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Computer Spec for FS2004

F

FirmamentFX

Messages
144
I am wondering whether to upgrade my existing PC for FS2004, or get a brand new one...

My current spec is:

  • Pentium D 930 (Dual Core)
  • 3GB 4300 RAM
  • SATA-II disks (removable - I will have a disk dedicated to FS)
  • ASUS P5WD Premium Motherboard
  • Some god awful graphics card :rolleyes:

I could upgrade this by:

  • Upgrading the processor to the best the MB can handle - unfortunately this precludes Core2Duo, but I could probably get a great deal on a "top end" dual core these days.
  • Upgrade the RAM to faster RAM - if FS2004 can take advantage of Windows XP x64 Edition, then I could get up to 8GB (the max my MB can handle). If not, then 3-4GB is a better bet...
  • Get a 1GB graphics card (NVidia or ATI).

Will this run "heavy" scenery and aircraft nicely in FS2004 (FSX is some way off for me...)?

Or should I fork out for a new PC (I'd rather not, my ATPL training is taking up more disposable income than I already have :D )

Cheers,

Martin
 
Upgrade

I don't know...800 MHz is pretty slow.

The amount of RAM is ok.

What I would do? Upgrade to a better video card 1st, then see.

You can always use the video card in a newer computer. :)

FlapsOut
 
Fsb

I think your computer is more than enough for FS9 then. I'd still get a better video card first and see though. :)

I think a good graphics card makes the most difference.

Flaps
 
FSX is more CPU/Memory intensive than graphics card intensive. Most all of the rendering is done by the cpu. A mid grade graphics card should do you well. Those that have to worry with the NVIDIA 8800 (et all) series are the folks that run Vista and they may get some benifit with the planned DX 10 upgrade...probably late Fall. DX 10 will drive some of the current CPU load out to the graphics card, and Microsoft is telling designers how to drive the load to the graphic cards already. The only real requirement for a graphics card right now is that it be able to use the HS1 and HS2 shaders to get the full effect of the reflective effects..water, chrome, etc.

FSX is a 32 bit application, and will be virtuallized on a 64 bit machine anyhow. SP1 optimized the game for intel based dual core processors. I don't know if the 930 has hyperthreading capabilities, but those routines were all supported with SP1 as well.

With your current setup, it looks like 3 gigs of ram will be your best bet. The books say 4 is ok, but there's a potential for problems for the memory bus controller to both keep track of all the memory addresses and rout stuff there in process (the controller needs memory to do it's job as well). Above 3 MB, you tend to get diminishing returns on your memory dollar.

If I were in your position, I'd probably get a couple of sticks of 1GB, and a couple of 512Mb low latency overclockable memory that I could reuse should the time for more serious upgrading appear.

You meet at least the minimum requirement for FSX as it is.

Jim
 
Ok thank you for the replies :)

I'm not going to go down the FSX road for 12 months or so - when DX10 cards are stable and prices for computers can come down...

The graphics card I get will also be able to go into my new PC when I get it - and be DX10 "upgradeable".

I was thinking about a 1GB card because I want to run 6 monitors (3 each with a Maxtor TripleHead2Go on each output). I also want to run some very "heavy" custom scenery on it...

Although a 32-bit app, is it LMA, so I could use it on XP Pro x64 and take advantage of more RAM? Having said that, you may be right, and I will get 3GB of the fastest RAM I can find, and also upgrade my processor to the max that my MB will allow me to.

Grazie,

Martin
 
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