New To CFS2 - Where Do I Start?

[tiger63]

I got lucky and found a copy CFS2 today so I grabbed it. Unfortunately, I have an old computer so I'm going to have to live with bad graphics for a while.  :-/ (If anyone knows the secret to getting moderate performance out of a 300 mhz./60 MB RAM CPU, please let me know) Anyways, I need to know where I should start. Mainly I'm talking about the BEST add-ons, any patches MS has released etc.

PS: The link to the CFS2 Framerates Tutorial on the front page is dead. Anyone know where I can find that tute?

Will

[ozzy72]

On the downloads front go to http://www.simviation.com/fsdcfs%5B1%5D.htm and just browse and see what takes your fancy. Everyone has personal preferences....
If you like Spitfires and Me109s go to Paul Rebuffats site at http://myzone59.ath.cx/accueil.php3 (telecharger is French for download).
I'll look into the framerate improver file What are your full system specs?

Ozzy

[tiger63]

I think, Windows 98/AMD-K6 3d processsor at 300mhz/ 60 MB of RAM and 28 Gig Hardrive. Is there anything else? I'm probably about to upgrade soon so I wanted what would be better.

A. 512 MB RAM

or

B.256 MB RAM and a 64MB Video Card

Thanks, Will

[Ambassador]

Tiger63,

I highly recommend you get a new computer.

[tiger63]

ONLY $1,248. Unfortunately I don't have $1200 to spend on something I just use for entertainment. If I did get a new computer I would be trying to keep it around $500. I'll just have to keep looking for a good deal. Thanks Ozzy

Will

[Ambassador]

Okay, I'll see what I can find for $500.

[Ambassador]

Compaq SR1000Z Customized:

AMD Athlon XP 2500+ operating at 1.83GHz
Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition
256 MB RAM
80 GB Hard Drive
48x max. CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo Drive
128MB DDR NVIDIA GeForceFX 5200XT, TV-Out
Integrated 5.1 Capable Sound w/ Front Audio Ports
Usual Accessories (Keyboard, Mouse, Floppy Drive)

www.compaq.com

Only $468.99 after rebate.

[ozzy72]

Okay there are a few little things you can do to get the odd extra FPS here or there.
First defrag your HD. Then make sure there are no background programs running. There is an excellent program for this call EndItAll. Its available in a lot of places, just do a quick search with Google.
For 500 bucks you should be able to pick-up a reasonable second hand system.
I'm still running a PIII 1Ghz with 512mb RAM and a Ti4600 and getting good FPS in CFS3 and FS9. Don't hesitate to ask for help, and look to places like eBay for parts the Ti4000 range has just dropped in price as the new 5000 series has come out so you could pick-up a real bargain

Ozzy

[tiger63]

Im not worried about what I can get for $500. I've gotta add sitting right here 2.66 ghz Celeron D with 512 RAM for $400. I'm just trying to make what I got last while I look for a REALLY GOOD deal. Patience is the key.

Thanks, Will

PS: Ozzy, I tried defragging my computer last week. I started the Defragmenter before I went to bed and when I checked it the next morning, it was still at 1%. Is it always that slow?

[Ambassador]

Im not worried about what I can get for $500. I've gotta add sitting right here 2.66 ghz Celeron D with 512 RAM for $400. I'm just trying to make what I got last while I look for a REALLY GOOD deal. Patience is the key.

Sounds like a good deal.

[Stratobat]

If you do get a new computer, get a Compaq.

Why Compaq?

Regards,
Stratobat

[Ambassador]

Just a personal preference.  My family's last three computers have all been Compaqs, and there has never been anything wrong with them.  The computers also seem extremely stable, and Compaqs customer support is good (well it used to be, we haven't had to phone since before HP purchased them).  They also seem well priced, at least in the stores in my area.

[tiger63]

It doesn't say anything about a video card, but it has a DVD-Rom/CD-Rw in it, so it must be able to play video well. Thanks for the input guys. I've gotta another question. I'm trying to update a Japanes Kikka jet to CFS2. I was wondering if there was anything I needed to update in the .air file. I also wanted to know if there is a tutorial for updating the aircraft.cfg file from 1 to 2. Last of all, I want to know where I can find a list of all of the stock CFS2 weapons.

Thanks again, Will

[Hagar]

Hi Tiger. My Aliasing article might be of some help. Check it out from the link in my sig. All you should need to get jets working in CFS2 is the Jet Base File posted here. http://www.simviation.com/cfs2misc1.htm

If you still have CFS1 installed copy the lear45 folder from the Aircraft folder & paste into CFS2\Aircraft.

[Dakota93]

You could do what I did with my old desktop. I put a good video card in it and then when I was ready to buy a new PC I bought one without a vid card and pulled the one from my old PC and put it in my new one.

Going back several years I had a system similar to yours, when I first got CFS2, and with a 32MB card was getting around 20FPS with graphics maxed out.