I'm looking for a computer/parts

**ViperPilot2** · 03-04-2011, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by letsgofaster

I just want to start out with training, flying cesnnas at any airport I like. I would like to have the airplane quality put up to very high, with very low trafic, and the scenery low quality, with medium amount of scenery. I can build on the equipment as I get better in flying and get more serious with it.

That's the key phrase right there. I would suggest that you build the computer as high end as your budget will allow... but do it now rather than later. Give yourself enough horsepower so you can move up to more extensive scenery and complex aircraft as you become more proficient. I'm sure that you could probably buy each component separately (MoBo, CPU, Gr. Card, HDD, PSU, case, RAM etc.) cheaper than you could buy the 2nd system you listed and get a better unit overall.

Price out components separately, compare and see what I mean. Again, try and get the most bang for your buck; it'll save you more in the long run and you'll be more satisfied... trust me!

Good Luck!

Alan

**letsgofaster** · 03-04-2011, 03:58 PM

but as you see, I added a little there, CRJ and learjets and twin engine props. is that okay for the first PC i suggested?

**ViperPilot2** · 03-04-2011, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by letsgofaster

but as you see, I added a little there, CRJ and learjets and twin engine props. is that okay for the first PC i suggested?

OK... you're aware that with the 1st system, you have to add the HD, RAM, Graphics Card, Power Supply and DVD Drive, right?

Honestly, I can't tell you how it's going to work; it seems like these days how FSX runs is dependent on the individual system and how the hardware works together.
All I know is that from what I've read, the i7 CPU and associated hardware is better at handling the 'stress' that FSX puts on the system as a whole than lesser CPU's.

All I can say is that if you have your heart set on the 1st one you really investigate everything about it and see, in your mind, if you're satisfied with it. These Forums
are filled with the unfortunate tales of folks that bought a new system under the impression that it was going to work fine for FSX, and ended up having a nightmare of
a time trying to make FSX work. Here's an example of someone in that predicament:

http://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/showth...0-wasted/page4

This occurred (and is still occuring) as of a week ago. I would read the whole thread and then think about that system.

I purchased a reconditioned system in January, and it took me almost a month and a half of tweaking and replacing hardware
just to get FS running to where it wouldn't blue screen on me after 5 minutes. This was just for FS 2002 and FS 2004!!

The moral? Don't rush. Take your time and do your homework. FSX is a tricky beast.
And honestly, think about building your own system.

Alan

**letsgofaster** · 03-05-2011, 11:13 AM

Based on my findings with the thread you gave the link to me, I should get a system (or build one) with a W7-64bit system, at least 1GB graphics card, i5 2.5 GHz processor, and 4 GB ram. Is that correct?
What kind of motherboard would I need? A PSU compatible with that mother board? hard drive? and also a CD thingy where you insert discs into, like on a regular PC? That is, if I am going to build my own system. Is it possible to find an inexpensive computer with these requirements?

**letsgofaster** · 03-09-2011, 11:48 AM

Okay I am pretty sure this is the PC I'm looking for. Correct?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883229244

***fxsttcb*** · 03-09-2011, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by letsgofaster

Okay I am pretty sure this is the PC I'm looking for. Correct?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883229244

With a careful overclock to 4GHz+, that system should do very well indeed. I do suggest you contact CyberpowerPC to find out exactly what cooling solution is included. Get their impression of it's OC capability as it is. The included CPU cooler may not be up to a 4GHz 24/7 overclock...Don

**letsgofaster** · 03-09-2011, 03:10 PM

But this computer is a bit too pricey for my budget. Is it possible to get a good Flight Sim computer for anything below $600?

***fxsttcb*** · 03-10-2011, 07:50 AM

Make up my mind! If it was beyond your budget, why post the link? Go to CyberpowerPC or iBuypower website, find a $600 gamer. I doubt you will be happy with a computer in that arena.

Minimum(my opinion) specs to buy a new FSX computer:
Motherboard and CPU; capable of overclocking to near 4GHz on the absolute best CPU cooling you can afford. This is the most important. It is the basis for all else.
Video Card; nVidia GTS250 or ATI HD5770
RAM; DDR3-1600
Hard Drive; 7200rpm, 32MB cache
PSU; 600w+ and 45amps @ 12v
Case; at least two 120mm fans, one front, one rear, Mid Tower, or Full. Mini Towers in my experience do not afford adequate cooling for large CPU coolers.

If you can find a computer in your $600 price range, that has all of my minimum specs, buy it...Don

**letsgofaster** · 03-17-2011, 02:42 PM

Okay. Thanks for the specifications. If I have a i5 four core proccesor with 3.30 GHZ each, would that work? That is 13.2 GHZ total. Because I don't really want to overclock as I know it burns up the CPU much faster. Also, I went to a computer store and the guy told me that the most important things are the graphics card (is the graphics and video card the same thing?) and the RAM for a gaming computer. I also found that same information on several computer websites. Is that good for FSX? I know about the power supply and everything, but the proccesor is most costly. I can't afford to buy a NASA computer to play FSX. I need to find a solution, because I really want to play this game, but none of my computers are good enough.