What can I do..

[Wingo]

To improve my computer to run FS on it? I'm using a Sony VAIO laptop
My Sytem:

ATi 345m IGP 128MB (shared)
2.2GHz Intel Celeron
Motherboard unknown
40gb HD, split into a 15gb and 25gb partition
1024mb RAM, 128 for graphics 896mb for system

Now, my system should be able to run FS2004 alright on medium to low settings. Right now I have graphics settings on the lowest possible, no AA or AF, very low texture and MIP quality. FS settings are around the medium-low settings and I get a very respectful 7fps in open flight, 3-5fps while landing/taking off and 1-2fps at large airports. All vaules go up by 2-4fps when all sliders are to the left. Is there any way I can improve the performane in FS? Or is it time I think about a new computer?? If I do need a new computer, any suggestions on what system specs/hardware devices it should have, it needs to be a laptop though...

[Mees]

yeah, you better get a new rig, and since ctjoyce is on holiday, Nick N(probably), kipman and congo will help you out here

[Wingo]

Yuh, I've been looking at some systems this arvo. I'm thinking of a celeron duo 2.0 ghz based system with either a Nvidia Geforce Go 7900 GS or 7400, both with 256mb memory or 7900 GTX with 512mb and 1 or 2gb of ram. A good enough system to run Vista until I can buy a performance desktop.

Looking at the numbers, there is little difference between the 7900 GS and GTX except the memory, not enough for an extra $250 if i can save it. The 7400 is definately lower in comparison, the question is buy higher (Aus$4500 ~US$3150) and stick with fs2004 for the next year or so, or pay high and get a system that will run vista, but go without DX10 until i can upgrade or pay lower (Aus$3400 ~US$2380) and buy myself a vista 64bit, dual core, DX10 system halfway through the year to run FSX....

[Mees]

In this case, i'd say save the most money you can and if vista comes out get yourself a good, vista-based rig

[ctjoyce]

Alright for a lappy you have a good setup. For a gaming rig, I'm supprised you bother.

Dual core processer (64 bit)
2GB of RAM
80GB + HDD
PCI-E video card.

Thats about what you should look at when you plan to build. If you must make due with the lappy, throw a fast 2GB kit of RAM in there, get a much bigger HDD, and find out what kind of GPU interface you have on your mobo. You may be able to throw in a nVidia GO 7 series card if your luckey.

Cheers
Cameron

[NicksFXHouse]

80GB + HDD

Cheers
Cameron

I'm gonna throw my 2cents in about the drive. If you do not intend to run RAID, go for the 150GB capacity and the largest cache.... 16mb Raptor's

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6822136012 .

If you intend to run RAID, still go for the 16mb Raptor but you can reduce the 2 units down to 74-80GB...


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6822136033


BUT if you can afford it, 2x150GB will out perform 2x80GB of the same RAID controller.

Those are the newer Raptors and they do not make as much noise as the first generation however they will be louder than what you are use to hearing.

[Wingo]

ctjoyce -  there's no point, the lappy is fairly old. The max RAM it can take is 1gb and it came out before PCI-e. Also I'm pretty limited on space so i can't build a desktop for myself, it has to be a lappy but thanks for the suggestions.

Everyone - Is there/will there be any dual core 64-bit processors for laptops, preferably Intel? I'm most likely going to be buying from Dell, they're the best bang for buck ratio and they use only Intel chips.

[Delta_]

Alienware is the obvious choice, they are owned by Dell.  You can get AMD 64-bit chips there.  Dell is a good choice if you want to wait.  The core duo is a 32-bit processor.  You need to wait for Conroe (Core 2 Duo) processors for 64-bit.

Keep an eye on the Dell XPS laptop range when Core 2 Duo comes out.

[Wingo]

I have been looking at the XPS range. They look like a great system! I'll take your advice to look for the Core 2 Duo.

[ctjoyce]

Core Duo is a horrable choice as of now. They are not 64 Bit processers. Look at www.voodoopc.com They make hands down the best laptops on the market.

Cheers
Cameron

[NicksFXHouse]

[quote]ctjoyce -

[Delta_]

Core Duo is a horrable choice as of now. They are not 64 Bit processers. Look at www.voodoopc.com They make hands down the best laptops on the market.

Cheers
Cameron

Yep right now, not when Conroe comes out though, Core 2 Duo will be 64-bit.  

The expected release date is anytime this year, sooner rather than later this year.

[kipman725]

Very little point upgrading the lappy as the graphics cards so slow that upgrading another component will not give a great performance boost.  Laptop graphics chips are non upgradable so the only real option is a new rig.  The best option is to save up some money for a decent rig that will run FSx but if you want something now and only care about fs2004 you can build a budget machine from components scrounged from ebay for example:

(these are only examples!)