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Changing sprite detail would lower system-produced lag, say from an inferior graphics card, low RAM or such.

It won't reduce internet lag, since the sprites are in the client and only movement/action type info is being sent.

RAM should help a tonne, especially if you're upgrading from levels below 512 Meg. Not noticing much after the 1Gb mark mind you (in my own experience)


RO (at least iRO) has lag issues depending on location, time of day, in game location, alignment of the stars, number of black cats on the GMs way to work, etc. All I can say to that though is "at least it isn't the original open beta".

Have you ever opened up the case of your computer?

Installing RAM is a 4-step procedure, and if you can do LEGO you can install RAM. It's probably the most straight forward and simplist procedure for computer upgrades (excepting USB devices that don't need drivers).

1- Setup in the kitchen table, since carpeting builds static. Power off the computer (not just 'shut down', check for a switch at the back and make sure it is off), open the side panel/cover.

2- Touch the faucet. The faucet in the sink should be an earth ground, removing the static charge in your body. Avoid wearing staticy clothing too.

3-Open the RAM package, taking out the chip.

4-Find the slots where the RAM is on the motherboard, line up the chip, gently push it in until there is a 'click' of it locking into place.

You're finished. Put the cover back on and you're ready to hookup again.

Takes about 5 minutes, but most places I've seen will charge $30~$50+ to do it.

'Hardest part' is finding ram of the right type (SD, DDR, DDR-2, etc) and right speed (altho I believe faster RAM chips will slow to the slower chip speed, so will function albeit at reduced ability).

Motherboard spec list.

Easiest way? Check what you already have. The various TYPES of RAM won't fit in each others slots, which only leaves a space issue.

You can't shove SD RAM into a DDR RAM slot, and while DDR and DDR2 look somewhat similar, they won't fit (i accidently purchased DDR instead of DDR2).

The only real issues are speed, since you pretty much want the same speed as existing. Size does NOT normally matter: you can have a 256Meg, 128 Meg and 512Meg chip on the same motherboard.

Only time size matters is in DDR type RAM when going for the dual channel stuff.

Walkthru with pictures

Staticy clothing would be lose clothing, wool clothing, etc. No pullovers while doing it, no sockfeet on carpet, etc. Anything that makes you give static shocks is bad, since that's what you're trying to avoid: static shock=dead RAM chip. I tend to wear a sleeveless shirt, barefoot and jeans when doing it. biggrin

Oh, I didn't give the URL to promote their product. By all means use tech sites to compare etc. Not all RAM was created equal, and honestly, i've no idea about their particular product. It was however, a step-by-step with pictures walkthrough I thought you might find of use.



Yes. All concurrently running programs will have an effect. Computers split their attention via time-slicing. They work on each running process in turn, based on demand and priority. Basically even a 400GHz computer would have trouble if you ran too many things at once.

Depending on the antivirus it will load up your system: some tear apart everything and anything, some just quickly check when programs execute for the first time, etc. One example coming to mind is Avast! antivirus: if you have it monitor Instant Messaging, then you'll have a momentary delay when you send messages from when you hit enter until it actually is sent.

So a firewall, an antivirus, a chat program, and so forth WILL slow you down. However some things you just do not want to do without: I wouldn't advise being on the internet without firewall protection. Antivirus you can get away turning off if you use safe surfing practises (avoid Warez, turn off ActiveX/avoid IE, don't run attachments, don't download from nontrustworthy sites, never accept file transfers you didn't request, etc), but overall it should be that bad unless your computer is old.

Summed: antivirus will slow you down, but how noticable depends on your computers speed and the antivirus (and its settings) you run.


OH! Running MP3s actually I find have a greater effect on performance than the antivirus: the newer codecs (flac/ape/whatever) are more intensive and demand more than the old stuff. You can minimise this by manually setting the players priority to a lower level, but you'll end up with skips in the music, especially while alt-tabbing.

Another thing you might find to minimise lag is alternating between full screen and windowed: some people have better results in one or the other. Also looking at your video card, as that could be another bottle neck. If you don't have a strong enough video card that can cause problems. 128Meg video cards should be more than enough.