Quake 3 very dark on HD 3000

[idata]

Hi,

I'd like to play "Quake 3 arena" using the integrated graphics of my Sandy Bridge 2500K running Windows 7 64 bit, with the latest version of the intel graphic drivers (8.15.10.2361).

Quake 3 is an old game, so the performances of the HD 3000 are quite sufficient.

The problem is that the game is extremely dark, so dark that it's almost unplayable.

By tweaking various game variables (such as r_gamma, r_ignorehwgamma, r_overBrightBits, r_mapoverbrightbits and r_lightmap), I eventually managed to obtain a lighter image, but even like that the game doesn't look like it should: the contract is low and colors are bland.

Does anyone else have similar issues ? Is there a solution ?

[Allan_J_Intel1]

I recommend checking the list of tested games for your graphics controller, if your game appears on the list, this means that Intel has tested your game, otherwise Intel recommends contacting your game developer for information about compatibility.

Additionally, try checking game troubleshooting guide available at:

http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/sb/cs-010486.htm?wapkw=%28game+troubleshooting%29 http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/sb/cs-010486.htm?wapkw=%28game+troubleshooting%29

thanks

Allan.

[MSchm21]

Try updating the driver, your 2361 is not the newest. Between HD3000 and AMDs HD6850 is no difference in darkness in Quake 3, so I'm not sure if your issue is HD3000 related.

[idata]

Thank you for your answers guys.

I've downloaded the driver from this page, where it's listed as being the latest:

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProductFamily=Graphics&ProductLine=Processor+graphics&ProductProduct=2nd+Generation+Intel%C2%AE+Core%E2%84%A2+Processors+with+Intel%C2%AE+HD+Graphics+3000/2000&ProdId=3319&LineId=3310&FamilyId=39 http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProductFamily=Graphics&ProductLine=Processor+graphics&ProductProduct=2nd+Generation+Intel%C2%AE+Core%E2%84%A2+Processors+with+Intel%C2%AE+HD+Graphics+3000/2000&ProdId=3319&LineId=3310&FamilyId=39

Where can I find a more up to date version ?

Yups, are you running on windows 7 64 bit too ? It could be an issue specific to the 64 bit driver.

[MSchm21]

I'm running Windows 7 64 Bit.

Here the newest driver: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=20282 http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=20282

I compared Image quality between HD3000 and AMD HD6850. I have to search my old Quake 3 results.

AMD HD6850 Catalyst 11.7 16xAF

http://www.abload.de/img/quake3hd6850cat11_7x794.png http://www.abload.de/img/quake3hd6850cat11_7x794.png

Intel HD3000 8.15.10.2418 16xAF

http://www.abload.de/img/quake3hd300081510241847og.png http://www.abload.de/img/quake3hd300081510241847og.png

Can you capture the brightness in screenshots? As far as I know there was no brightness issue.

[idata]

I've updated the driver to version 2462, but that didn't make a difference.

I took a screenshot and the brightness on the screenshot is absolutely normal, it doesn't capture what I see on screen.

I've tested Quake 3 v1.32 and also ioquake v1.36 and both have the same problem.

On the other hand, Quake Live runs fine with no bightness issue.

[MSchm21]

Ok it cannot captured in screenshots. I will recheck next time with camera photos. Some weeks ago I tried this, not fully sure.

[idata]

I've just noticed that if the screenshot is taken while in windowed mode (press Alt+Enter to enter windowed mode), then the screenshot correctly captures the brightness seen on screen.

So, I took two screenshots.

The first one was taken in full screen mode, and shows what the game is supposed to look like:

The second one was taken in windowed mode and shows what the game actually looks like:

[MSchm21]

You are right, it is too dark. Same happened for me. A driver bug it seems.

[JSera1]

Having the same problem. GPU is Ivy Bridge HD4000. Installed the latest driver v. 3165. Quake 3 is way too dark. Tried changing gamma setting with no result.

I noticed that this only happens when using full screen. Searching on the internet brings many posts on OpenGL games. Finally found somewhere the solution. Changed this value in configuration file to

r_overbrightbits 0

after that brightness slider works again.

Should work for Sandy Bridge as well.

Good Luck