Why can't I choose some of the highest graphic options?

[mo.]

I got a GeForce GTX 285, which should be enough to display all of the highest graphics to me.
The other parts of my computer are almost high end, too.
I use Windows 7 32-bit with DirectX 11, of course.

I've set "texture detail", "effects fidelity" + "effects density" to high, but I just can't choose ultra.
Also, the highest option for "rain detail" is medium, I can't choose high on this one.

One reason for me to buy Windows 7 was, that I could finally set all the graphic options to the highest level, but it still doesn't work.

Now, why?

Do I need a 64-bit OS or what?

[Mikerrrrr]

Yeah, in the new patch they don't let 32-bit users choose Ultra settings anymore. Dunno why. You have the use the /3gb startup (google?) to use ultra settings. Sorry.

[aerundel]

You should use Win7 x64. There's no reason to use 32-bit unless you're having compatibility problems. But you're using it for gaming, so I doubt you'll find many problems, if any at all.

[RavN]

Its because you need a 64bit OS. It has to do with the fact that the 32bit windows is likely to crash when caching textures that are too large. It becomes too much data for wondows to process. Before chaos rising, 32bit users could override the game to allow ultra. Many had crashes but some higher end systems got by without crashing. You probably have enough ram to load in all the textures on your PC. Unfortunately, Relic "fixed" the change that enables ultra on 32 bit windows. They were concerned that a large amount of morons would try to force ultra and crash the game. Since its a stability issue and not a performance one they really had no choice.

I think relic should have put a warning in when you select ultra. "caution using this setting may crash the game on a 32bit OS" and let the user decide. I am running smoothly on ultra by the way and I have a weaker nvidia gt 260. If it makes you feel better, the difference between high settings and ultra is not that significant. The particle effects seem about the same and the textures are slightly sharper up close. hard to notice during a game really.

[mo.]

Not the best news, but thanks everyone for your advice.

[azreil1]

Yeah but its cool we still get people in games with 64bit lagging the game as they have it on ultra but have ♥♥♥♥ pc's...

[DiscoBBQ]

you need a pretty good cpu to turn up the physics and effects