in need of an upgrade for the comp

[pacblue]

Hi there, first of all i do realise there are already alot of threads covering this type of question, however i wanted a more precise answer for my particular comp.
I have tried many tweaks andtips to fix my FPS. and for the most part all is good until landing (in WN mainly) and the fps goes down to around 2fps!!!! already the graphics settings are not too high, i would not like to go any lower than they are now, so can someone please put up a link for some type of hardware that will run FSX the best. my current specs are:

Windows XP 32
Intel® Core™2 Duo
E7400 @2.80 GHz
2.80GHz , 3.50GB of RAM

^ in all honesty that means nothing to me so please let me know where the weak link is and the best possible upgrade for me.

Kindest Regards,

Pac

[AlisterC]

My computer is similar specs, actually less for the CPU, and I run FSX just fine.
What gfx card do you have?
This is with a 9800GTX card and 30fps : http://nzff.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14288
Similar specs otherwise.

[Nzeddy]

http://forum.avsim.net/topic/334708-system...t-pmdg-advised/

[pacblue]

thanks for the reply guys, so if i get the GTX 580 that should enable me to run FSX with pretty full settings? and alisterC your graphics look amazing!

[Timmo]

Good computer performance is all about reducing bottle necks so there isn't much point getting a super grunty graphics card on a machine with relatively low RAM and CPU (especially if your power supply doesn't have the grunt to run it)

You haven't listed your graphics card but it is a fairly cheap way to upgrade especially since a lot of the cards which would work well with your machine are cheap second hand- Something like a 800 or 900 series nVidia card should be a good upgrade (again, assuming your powersupply can cope)
You are limited to the RAM you have already due to your 32bit OS
Your CPU, while not great, is sufficient. If your cooling is adequate it maybe possible to give a slight over-clock on that too?

Other than that, a fast SATA/SATA2 (depending on your motherboard) will help load scenery and FSX more quickly and are generally pretty cheap.

[AndrewJamez]

The GTX 580 on an old core 2 duo will be way overkill. The sim will still be restricted to your cpu well before your new GPU even breaks a sweat. FSX is all about cpu speed and for ulimate performance a quad running up around 4Ghz is where fsx starts to show its true colours. THEN - a GTX 580 will earn its keep. If your not upgrading your PC then like Timmo said, a high 9000 series or the newer version GTS250 0r GTX260 will be more than enough for your current setup. I am running a i7 870 at 3.8Ghz and my GTS260SP has not quite enough power for that but still runns pretty good.

[Nzeddy]

I would just get a new computer rather than upgrading.

[pacblue]

My mistake, the graphics card is the "ATI RADEON HD 4800 series" thank you all for the enlightening feedback. now to saving up a bit more coin.

[Dontcopy]

OK, I think an upgrade to a GTX 560ti would be would be a good idea. CPU could be upgraded to a Core 2 quad and Buying a faster hardrive would really help too.
Also what is the size of your PSU (Power unit) in your computer? Just ask if you need hhelp with this.

Also if you could find the name of your motherboard, would be a good help too.

[Ian Warren]

QUOTE (Nzeddy @ May 11 2011,11:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would just get a new computer rather than upgrading.

Not going to add extras or suggest , keep the old PC and have it side by side networked and linked