Nvidia GForce 6600 need help tweeking settings

[Stanner]

I just had a Nvidia GForce 6600 256MB card installed. My system specs are:

Dell XPS
Pentium IV 3.06GHZ
Windows XP Pro
2GB SDRAM (just upgraded from 1GB)
Nvidia GForce 6600 258MB (upgraded from 128MB ATI Radeon 9800 Pro)
200GB hard drive

My GForce Card settings are:
Antialasing = 8x5
Arristorpoc = 16x
screen resolution = 1280 x 1024
screen refresh = 60 Hertz
Color quality = 32 bits
Image setting = Quality

My Hardware setting in FS9 are:
Filtering = Trilinear
Render to texture = checked box
antialasing = box NOT CHECKED
MIP mapping = 4
Hardware rendered light = 8
Global max texture size = set to maximum
Resolution = 1280 x 1024 x 32

In my windows XP display I have resolution set at 1280 x 1024x32 bit, which is supposed to be the best for my flat screen 17"monitor.

I had problems with flickering on buildings which I almost eliminated by lowering the MIP mapping from 8 to 4 in FS9.
However, I do not notice any difference in my graphics, or frame rate, after installing an additional 1GB SDRAM and the Nvidia card.

Can anyone suggest settings for my Nvidia card, compatible with my system, that may improve my graphics? I know nothing about how to best configure this card.
Thanks.
Stanner

[NonCon]

Adding more memory does nothing for framerates, it will help your load times slightly. In most cases adding a new video card without a significant upgrade on the processor does little if nothing for a CPU dependent game/sim like fs9.

Your ATI card was a pretty good match for your current system, and the 6600 is on par with the 9800. For improved framerates you do have room to lower both AA and AF significantly.

KJ

[kurtvoss]

More RAM you have, the faster load times AND smoother gameplay. Also changing to a better graphics card had a massive improvement for me, about 25-30 FPS difference!
But the upgrade you have done is barely an upgrade and you wont expect much of an improvement at all, why did you upgrade?

[Rcca]

Try running it in 1280x1024x16 with the AA/AF off,and image in the performance.try that for the heck of it.I don't have a Flat screen,CTR.Looks good for my CTR,on these settings.My GPU is a Nvidia.XFX5700 256mb
Ron C.

[loki]

The GeForce 6600 card will perform about the same as the Radeon 9800 (both have 8 pipelines), so you won't get any better performance. While the 6600 has 256MB or RAM, the extra RAM won't help FS9.

If you want a better video card, look at the GeForce 6800GS or Radeon X800 series.

loki

[kurtvoss]

exactly, thats why i dont understand why he upgraded to begin with!
If your gonna pay to upgrade, you might as well make it worth while.

[Stanner]

Sorry folks, I thought the upgrade would make a difference due to the extra RAM. Mi culpa, mi culpa!

Thank you for your comments.
Stanner

[NonCon]

Your results aren't typical, unless you are upgrading from a Voodoo 2. :)

KJ

[Stanner]

Gentlemen,
Further to my comments. I requested if you would suggest settings for the card. Instead you pointed out my ignorance in buying the card in the first place. Fine, I accept your criticism. But could you answer my initial question as to what settings are best for this card when in use with a powerful system?

I bow to your superior knowledge, and would like some advise.

Thank you.
Stanner

[navav2004]

Hey...I'll put in my .02 here...Video card settings will indeed vary...It wind's up involving a little playing around with each system to get it dialed in...

I also get flickering during various stages of FS "Loading"...I guess I may be use to it...It does not bother me or effect the sim...I don't see any flickering in the sim...I always fly full screen mode...

I am currently using this: You may like to try?? I have a 6800Ultra...They may not respond exactly the same...I'm not sure...

Anyhow...

81.95 Drivers (I use the XG81.95v2 avaliable at Guru3D.com)...Follow noell's post pinned to the top of this forum if you elect to try other drivers...

The settings I use with the 81.95's are...

nVidia Drivers:
AA=4x
AF=16x
Image settings=Quality(Sometimes I'll switch to High Quality)
Force mipmaps=Triliner
The rest are all left at Default under "Global driver settings"

In the Sim:
Scenery Tab: I choose Ultra High(I may slide all these sliders to the right except terrain detail stays on land only)

Aircraft Tab: I choose Medium Low as I personaly don't like the reflective textures...Personal preferance...

Weather: Ultra High + Max out 3D Cloud Persentage...Detailed Clouds and Max Cloud coverage density...

Hardware Tab:
I lock at Target Framerate at 35...
1600x1200x32 Resolution...
Render to Texture=Check
Transform and lighting=Check
Anti-aliasing=Not Checked
Filtering=Triliner
Mip mapping quality=4
Hardware-rendered lights=6

Global Max Texture Size=Massive

Those seem to work very well for me...

Hope this Helps...