SLI

[Bubblehead]

I got an EVGANvidia 7950GT video card. My mobo has an extra video slot which I can use to install another card of the same model in SLI configuration. Considering that I may have to up my PSU, will this significantly improve performance? At higher settings, I am presently experiencing jerking motion of the aircraft especially when flying the fighter jets.

Bubblehead

[jimcooper1]

The answer is almost definitely NO.  What are the rest of your system specs and are we talking FSX or FS2004?  Either way FS is almost entirely CPU intensive and any stuttering is probably CPU bound.  SLi will make little or no difference. The 7950 is a good card and is unlikly to be the cause of any problems.

Regards

Jim

[ctjoyce]

I can tell you from experience that upgrading my CPU was a much better investment than my second 7900GT in terms of FS performance. So if you already have a Pentium D, Core 2 Duo, or an Athalon X2 then go ahead and buy a second 7950, but if not, that should be your next upgrade.

Also remember that a single new 8800GTS is going to be a much better investment in the long run than a second 7950GT. With DX10 support and better performance, you would be a better off.

Cheers
Cameron

PS: Yes I'm back, I don't know for how long, but I'm back.

[Bubblehead]

My mobo is an Asus M2n32-SLI Deluxe AM2. My CPU is an AM2 4600 X2 Dual Cored. Would it improve performance if I replace the CPU with an AM2 6000? I play both FSX and FS9. Is there anything in the settings I could adjust lower without sacrificng frame rates and scenery?

Bubblehead

[ctjoyce]

The 4600x2 is a very good CPU for either sim, and the 6000x2 will offer some slightly better performance. We are talking maybe an extra 5 FPS. For the price a second 7950GT would be a better investment. If you need the extra speed, pick up a Zalman CNPS-9700Cu or 9500Cu (both work very well, the 9500 is better for a smaller case) and overclock your 4600 to the 6000's 3Ghz.

As for preformance tweaks. There are a whole bunch of guides provided by Nick N lying around showing you how to tweak. Jump down to the Tweaking and overclocking forum. I can tell ya though, in FSX turning down or off all road and animal traffic boosts your frames like crazy.

Cheers
Cameron