what was causing it, but you’ll get it sorted nonetheless

Next Spirit.2894:

Unfortunately I have a 32 Windows so I can only support up to 4gb. I need to get ahold of a 64 one to support the 8GB Im going to get. I will look to go with intel thanks for the advice. Now to go on newegg and find the most cost effective parts

Your Windows 7 or 8 key can be used on the 64Bit Install. Just make sure you get the right Version (OEM, Retail, Systembuilder) to match up your key.

and while the 32bit version of windows ‘may’ only see a total of 4GB (that includes system resources and Video RAM) you can enable /pae in the boot params to have windows access more physical memory. But your User space can never exceed 3.25GB of ram.

And that same rule applies to all 32bit applications (Such as Guildwars2) on a 64Bit OS. While your User space can sit at 8GB+, each application ran can only ever spawn across 3.25GB of ram if they are 32bit Apps. With Win32bit, if you know your applications foot print, you can allign that one giant 32bit app with your User space by limiting the external applications that are running. Such as IE, Firefox, Outlook, AV applications…ect.

But, in fact, Guildwars2 wont use more then 3GB of ram at any time(this has nothing to do with its 32bit foot print). And in a lot of cases when the process reaches 3GB of ram, it will crash because it has HORRIBLE paging to reduce its memory usage when it needs to flush/cache out that used memory. Because of that, I try and keep the process at or below 2.8GB of ram (using Char Limit and Char Quality settings in game to control that, actually).

So in reality, while upgrading to a 64bit OS is a huge over all improvement. It wont do a thing for GW2, unless your user space is already exceeding about 3GB of used ram while GW2 is running.