Improving MSFS?

[rich1241]

Hi,

Basically i would like to make my flight sim run a lot more smoother. On average i get about 15fps but at busier airports such as Heathrow i get about 7fps - even with default scenery. Move to somewhere with payware scenery and i get even less.

I would like to spend no more than about

[JBaymore]

Richard,

You'll likely get as many opinions are there are folks that frequent the "hardware" forum  ;).  Listen a lot to Congo and Ramsa.

One obvious thing in your listing that is relatively cheap that stands right out is to add at least another 512 M of RAM to the system.  That should make a good difference relative to the few dollars or pounds or whatever spent.

What is the graphics card, and what is the front side buss speed?

You DO have to understand the fs2004 is a REAL tester for a computer system.  It taxes more than just the video card.  Many who have upgraded video cards alone have been surprised at the overall LACK of great improvements.

Personally, based on my experiences in playing with hardware, I take the comments from those who have very low level machines saying "I get 2,000,000 FPS and smooth as silk with full sliders set and AI at 100%" with a large grain of salt.

For any given machine setup, many recommend RAMSA's FSGS service as the best investment they have made in the sim.  It costs something like $75 USD.......and is basically professional consulting service and whole machine setup and tweaking by a real pro.  Worht considering probably.

Give the thread time to develop.....you'll get some good advice.  Sorting the wheat from the chaff will be the issue  ;).  Also look back through this forum for LOTS of posts asking this same question...... there is a wealth of knowledge stored here.

best,

.........john

[rich1241]

Thanks for your rapid reply!

Firstly, how do FSGS tweak my PC. Do i have to send my PC off in the post or something???

Also my graphics card is a "C.P. Technologies Inc RADEON 9200SE" and how do I find out the front side buss speed?

Thanks again,
Richard

[eno]

Check the link to FSGS in my sig ....... all the information is there.

[ctjoyce]

My only two suggestions would be to get 1GB of RAM and atleast a nVidia 6600GT (pref a 6800GS)

Those two upgrades are both just plug and play, and will instantly improove your system massively. It should also run you about 250GBP

Cheers
Cameron

[congo]

The 9200SE isn't really up to the task of great graphics on FS9.

[kipman725]

your cpu looks to be fine.  More ram would definatly help (a 512mb sticks about

[rich1241]

Thanks for all of your replies - some good advice received!

I am actually in contact with FSGS, so i shall see how that turns out for MSFS!

Cheers,
Richard.

[ctjoyce]

I think its kind of a waste doing FSGS with that system. Put a worthy card in first, then do FSGS. Hell even 1GB of RAM would get you 10 more frames.

Cheers
Cameron