RAM and graphics

[Foxtrot Sport]

I have an Nvidia GeForce MX 440 (128mb) and a dissapointing amout of RAM (128mb)  Which would be the better one to upgrade.  I have heard in both directions.

-HF  ;D

[Gixer]

Well both are low but I would probably go for the better graphics card first.  Get the best you can afford.  Then start saving for some more ram!  ;D

[Skittles]

I disagree, I'm running a vid card with 128. My operating load of FS takes up 280MB. I would recommend adding more RAM.

[Gixer]

Er its a Geforce MX !!! this happens to be a really (Sorry to say it) poop card.  It doesn't matter that it has 128 ram its just the card doesnt perform well. i.e. a 9800pro with only 128mb will obliterate the GF MX yet it has the same amount of ram.

 I still think you would see a bigger difference if you got a much better card.  Though 128 ram is still very low and ideally you want a minimum of 512 really.

[JBaymore]

HIflyer,

If you are running Win XP...... it alone needs 128M for itself.  If that is what you are running....it is amazing that fs2004 is running at all.  And likely your computer is grinding your hard drive into powder using the (S....l....o.....w) virtual memory swap files.

RAM is the place to start.  Min 512 unless you are running Win 98....and then it is the max.  You can always turn down the visuals to get better performance and then turn them up wheen you get a good garphics card.

best,

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

[congo]

Get as much RAM as you want, it still ain't gonna help make that MX440 perform..... It would be the same as turbo-charging a Volkswagen trying to win the Grand Prix.

[JBaymore]

The analogy is maybe better that the VW basically has a minimal engine....... and the supercharger upgrade won't do too much to improve things.... because the fuel pump supplying gas to the engine is kinbda shot.  Until the fuel pump is putting out the right amouint of gas.... the engine won't run very well at all ....with or without the addition of the supercharger.

And in the end.... that car even WITH the supercharger ain't gonna awin ANY races.  

best,

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

[Gixer]

OK I think we all agreed here you need more of both basically.   So get what you want first then save for the other straight away coz your gonna need it  ;D

p.s. I would still go for the g/card first especially if you play other games on your rig too!  in most other games I would say you would gain the biggest advantage from a g/card but FS2004 just uses everything your PC has lol.

[Silver1SWA]

I disagree.  First place to start, especially if you are running Windows XP is to GET MORE RAM.  Regardless of FS9, your computer could really, I repeat, REALLY use that RAM...it needs it!

[Politically Incorrect]

I disagree.  First place to start, especially if you are running Windows XP is to GET MORE RAM.  Regardless of FS9, your computer could really, I repeat, REALLY use that RAM...it needs it!

Agree, But I can't see XP running with only 128mb anyways, see JBaymores post! So he must be running something different, 98?
If it is XP the ram upgrade should be first just becasue with XP the more the marrier, it will improve the system overall. Then you can worry about the graphics card.
At least that is how my experiance was, started with 256mb ram, and a ATI RAGE, installed another 512 ram and the improvements were ten fold.
Then bought a FX 5200 graphics card and now the sim is pretty awesome, and for upgrades less than $100 each!
I like the 5200 (plus I'm saving for a computer I'm going to  build) so the next thing is another 512mb ram to boost me to 1gig, we'll see what happens.