As I said, your CPU speed is OK for FSX if not for more demanding games.
MEMORYAs to the memory -
Technically FSX can't use more than 4 GB because it's a 32 bit program.
But that's true
ONLY technically.
First off, your computer needs memory to run in. There are a lot of programs and tips on how to reduce the amount of memory that your OS needs.
But why try so hard to reduce your system to the minimum needed to operate? Memory isn't that expensive.
SIDE NOTE - Before getting into recommended components, let me say that some people make getting the FASTEST POSSIBLE whatever a major part of their life. But as soon as you buy the fastest whatever it'll soon be outperformed be some other company. I usually look for, and buy, the best that fits my needs and wallet.You didn't list your motherboard, but I'm willing to bet that it'll work best with
paired memory.
So simply adding memory on top of what you already have may not be the best way to go.
For memory I have two sets of
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB for a total of 16 GB.
The Ripjaws Series memory that I have isn't the fastest that they make
BUT it works VERY well with my system. Many motherboard companies will list memory that has tested well with each of their motherboards.
I have a lot of add on support programs running alongside my flight sim. Sometimes it's overkill. And sometimes not.
Many people will only need 8 GB though.
VIDEO CARDAs to the video card, most people have their favorites. Again - IGNORE the "Best" & Fastest". Get something that will work with your system.
I chose the
ASUS Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 because it was designed to operate three monitors
(although it will support more if done right).
When I bought my first Radeon HD card with Eyefinity, NVIDIA didn't have a cheap multi-monitor card.
Careful checking at the time showed that my system would not take
FULL advantage of a Radeon HD 69xx series card. But my system is probably older than yours.
Another thing about video cards - the 256-bit bandwidth on that card makes for a VERY VERY noticeable difference. And that DDR5 RAM
(GDDR and DDR on a graphics card is the same thing) helps me to do what I do with my multi monitor setup.
If you can get a video card with 2 GB of DDR5 at 256 bit,
OR BETTER, you might be able to reuse that card on your next computer.
SSDRecently I bought a used
Transcend Information 256GB SATA III SSD for about $90-$95. It works as well as the Samsung SSD that cost almost twice as much. If there's any speed difference between the two, I can't see it.
Read
HARDWARE, HARDWARE, HARDWARE to see my half a$$ed review. If you fly often it'll make a BIG difference in load time.
