What is the best upgrade I can get for my system with $150 ?

[brendon7358]

My current specs

I don't have enough for a new computer right now but I was thinking maybe I could just upgrade this one so for $150 or less what is the best upgrade to help FSX run better I should get? I was thinking of upgrading the CPU or graphics card. What do you think? And what should I get/ where should I get it? I know a guy who works for Geek Squad at best buy (he actually made my computer) and he could help me with it. Thanks

[CapitalBill]

I would upgrade the CPU to the fastest clock speed you can get 2 cores is better than 4 or more in FSX because FSX can only use 2 cores. You have a good grahics card. This processor should be a good upgrade for you budget if you can find an intel proceesor over 3.5ghz I would get it.

http://www.buy.com/prod/intel-core-i...219565207.html

It increases your processor speed by 1ghz and should help your FSX performance.

If you can up your budget get the intel i5 2500k and overclock. The i5 2500k is a great processor for FSX once over clocked.

[brendon7358]

Few questions 1. Would changing the processor cause me to have reinstall anything? Or is it just take old one out put new one in, install drivers (maybe) and your good to go? 2. How hard is it like could I just do it myself or is it better to have a professional do it? I know there is an issue with static electricity but anything else? thanks

Edit: What about this one it's pushing the limit on my budget but it's 3.4GHz and has 2 cores

[loki]

I would upgrade the CPU to the fastest clock speed you can get 2 cores is better than 4 or more in FSX because FSX can only use 2 cores.

I agree with going with the fastest CPU you can afford. However, FSX can use more than 2 cores. While it doesn't fully utilize more than one core, it can make limited use of them.

[CapitalBill]

Edit: What about this one it's pushing the limit on my budget but it's 3.4GHz and has 2 cores

It should be a good upgrade what kind of performance are you getting now at what fps and what settings I would wait for other people options before you buy.

[CapitalBill]

I agree with going with the fastest CPU you can afford. However, FSX can use more than 2 cores. While it doesn't fully utilize more than one core, it can make limited use of them.

Sorry what I meant was a faster processor with 2 cores beats a slower one with 4 cores

[brendon7358]

You can find my FPS and settings in this thread but the CPU I have now uses a LGA775 socket and the intel i3-2120 and intel i3-2130 both use FCLGA1155 is that a problem ?


Edit: This is 3.8GHz, uses the same socket, is only 1 core, and is only $66 am I missing something ??

[loki]

To upgrade the processors you need one that uses the same socket. Otherwise you need a new motherboard, and probably new RAM too.

The Pentium 4 is an old design and are far less powerful than modern CPUs running at far slower speeds. With your motherboard, you should be able to use Intel Core 2 processors.

[brendon7358]

So the intel processors would work even though the sockets are different or are there multiple sockets?

[loki]

So the intel processors would work even though the sockets are different?

No, per my post above you need to match the socket to the CPU. You can't use a current LGA1155 CPU in your LGA775 socket. In your case you should be looking at faster Core 2 Duo or Quad processors.

You could also look into a faster video card, although you would still largely be limited by your processor. A GeForce GT 450 would be far more powerful than an old 9500 GT.