Simviation Forums

Ok so my new computer is almost done built. I just need some advice on my video card.

Will an nVidia 8400GS run FSX "just" fine (say 20-25fps)? It is just that I don't want to spend a lot of money on a video card... at least for now

The specs are:

Core2Duo E7200 2.53Ghz
2GB DDR2-800 RAM (oh yes, should I get 2*1GB sticks or only 1*2GB stick?)
Seagate 250GB SATA HD + My 80GB Seagate SATA HD
Intel G31PR Motherboard
LG Multiwriter
--The video card above--

Thanks in advance!

The 8400GS isn't the best card for FSX.

yes FSX will work but will struggle. Make sure you do all of Nick's tips for optimal performance. have you tried to look at the 8800 GTS or the 8800 GT? They are not very expensive and gives some great performance. If you want you might want to try the new 9 series but on the lower end.

I can't really say on your RAM as I am still wondering about my own RAM.

What OS are you running?

Please note that even with my system ( specs below at sig) I still have smoothness problems. I can't run everything maxed out so just keep in mind that FSX will require lots more than the average system to run.

the 8400 is the lowest 8X00 card available. FSX will most likely chew up that card and spit it out. If your going 8 series, I wouldn't go lower than an 8600 model card, but an 8800GT can be had for very cheap and would yield much better results. Like a1 stated, those of us with the best hardware available right now still have stuttering problems and frame rate issues with FSX from time to time. As a general rule, don't try to cut costs on you video card if you are at all interested in gaming. FSX is processor heavy, but aside from that, most every game relies much more on your graphics card than it does on the other components.

Thanks guys...

Yes of course I know HD capacity has nothing to do with the performance. I (think I) know a lot about computers, it's like my passion.

That's why I have my P4 1.6Ghz with 768RAM and an Ati 9550 running somewhat fast for it's time. I run FS9 with it and take very good-looking shots with very acceptable FPS. 8-) I am even considered a technological "guru" by my friends and family

Just asked about FSX because I have never played it and don't know what kind of hardware-eater it is  :P. I will try to look up for an 8600 or 8800, but they will be very hard to find.

As you may know I live in Lima, Peru, and there are not much options in buying computer hardware. That's why most of the hardware available is budget-oriented. Add the fact that everything is about 15% more expensive than in other countries and I don't have much money.

Oh Alex I guess I'll be fine with XP.

Thanks

[quote]Thanks guys...

Yes of course I know HD capacity has nothing to do with the performance. I (think I) know a lot about computers, it's like my passion.

That's why I have my P4 1.6Ghz with 768RAM and an Ati 9550 running somewhat fast for it's time. I run FS9 with it and take very good-looking shots with very acceptable FPS. 8-) I am even considered a technological "guru" by my friends and family

Just asked about FSX because I have never played it and don't know what kind of hardware-eater it is

Actually, I think the 8300 GS is the worst 8x00 card for FSX, and luckily, it's OEM only.

[quote]Thanks guys...

Yes of course I know HD capacity has nothing to do with the performance. I (think I) know a lot about computers, it's like my passion.

That's why I have my P4 1.6Ghz with 768RAM and an Ati 9550 running somewhat fast for it's time. I run FS9 with it and take very good-looking shots with very acceptable FPS. 8-) I am even considered a technological "guru" by my friends and family

Just asked about FSX because I have never played it and don't know what kind of hardware-eater it is

Thanks Mark, no I didn't take your comments in a bad way . I also have some friends who ask why their QuadCore PC does not run MSN Messenger fast enough

I can buy online, but shipping is the big problem. Most of the times customs require tax payments. I am kind of planning to visit the U.S on January or Febraury so I guess that will be the time.