memory versus video card

[fellowtraveller]

I think I need to upgrade my memory card or graphics....or something!  I often find that it takes a long time for a plane to appear when I select it and when I switch between views it can take for ages - particularly with bigger planes.

I have a Dell Dimension Dim 2400 Intel (R)
Pentium (R) 4 CPU 2.66 Ghz
256 MB of RAM

I've probably left out the most important bit but then my hobby is planes not computers.

Grateful for any advice.  Thanks

[Delta_]

What graphics card you use?

[dave3cu]

Hi ft,

I have an HP system very similar to yours.

A memory upgrade will definetly help, as the system can use a large part of your 256mb, leaving little for FS. I upgraded to 768mb (added 1 512mb dimm about $80 US) and loading delays are now minimal.

As for video card, your sys has the integrated intel extreme 3d chipset , uses system cpu and memory (64mb shared) . An upgrade will definetly help, but you are limited to choices as, like I, you only have PCI available, no AGP.

Dont know about ATI but in the GeForce line I think the 5200 series is the best offered as PCI. Your sys lists a 250w power supply, so should handle the 5200. $75-$150 or so depending on options.

Even the GeForce 2 MMX4 I use is an improvememt over the Intel chipset, but I would recommend you go better than that.

Cheers,
Dave

[fellowtraveller]

Thanks so much Dave; I'll let you know the results.........and thanks also for letting myself and Hyvry1 know more about what I am using!!! I appreciate it.  Cheers to you too Hyvry.

[Delta_]

I agree with what dave says aswell.

[walo00]

i have a 5200 but its not working very well I need help

[JBaymore]

fellowtraveler,

Also...... if you are using Win XP.... that alone takes 128M to load itself.  So minus the 64 M for the shared video card.... that is leaving your sim only at MOST (assuming nothing else running) 64M to run.   That just won;t do it .

So plan on more RAM too if you are running XP.  512 is the minimum.....and a gig would be better.

best,

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

[congo]

Dell      Dell       Dell       Dell       Dell     Dell      Dell       Dell      Dell       Dell       Dell       Dell     Dell      Dell

 :o   Wake up Congo!

Oh sry, I was having another nightmare...........  ;D

[fellowtraveller]

Thanks everyone.  I took Dave's advice; added a further 512 Mb of memory and upgraded my graphics card to Geforce 5200 series.  Everything is working so much better.  Of course I shall never be COMPLETELY satisfied.  Glad I don't fly in the real world; have you seen those new European drinking laws for pilots?? Tho' as a passenger I'm pretty happy about it!!  My only other complaint...the cost of hardware/software in the U.K.  Everything Dave quoted in US dollars cost me about the same in

[pointerboat]

Hey, Fellowtraveller .  Before I dish out the big(ish) bucks - what differences did you see with your upgrade ?  Did you go "WOW" or "Oh , that was a little faster ".  I'm looking at about $350 Can. to do the same upgrade .  Regards,  Terry.

[crj700]

[quote]Hey, Fellowtraveller .

[fellowtraveller]

Well I didn't go wow!.....but then I am a restrained Brit. It's not going to blow you away but it will make the flying experience  much better.  You may want to start with just updating the memory as that in itself made the biggest difference and you may be satisfied enough with the results to leave it at that.  ;)

[congo]

Fellowtravellor,

Did you actually try the RAM and then the video card seperately on their own to see what made the "biggest difference"?

Or, are you just taking a shot in the dark with other peoples money?

[fellowtraveller]

Not really worthy of an answer Congo.  And thanks for your previous contribution.....a pun on the world Dell.

[congo]

Well I think the question is worthy of an answer, so I'll answer myself.

RAM itself is not really a "graphics" solution. Extra RAM will only help, (in varying degrees, depending on configuration), if the system is starving for RAM....which was part of your problem.

I like to use the analogy- enough room to swing a cat-...

The CPU needs working space to carry out it's job. Put it in a closet with no RAM- it doesn't have swinging room.

Give it plenty of RAM, it's free to swing that cat around the front yard on a string!

Put excess RAM in the PC.... You can only swing a cat so far...... The CPU becomes the limiting factor, it can't process enough data to use all the available RAM.

Graphics Performance POTENTIAL is determined by the Graphics Engine (graphics processing unit or GPU).

The more powerful the GPU, the more potential for good graphics. Thus, a video card's performance is primarily identified by it's GPU genre. ie. FX5700, Radeon 9600XT.
Those numbers represent the "class" of the GPU. Many variations often occur within the class, such as the amount and type of RAM onboard the video card.

Graphics Performance always stops somewhere...... a limiting factor, whether it be the CPU, RAM, GPU, bandwidth limitations or the software itself.

Identifying the limiting factor, or determining the most critical bottleneck, requires:
1. enough facts about the system to make an informed analysis, and
2. sufficient understanding of gaining the most POTENTIAL out of a particular hardware setup.

The solution can then be passed on to the poor soul who, when he/she bought the machine, said "That's Pretty!"