FSX and "system requirements"....

[velociriptor]

Yo,

These days, the question we should be asking ourselves is, "Does the
game/application measure up to our system?" rather than the other way around.

As an example, my son gave me a copy ("copy" in the old bought-off-the-shelf-at-the-store sense) of "Flatout" for Christmas, and
being used to FS9, I expected to load it up, get alot of stutters and freezups, uninstall and quietly give it to the kid who mows the lawn.

Instead, after some minor initial configuration, I have a racing game that to my amazement and amusement simply screams on my so
called "antiquated" home built system; in fact, it's doubtful that it could perform any better on a more powerful unit.

There is no plethora of "sliders" to adjust, and no provision or concern with "target framerates" and the like. You just punch in a few things about your system, then set it and forget it.

Be that as it may, my heart still belongs to FS as I'd rather be in the air, but I can't help but wonder if we are being enticed into upgrading just to move newer hardware off the shelves rather than
getting better designed software.

Hope Santa was good to you all,

rip

[granted]

I would like to know if FSX "needs" or "can benefit from" a dual core system??

[CapMason]

FSX does not "need" dual core. All applications that are properly optimized for Windows Vista with 64-bit architcture will benefit from dual core. But, they will also benefit from AMD-64 single core processors as well.

We will have a lot more to say about this in the coming days. So, stay tuned.

FSX will operate the same way FS9 did. That is, it will run on a very wide range of systems from moderately power to screamers. You just need to adjust the FS settings to get the expereince you desire consisten with the hardware you have. FSX will also take advantage of hardware and OS innovations that are beyond the horizon, but within its operational lifespan.

It's complicated, but we'll help you all get through it. No worries.

[W2DR]

"All applications that are properly optimized for Windows Vista with 64-bit architcture will benefit from dual core. But, they will also benefit from AMD-64 single core processors as well."

Are you saying that FSX is a 64-bit program? If so, what is the implication for the 32-bit machine that comprise 99% of the installed base? Two versions?

Doug

[velociriptor]

My MO is to build up a new system about every three years, which means I'm overdue. This time, though, I think I can hold off for
maybe another year just to see what develops...

"It's complicated, but we'll help you all get through it. No worries."

LOL!.. Not worried, but that does sound alot like major surgery...

[CapMason]

Read the article carefully,please. We did not say anything like that and neither did Microsoft. FSX will run in either 64 or 32-bit environments. But it runs best in Windows Vista which is a 64-bit operating system that is backward compatible with 32-bit applications. Beyond that, do not engage this target because I am not a Windows Vista expert. If you really want to see vista and FSx in action in a 64-bit environment, watch the CES keynote address at the Cineplex.

[W2DR]

Not a problem. I just wanted to clarify that you were referring to the 64-bit architecture of Vista, not FSX.

Doug