Will this system run FSX?

[djwf]

I just bought a new desktop PC (Intel i3 550 3.2GHz, 8 Gb DDR3 RAM, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD, running Windows 7 Pro) and was thinking about getting FSX. Would it be a waste of time to even try to run FSX on this machine or would I be better off digging out my copy of FS2004 (or getting a newer version), which I never used much because it didn't run well on previous computers?

I would have to upgrade the power supply on the new machine in order to add a better graphics card, and I don't want to bother with that.

Thanks!

[FlyStein]

http://www.microsoft.com/games/fligh...downloads.html

Flight Simulator X Trial Version

[loki]

The processor and RAM are okay for a mid-range FSX system, but the graphics card will hold it back. No Intel video card is really suitable for gaming or anything more than casual 3D work. Even an entry level card like a GeForce GT 430 would be significantly better. Ideally you would get something like a GeForce GTS 250 or better though.

Be careful with the FSX trial. As it only has a limited area to fly around, it may not be a good indication of how the sim will run on your system. I don't think they've updated it with the latest service packs either.

[wdscobie]

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD,

you are one of the few post in the 'will FSX run' theme that the videocard is the limiting factor. your videocard isn't really a videocard. for gaming, of any kind, it is almost worthless ... even for FS9.

get a good videocard. you will have few problems running FS9. FSX will not run 'full out' on your rig as FSX, like FS9, is CPU limited. you must overclock to above 4GHz to 'do well' with FSX. again, a good videocard ... the 'best, most expensive and latest' isn't needed for FSX because of the CPU limit.



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[charliep51]

Just got a new i5 desktop with the Intel Graphics HD. Great for ALL my audio/video home studio work...nothing needed..but for FSX...it was 'flyable' ..that is i could take-off and look out the window...but not near as nice a visual experience as FS2004 on my 1 yr old lappy. My J3 instrument panel looked 'odd' and somewhat 'corrupted' as an example of the 'HD Intel' graphics...I added a evga GT240 512M-GDDR5 video card and suddenly TONS of graphic detail jumped-out! Such a bargain for $74 and it is a reference card in that it runs fine 'as-is' and needs no external power connectors hooked-up. My Gateway DX4840 has a paltry 300W suply (23A total 12v rail-Liteon brand) and the GT240 card runs great..cool..and very very quiet. The Gateway DX4840 desktop PC was $650 / Asus 19" monitor $117 / GT240 $74 totals $841 for a -very- acceptable and respectable FSX experience...everywhere I fly is at FSX 'ultra high' -default- settings..Manhattan is my FPS 'test city' and in my Waco 10 biplane I see 25 fps worst case : downtown NYC flying between buildings / 500 ft off the deck / at 90 knots...very, very nice for under $1k (including new joystick!!) No blurries or studders anymore in NYC! I use that NYC setup (FSX ultra high defaults settings w/no tweaks) everywhere I fly..since most everywhere else is -less- demanding ....so for example when I cruise Monument Valley near Kayenta, Arizona where so many Glenn Ford and John Wayne westerns were filmed..I get 60-90 fps....in Seattle with my NYC setup I get 45 fps everywhere....good enough for me right now. This i5-650 / GT240 box may well be a stepping-stone as I want to 'hand-craft' my next flight-sim box...

I want to add I run at 1440 x 900 widescreen on my Asus VH198 so factor that in accordingly....in this configuration it is a VERY pleasing FSX setup for well under $1k total...
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HARDWARE - Intel Core i5-650 / 4G system ram / EVGA GT240 / Asus VH198 HD 1080p HD monitor / Logitech 3D Extreme Pro flight stick

SOFTWARE - installed FSX major enhancements: Ultimate Terrain X / Ground Environment X / Those Wonderful Rockies / Orbx Northwest USA scenery demo <- nice Orbx demo stuff...never expires / lots o' aircraft / some localized add-ons for Arkansas airports mostly freeware..."Hey if I'm content..then THAT'S IT man!!"
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