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This may seem like a dumb question to all you experts out there, but I am used to asking dumb questions lol    Does more RAM improve the frame rate.  I know all about setting the sliders on the display, but was wondering about increasing the RAM  Thanks all
Splash

Well, it depends on your setup. Depends on what speed your processor is, what kind of graphics card you have, sometimes even what kind of sound card you have. Also depends on how much RAM you have now and how much you are going to upgrade to.
Typically more ram does equal better framerates...but again, it all depends.
Good luck!

Yeah, by what i know more RAM increases frame rates by a lot. I plan on upgrading my 256 to 512 ( that is the number right?)

Yeah, speed is very important, then again i don't know much about computers

If you have a decent processor but still getting low frame rates then adding RAM might be the cure.  At least with today's prices it's the cheapest boost you can get.

That may not be the case in all situations but usually more RAM doesn't hurt. Just make sure you get the right type of RAM for your machine and follow the instructions on installing it.

Whatever you do don't let your cat help. I lost a whole MB that way. Seems cats are natrual static generators.  ;D

Eric hit the nail on the head.

Overall system performance is a balance of many hardware and software factors, of which one is RAM.

It's difficult to assess how much improvement you'll get without having your specs, but as an overall benchmark, FS2002 tends to give optimal performance with 512mb installed.

This is particularly true if you're running Windows XP which chews up a massive amount of RAM just to run itself. (Roughly 128mb in the case of an untweaked Pro edition).

Don't expect miracles though. Unless the rest of your hardware is eons ahead of the amount of RAM you have, the increase will probably be `noticeable` rather than `jaw-dropping`. Unless of course you haven't much RAM to start with.

I'll stop rambling now because I really need some existing system specs or there'll be 500 "Ifs" and "Maybes" in this post.

I knew I shud have included the specs.  I am not an expert on puters by any means but I have 1GHz Speed, ATI RadeonVE (7000), 256 MB RAM,  and I am going to the max (the Radeon 9800 Pro, 512 RAM (Is that the most?) If not I am going for more.  I dont have a large harddrive only 13 Gigs but I mostly only use it for FS2K2.  And where the heck do one find the sound card?I may be going for a whole new system.  Geez I am retired and luv this sim  Thanks for your help
Splash

LOL - you go for it.

For your sound card, right-click "My Computer" and select properties, then device manager (or hardware tab, then device manager if on XP).

You'll see a list of devices - near the bottom is Sound, video and game controllers - double click it. It should list the sound card type in there.

To the upgrade, it obviously depends how much disposable cash you've got, but if you're serious about getting a 9800 Pro, then you should consider this:

At the moment, there is no processor on the market that can keep up with the speed capablility of the 9700, never mind the 9800. That includes Intel's P4 3.06ghz.

If you run it on a 1ghz processor, you'll strangle it's power. The 1ghz processor will simply hold it back and you'll have wasted a lot of money. If you're thinking of spending that kind of money, I'd be inclined to think about a whole new P.C. If you find the right deal, it can sometimes work out as cheap as upgrading.

But don't install one (fantistically good) component in your existing PC and expect the rest of your hardware to keep up with it. It won't. It will simply bottleneck everywhere, meaning you'd actually experience the same speed as if you were running something like a GF2 MX200.

Sound advice as always, Tipster.   I now have P111 and the sound card is VIA AC'97 Audio Controller(WDM) Found it and I was close before  lol.  I will probably go with a whole new system, since I do have lots of disposable cash (I am spending the kids inheritance!!!!! (Laughing madly and crazily!!!!)  Most likely I will have a system built for me (built around the video card?)  Probably have my son build it, He is an electrical engineer and a Communications and Electronics Engineer in the Canadian Military.   I wonder, what would be the ideal system? Whatever it is I want it  ;D
Splash

[quote] Sound advice as always, Tipster.

Check out this article on the new DELL premium system...just for flight simmers....at a rather good price!
http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/kds?$=main ... ll8250.htm
It is an excellent review with all you want to know for Flight Simmers!

I would like to point out one thing on tipsters list.  LCD's are great for pictures and net surfing.  But if you want one that can handle action and movement well, you will want one with a refresh rate over 75 MHz.  Otherwise you could see a shadowing effect.  LCD pixels fade in and out, unlike CRT's that turn on and off.  Be prepared to spend a lot of money on a top quality LCD.

[quote]I would like to point out one thing on tipsters list.

I think you have to look at it from the perspective of what are the minimum requirements to run the game.  Then if you double that you should have no problems running FS2002.  In theory....  So if you have double the specs then you should be able to run the game just fine.
So with that theory triple the specs and you should run flawlessly.  If you are not then there maybe something going on with the machine.  For example you may have a kick ass video card, but the agp slot may not be configured to run that card optimally.  I have had a few computers, and I have found for everything to run smoothly all of your hardward must jive...  For what real gaming computers are all about, check out www.alienware.com.
These are wonderful gaming computers.

Yeah, that's really good info guys.  Tipster, wish you lived closer to me, I'd pay ya to spend my money and build me the ideal system  lol  But I did get really hooked on simming and in particular FS so I am going for the best system.  Yes, would like the info on the best motherboard as well, and anything else anyone  can contribute - will collate all the info (including checking out those sites recommended) and my son and his computer engineering buddies are gonna build me the system.  Gonna go visit him for a month or so, soon and will have some time to spend with him going over the info I get here.  Want to have something that I can upgrade when the latest hardware/software comes out as well.   I am looking at a multi-monitor system (possibly 6 at least) if thats possible - I use 2 now.  And the yoke, pedals etc.  Yeah Geez, I am hooked on this stuff  lmao  Thanks guys, you all have been very helpful.  I appreciate it very much
Splash

[quote]Tipster, wish you lived closer to me, I'd pay ya to spend my money and build me the ideal system