Need expert's advice for FSX improvment.

[Lukeandree]

As I said above I need some assistance with improving performance in FSX. Im playing FSX on reasonably low settings and still the game gets very choppy at points and even during the "smooth" moments its not good enough. I want to be able to raise the graphics a bit and most importantly have playable fps.

Heres my system specs......

System:
Microsoft Windows XP
Media Center Edition
Version 2002
Service Pack 2

Dell XPS DXP051 (Dell XPS 400)
Intel(R)
Pentium(R) D CPU 2.80GHz
2.79 GHz, 1.00 GB of RAM
Physical Address Extension

My Video Card......

NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE


If anyone with knowledge of computers that could help me i'd be extremely grateful. Any other info you need ill gladly give if it means getting good advice.

-Luke

[Mazza]

My advice woud be vid card upgrade, maybe a 8800, there really cheap at moment

[Lukeandree]

Would the improvement be noticeable?

[waspiflab]

Yes it would
7300 le is a bad card for fsx.

[Lukeandree]

O ok, thanks a bunch. Ill look into that graphics card.

[MWISimmer]

A RAM upgrade would help a bit too.. to 2 Gb or more

[Lukeandree]

So I need RAM and a new Graphics card. Cool Sounds like I dont need a new computer to enjoy FSX. Anything else or does that basicly cover it?

[RiSq]

To be fair you could do with a New machine. if you have the budget, I would, And I'll explain why.

Intel are just about to release their new chipset (X58) otherwise known as Nellie or Core i7 Processors. This means that the X48 will decrease in value, but will remain close enough to the front runners for at least a year or so.

You're machine is quite old by computer standards, with 4 or so Gens of processor in front of you (Core Duo, Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad and soon, i7)

I'd suggest the following recommendations, to really get the enjoyment out of FSX i think most would like to have.

4GB DDR2 800 Minimum
8800GTX / Ultra Graphics Cards (best bang for buck) or the new ATI 4870 (One of the best cards this Gen, with DirectX 10.1 support)
CPU wise, if it's for gaming, go for a Dual core Core 2. If you use alot of software too, go for a Quad core.
Mobo - I'd recommend Intel's own range, X48. Can't go wrong there...

List is endless, but there's a rough idea in case you decide to build your own or get one built. No point spending money on new parts which are old gen and coming to the end of the "Gaming" life cycle.