Simviation Forums

I have a Dell dimension 4500 S  about 2 years old I think. (time flys too!)  Also,  512 Mg. mem., Integraded Intel 3D AGP Graphics. 20GB Value Hard Drive, XP home. I see that I'm locked at 10 FPS and run about 9.8-9.9 in all modes except Spot view and then the frame rates run at about 6.5 or so. Also it could be my imagination but my frame rates seem to improve after my first flight. So I take a short flight around the hill and back before I get serious. I see and read some of you get 2 to 3 times better rates than I. Some planes are terrable for my frame rates such at the 747. For some reason smaller planes give me better rates.  What do I need to to get up to speed with the rest of you guys and gals?  ::)        Thanks for any help.

Try going to Flight Simulator Graphics Solutions and check out FSAutoStart.  Its a great little program that will enable you to shut down all non-essential programs before you start FS, then it restarts them automatically when you end your session.

Also, you should probably do some virus checks and adware/spyware scans.  It sounds as though your memory is just being taken up with too much stuff.

You might also want to get the newest patch for FS.  I installed (got XP as well) and it seemed to help just a bit.

The Dell Dimension is the same I have, what I have done was upgraded some more RAM, video card FX 5200, and installed FSAutostart (the older version is better) and it helped a ton!!
FSAutostart is a awesome piece of software and I like it much more than EndItAll, mainly because you don't need to reboot if you want to do other things after flying

I see that I'm locked at 10 FPS

....

If your FPS display says '(locked at 10fps)' go to (Options)/Settings/Display>Hardware tab. In upper left is a slider for 'Target Frame Rate'. Move the slider.

Move the slider to 30 or so, and do some flying. Keep tabs on your fps, noting the average high fps.

I've got almost the exact same system as you.  I've also got a 4500S with a 20GB HD.  I've got 640 MB RAM.  I also had the onboard graphics, but I upgraded to an FX5200 128mb card.  

I then googled "FS9 Tweaks" and ran through the various lists of fs9.cfg tweaks and did most of them.  I can now get well over 30 fps in spot, over seattle, in multiplayer, sliders maxed, with all of my normal background apps running (including messengers and antivirus), with the POSKY fleet.  I can even fly the Meljet stuff now!

It just takes a little bit of research to get some fantastic results.  Good luck!