...CPU or Graphics Card

[kemplen]

..... have got enough dosh for one or the other ..... which do I need the most?, .... better graphics card or faster cpu? ..... an fx5600 256mb or an amd athalon xp 2800+ ? ....  to improve the specs I currently run (as below) ..... my motherboard will take that cpu, I've checked ..... just looking for advice/ ideas ..... cheers  ;)

[Daz]

hmm hard choice id go with the graphics card for now...

but the xp2800 or above i would suggest aswell because you can play an mp3 have about 10 programs open and still run fs flawlessly- prividing you have the right graphics card

[IanR]

absolutely no doubt - go for the graphics card upgrade.

IanR

[JBaymore]

This kind of question is why I was wanting to do some testing  ;).  To figurer out what really matters for sure.

There was a posting at one point about a prior version of the simulator dependingf more on the CPU tthan the graphics card for performance upgrades once you reached a "base" minimum level of graphics card.  Don;t know it this applies in FS2004.

best,

...............john

[Big_Al]

..... have got enough dosh for one or the other ..... which do I need the most?, .... better graphics card or faster cpu? ..... an fx5600 256mb or an amd athalon xp 2800+ ? ....  to improve the specs I currently run (as below) ..... my motherboard will take that cpu, I've checked ..... just looking for advice/ ideas ..... cheers  ;)

Graphics Card is what you need. Plus I'd recommend getting Windows XP on your computer, much faster than 2000 when it comes to running games.

[Delta_]

the difference between the 2000 and the 2800 is the fsb and the clock speed which is abuout 400MHz more.

The graphics card would be a massive improvement.

[congo]

Maybe you can have both, well almost. Try to get hold of a 333mhz XP2600+, it's the same speed as a Barton 2800, it just lacks the extra cache ram which you don't need anyway. The XP2600+ is a lot cheaper.

Also, The GF FX5600 isnt much faster than a GF4 TI4200, But...... The Radeon 9800 is a stonking leap forward from both those cards.

Do a bit a research and you can probably get both. See my post: Best Video Card Is Too Cheap!

www.pricewatch.com shows the CPU for $88 and the radeon 9800 for $144.

So, for around $250 with postage and insurance you could pull it off!



Good Luck,

Congo

P.S.

[4_Series_Scania]

The Radeon 9800 is a stonking leap forward from both those cards.

.

Yup, many people in the FS2004 forum think the drivers arn't too clever, simply the reason I've got an Nvidia.

To agree to everybody else, get that card upgraded!!!  ;)

Then, swap your mobo for an 800fsb p4 setup once they've got a little cheaper after Christmas... (He says with fingers crossed! )

Paul.

Daz, did you ever fry that ti4200 of yours

[Delta_]

If the standard ATi drivers don't work, go with the ATi supported Omega drivers, these work 99.9% for those people with problems.

[JBaymore]

I think "ATI supported" is probably an overstatement.  But they are an option if all else fails.

Personally I'll stay on ATI's case to fix their own darn product.

best,

.................john

[Delta_]

I agree.