At a guess, that GeForce 6150 LE is simply not up to the task. They are pretty slow and underpowered video cards. I think that was the one that came in my computer originally. I replaced it with a 6800 GS, which made a big difference in framerates - especially during fleet battles.

I agree the main cause is likely to be the card. Whilst you investigate a new one, you might want to replace the graphics drivers they are 9 months old (if there is another one for that card), the latter can sometimes make a significant difference if the programmer has used features in the latest drivers that yours does not have. In the latter case your driver would default to a slower method. It will not stop the need for a new card, but might make the current pain a little less whilst you get one.

If you can stretch to it, try and get another 1Gb in the beast, your main memory is a little low. Not a show stopper if you cant, but it will help prevent a lot of disc swopping from main memory as with 2Gb it will have more room to switch around before having to use the Page file. Make sure you take advice from a reputable dealer on memory and get matched/compatible memory, dont knee jerk to the cheapest on the Web, the latter can cause issues. It will run fine in 1Gb when you get the new card, but with 2Gb you will notice a much smoother game, less frustrating waiting for game mechanics. If you only play Large or smaller, probably not make a lot of difference, but if you are into Huge, and Particularly Gigantic, 2Gb main memory is well worth the investment if you have got the dosh to upgrade.

There was also an issue with AMD cpu's a while back, and they posted a link on this Site to a fix for it. I have an AMD FX60, and although it was running fine, after the patch it did help. I cant remember where on this Site the link is, perhaps some helpful soul reading this could point you at it.

Card cost ? I would have thought the US price would be around $100-150 for one that would run the game well - and still give value to you in 2/3 years. Go much cheaper and you may be into replacing it agin in 18 months etc. I am in UK so dont know the US market that well, but more than $150 for what you need would be over the top, and less than $100 needs careful investigation to ensure it meets you need. When you select one I would suggest you post it here, and someone can give a view on suitability for the game and the computer that you have.

Link to general directions on upgrading a card (have a nose around that site - they will give you a start point on costs, they show a good range of cards - I have no idea their reputation as a supplier, but it will give you a start in your search)


Regards
Zy