PC version

From Mass Effect Wiki

The PC version of Mass Effect was developed by BioWare and Demiurge, and published by EA in 2008.

[edit] System Requirements

[edit] Minimum

• Operating System: Windows XP or Vista
• Processor: 2.4+GHZ Intel or 2.0+GHZ AMD
• Memory: 1 Gigabyte Ram (XP) / 2 Gigabyte Ram (Vista)
• Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 6 series(6800GT or better), ATI 1300XT or better (X1550, X1600 Pro and HD2400 are below minimum system requirements)
• Hard Drive Space: 12 GB
• Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card and drivers

[edit] Recommended

• Operating System: Windows XP or Vista
• Processor: 2.6+GHZ Intel or 2.4+GHZ AMD
• Memory: 2 Gigabyte Ram
• Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GTX or higher, ATI X1800 XL series or higher
• Hard Drive Space: 12 GB
• Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card and drivers – 5.1 sound card recommended

[edit] Changes from the 360 Version

The main differences between the PC and 360 versions are tweaks to the combat GUI and the inventory system. The Power Wheel is replaced in the PC version by a tactical HUD that allows for more precise squad commands and the ability to hotkey tech and biotic talents. The often-criticised inventory system from the 360 version is also overhauled to be more user-friendly. Other differences include minor adjustments to the Mako's handling, a minor graphical upgrade and a change to the hacking minigame (used when decrypting doors or containers).

There are no extra assignments or new characters in the PC version and the story is unchanged. However, it does allow the PC release of Bring Down the Sky to be downloaded for free.

[edit] Known Bugs in the PC Version

• After you reach 550 MB of pagefile (see the Task Manager in Windows) the game may crash or lead to loop graphic sequences. You will need to reboot your system or manually clean the pagefile. This bug is caused by nVidia graphic cards and Realtek audio card. One solution is to run the game in window mode and disable music and speech.
• On Therum in the PC version, after Bring Down the Sky is installed, certain areas of the terrain become solid black, regardless of terrain type. Sometimes going to the configuration window (exiting the game, running the game launcher, and selecting configure, or running MassEffectConfig.exe) and selecting Repair > Delete Local Shader Cache Files, may sometimes fix the problem. Vista users will need to run the application in Windows XP SP2 compatibility.
• Quickly pressing the Enter key in confirmation prompts can sometimes leave a window stuck on the screen ("Convert this item into omnigel?"). The game no longer responds to keyboard or mouse input. However, it's still possible to autosave and autoreload through the console or rebounded keys.

[edit] DRM Controversy

The PC version of Mass Effect was originally intended to use SecurROM, including a periodic 10-day re-validation, meaning the game would cease to work after ten days without 'checking in' online. After criticism, this aspect of the DRM was removed from the PC version on 9th May 2008. The PC version can be authenticated five times.

[edit] PC version-specific articles

• Codex/Player Tutorials - while some elements also apply to the Xbox 360 version, most of the controls refer to the PC version.
• PC Cheats
• PC Tweaks

	Mass Effect Series
Games	Mass Effect (CE) • Mass Effect Galaxy • Mass Effect 2 (CE) • Mass Effect 3
Downloadable Content	Bring Down the Sky • Pinnacle Station
Novels and Comics	Revelation • Ascension • Redemption