Wanted: Diagnostic and Test Program From Frontier

shadragon

shadragon
I've asked for this before, but think it's worth a second try.

I'd like to see either a stand-alone program or programs built into the launcher itself that can test systems:

System compatibility

- Tests system hardware and lets you know if your system meets minimum specs for Elite: Dangerous, Elite Dangerous Horizons and VR for both versions.
- Export function for hardware list / DXDIAG / Process list / Logs to send to support

Network tests (to E: D servers)

- Ping to nearest AWS node
- Lag
- Upload / download speed / stress tests
- Port forwarding test
- E: D server status report

Optional

- File validation for game files (This exists in the launcher today, but few use it.

We see many "can my machine run E: D" threads and this utility would answer that in seconds. Not to mention give the end user tools to intelligent way to fault find their PC / network and provide consistent info to support in case of issues. Should cut down on the number of ticket and speed up responses.

Did I miss anything?
 

Ashnak

Ashnak
shadragon said:
...Did I miss anything?
Click to expand...

Yes:
- the minimum and good requirements have been published. If you don't trust them, you can use external servers (which I don't trust....)
- export function for hardware/configuration data: NO **** WAY!. I want to keep control over what leaves my PC. At least as much as possible. With DXDIAG (ok, I had to look that up the first time), I can scan through the output and at least see the obvious stuff.
- server test is built into ED: if you can't connect to all servers, you can't play
- ping/lag: what would you do with that information? You can't change the reasons for it, so you either live with the rubberbanding or go to solo. And by the time you actually get to read that information on the screen, it's outdated anyway.
- upload/download/stress test: the stress test is performed every time a new update is available. Testing the speed would only put additional load on the server (and routers on the way) without any actual benefit. I mean, you can see that you're downloading at 50 bps and it's going to take you 3 weeks to get the update - testing the speed won't change that to the positive.
- server status report is already in the launcher (ok, you might have to restart it...)
- port forwarding either works or it doesn't, and if it doesn't, you'll need a support ticket (or someone else knowledgable) in any case

Those "can my machine run ED" threads mostly come form people who have read the minimum requirements and want to know if their machine, which doesn't meet the minimum requirements, might, through some sort of miracle, still be able to run ED.
Well, they won't get a different answer from any official tool.

As for the reduction in support tickets: keep on dreaming. At the most, it will lead to an increase in support tickets from all the people using these tools, clamouring "but your test tool said...."
 

NascentChemist

N
Heh, I've got a terrible CPU with an even worse cooling unit. It howls like a banshee whenever I play a game. Problem is that to replace it, I'd need a new motherboard. Which bottlenecks the upgrade, as replacing CPU, RAM, and motherboard gets expensive. It doesn't help that I'm adamant about getting a water-based CPU cooler.
 

Ashnak

Ashnak
Numbers, please. Which CPU, which mobo, what RAM configuration, what PSU, what GPU you got? Or even better - start a new thread in the hardware subforum ;-)
 

the100thmonkey

the100thmonkey
shadragon said:
Did I miss anything?
Click to expand...
A: Can my system run E:D?
B: Is it slightly more powerful than a potato?
A: Yes.
B: Your system can run E:D.

- - - Updated - - -

NascentChemist said:
Heh, I've got a terrible CPU with an even worse cooling unit. It howls like a banshee whenever I play a game. Problem is that to replace it, I'd need a new motherboard. Which bottlenecks the upgrade, as replacing CPU, RAM, and motherboard gets expensive. It doesn't help that I'm adamant about getting a water-based CPU cooler.
Click to expand...
You'd only need a water-based cooler if you want to get into some pretty extreme overclockng.

For the most part, the closed-loop coolers aren't quieter than a decent-but-still-significantly-cheaper air cooler, and the story is the same for their cooling performance. Don't waste your money - that's $100 you can better spend on a better GPU or more/faster RAM.
 
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NascentChemist

N
Really? I've got the space for a 240mm water cooler. I'm prioritizing quiet; I don't overclock. Would an air cooling system be quieter?

Part of my issue is that I'm running an old AMD CPU, so heat management is terrible.
 

Robert Maynard

Volunteer Moderator
Robert Maynard
I use a Cooler Master Hyper 212 that has been mildly customised (2x 140mm fans with 120mm mounting in a push/pull configuration) on my FX-8350 - it's significantly quieter than the fan in my RX 480 (reference model) under load.
 
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Shiro Akai

Shiro Akai
the100thmonkey said:
A: Can my system run E:D?
B: Is it slightly more powerful than a potato?
A: Yes.
B: Your system can run E:D.
Click to expand...

Potato you say...


glados_potato_by_mister_wrathbone-d57vtef.jpg
 
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