Advice on graphics cards?

[Mac6737]

OK, after a few years thinking about it, I'm going to ask Santa for an upgrade graphics card. My only 2 criteria are: (a) run FSX (and COF sometimes) as well as possible, and (b) don't screw up anything else.

I'm running FSX on Vista, Intel Core 2 duo, 1.86 GHX, 2 megs RAM (I think, but can add to this, up to 8).

My hesitation has been the adage, "Leave the well enough alone." It does run pretty well, but I want better detail and more FPS in dense scenery and at night.

[mallcott]

Your graphic card might stand you in good stead for COF, whatever that is, but it won't do jack for FSX. You are likely CPU bound and should spend the money on improving CPU and mobo, RAM and switch to Win 7. But as you don't tell us what your graphic card currently is, how can we advise? If you've got some sucky onboard integrated chip, then anything might be an improvement. If you already have a DX10 capable card with plenty of VRAM, it might be outperforiming the rest of the system.

[CaptainMidnight]

I can tell you my system is kind of like yours I have a Dell XPS core duo 2.6 and it came with an Nvidia 8800GTS and I upgraded my system memory to 4gs and replaced the card with a BFG Nvidia 280 with 1G of memory also Vista. I saw small improvement. My machine is about 4 years old and another year and I'll be looking to get a new one. If you want more detail and be able to run more scenery you'll need a new processor.

[wdscobie]

Intel Core 2 duo, 1.86 GHX,

this is your limitation. a new videocard will only make the seller richer and you poorer with no game improvement. save you money for a new CPU and MOBO.


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[Mac6737]

Your graphic card might stand you in good stead for COF, whatever that is, but it won't do jack for FSX. You are likely CPU bound and should spend the money on improving CPU and mobo, RAM and switch to Win 7. But as you don't tell us what your graphic card currently is, how can we advise? If you've got some sucky onboard integrated chip, then anything might be an improvement. If you already have a DX10 capable card with plenty of VRAM, it might be outperforiming the rest of the system.

COF is "Century of Flight." a/k/a/ FS2004. I have NFI what my processor is. It came with the PC, so I guess it is both "sucky" and "integrated." I believe I am running DX 10, though. But thanks to you and the others; what I'm hearing is: It's no use.

[charliep51]

You underestimate yourself...however, I think, you'll want to lose the 'it's no use' mind-set. I am 60 yrs old. I have been flight simming since Bruce Artwick released the original "Flight Simulator for Commodore 64' on the SubLogic brand name. Mr Artwick's program was the very sole reason I bought my First-EVER PC..so I could FLY! So..yeah I got my share of stick time. I have learned that for most of my flight sim needs..basic sight-seeing, flight planning, realism and available add-ons (freeware and payware) that FS2004 Century of Flight is very very enjoyable..and here is the frosting on the cake...any fairly new 1 or 2 yr old lappy or dekstop bargain 'Walmart PC' will fly the pants off of FS2004 on all settings MAXED out...it is a real joy and it only takes about 20 seconds of flying this FS2004 / low-cost modern PC setup to forget you are NOT running FSX and a Core i7 Extreme / quad SLI-or-Crossfire / 16G system ram / 3-27" monitors and a maxed-out FSX box. My point? Obviously you love to fly...millions do...my suggestion is if your current hardware does not give you a pleasing FSX experience then DUMP FSX (at least for now)..and start having lots o' fun flying FS2004. Your posted PC specs will deliver superb performance in FS2004. In summary..last year I bought a new Acer 5534 lappy 16:9 widescreen with 4G ram and an AMD L310 dual core cpu at 1.2Ghz and the DREADED integrated graphics (Radeon HD3200) for only $348 new in Dec 2009 at a Florida Wal-Mart. It can run FSX and it is fairly enjoyable..BUT run FS2004 on that same lappy and fasten your seatbelt mate..it ROCKS with every setting you can find in FS2004 maxed..yes..every setting...it makes for a very beautiful and smooth flying sim which has tons of add-ons many of which have an FSX / FS2004 install option..cool. Dump that feelin sorry for myself and my 'crappy PC' attitude..instead be resourceful....build up an FS2004 sim on nearly any PC and HAVE FUN !!! Want a cool cliff-edge airstrip to work with? John Harris Field AR05 near Russelville,Arkansas. 900 ft grass strip..1700 ft cliff drop-off over Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansxas River valley. Arkansas' only nuclear reactors are located there..this is very doable with FS2004....don't miss out!

[loki]

If you want an easy way to check what hardware is in your system, download Speccy.

http://www.piriform.com/speccy

[Mac6737]

Charlie,

So, I'm 70. I had FS on an Apple IIc in 1987 (which I still have, with all the software, packed and sealed in the garage).

I have FS2004, and it's fine. But I think FSX is a marginal improvement; and, if you look back in the thread, FSX runs OK, too. I'm just never satisfied.