Graphics

[Ash7882]

Hi All,

I'am considering buying a Graphics card to enhance the Scenery and the frame rate. Only problem is the ones I have looked at seem very expensive.

So my questions are,

1 - Is it worth getting one?

2 - What type should I get and a rough cost.

Thank you in advance.

Ash

[Scottler]

My suspicion is that if you're asking, you probably don't have much inside already.  If you're going to make the move from say an integrated graphics chip to an all out video card, then yeah, definitely get one.

As for which, it really depends what you're looking to spend.  The FX5200 128mb card is a great little card if you're not looking to spend a buttload of cash..it's the card I've got, and I love it.  (Check out my shots in this month's contest.)

If you really want to spend some money, the sky is literally the limit.  What are you looking to spend?  That's the best spot to start.

[Ash7882]

No i currently dont have anything and I find if i put my display settings as much as med high the whole game slows down considerably, eventually I get a virtual memory low warning and the whole thing closes.

How much is a standard card, I'm not after anything too expensive or top of the range!

Thanks

[MattNW]

By nothing I take it you are using an integrated graphics card. In that case almost anything you buy especially if your MB has an AGP slot, is going to be an improvement.

For a good graphics card you are looking at somewhere in the range of $200-$300. This will give you a real boost in graphics power moving up from an integrated card. If that's a little high end for you then you can also get better than you have presently for $150-$200.

There are some limits if you have to use a PCI graphics card but I still think it will be better than an integrated card like you have now. In my opinion however I wouldn't spend near as much on it if you have to go the PCI route. You'd be better off getting a cheaper PCI card then saving your money for a new computer with a real good AGP card.

[cobzz]

the fx5700 is good , i have one and fs9 runs fine at a little over half graphics. just somtimes it runs slow like when you flying new york with max air traffic on.
it cost around 200-250$$ australian i dont kno about US.
if you get the MSI fx5700 you get (soposidly)1200$$ of soft ware + the graphics card for 450$ australian

[Bumper]

My advice on this as usual is - go to ebay, check what's on offer at what prices, check out the specs of the various cards compared to your budget and then give it a go.

I recently picked up an ATI 9700Pro for under

[RollerBall]

That seems like good advice to me..

[dave3cu]

........I get a virtual memory low warning and the whole thi......

This sounds like you may also be short on RAM. This also affects your FS performance. I think the general concensus is min of 512Mb for an XP system. I saw significant FPS improvement/elimination of stutter upgrading from 256 to 768. New 512Mb PC2100 DDR ram, $75-80 US.

If your stuck with only PCI (as I am) for your Graphics Adapter upgrade, I believe the Geforce fx5200 128 PCI is about the highest you can go (dont know about ATI). New, $75-80 US. For AGP, think new is about $55 US.

Cheers,
Dave

[the_autopilot]

Hi All,

I'am considering buying a Graphics card to enhance the Scenery and the frame rate. Only problem is the ones I have looked at seem very expensive.

So my questions are,

1 - Is it worth getting one?

2 - What type should I get and a rough cost.

Thank you in advance.

Ash

1) yes, it seems like you have an integrated video solution.

2) Depends on your mobo. If it supports AGP, get a 6600 gt. Best performence for its price. You won't find anything better for its price. IF you have PCI, your limited to a 5200, which i still a hella of a lot better than integrated gfx.