Understanding "GPU" ?

[caveman16]

     Hey Guys and Ladies,     Here's hoping your day has gone well for you.      I've been reading the  "REVIEWS" of the different  Graphics Processing Units  [ GPU ] and trying to find the common denominator  of what makes a good one  ???

     Is it speed or being able to process many  numbers into a picture or what ?    Can some of you help me out on this understanding  ?

    Just what is it that I should be looking for and how do I know if  "it" will fit in the proper place - - - not too large etc,etc.       Also  - - - How do you know if you only need one  - - two  or   - - ahem - -  half dozen  

     Keep in mind that it would be for the Flight  Sims.

     Appreciate your help,        caveman

[ctjoyce]

The basic breakdown in determining how "good" a card is can be based on a couple different things. First the core. The more pixel pipelines the better. You may be able to have a 1Ghz core clock, but if its with 4 Pixel pipelines then its only as effective as a 450Mhz clock with 20 Pipelines if you will. So the more the better. The next thing you must consider is what the card can render. Pixel Shader 3, HDR, Open GL 2.5. These are new technology that games are useing, so getting a "good" card is getting one that has these new features.

Now as for how many cards you need is up to you. For FS you really only need one, as FS isn't a game that supports SLi, however FSX does (something to consider). In general I suggest only one high end card insted of two lesser ones only as its easier to manage.

Cheers
Cameron

[caveman16]

     Good Morning Cameron  and to you Fighting_Falcon .  Say  - - - - Would you shorten your name to something I can type in less than 5 min   - - -  afterall  - - - I am a  caveman that hunts for the  "stuff" on this keyboard.  ;D

     Really Guys, - - - I appreciate your help and your time taken in your answers to me.  

     Cameron  - -  -  Is the reason  I'll be needing two "cards"  [eVGA 7800GT ]  as you suggested because FSX will be supporting  "  SLi  "  ???      And by getting these two  "cards"  are they "less" than up to the high-end specks of another type card that would support  SLi    ???    If so,  would you  recommend such a card for me to consider.   Always keeping in mind that my  "GOAL" is FSX and Vista.      Oh  - - - What would  SLi  x  16 mean  ???    Perhaps something to do w/the "pipeline"     Just what is  SLi    

     Thanking you Guys always - - - Many more questions  but will take them a few at a time so I don't  "muddy-up" the water too bad for myself and others to understand.  

    caveman

[congo]

NVIDIA

[caveman16]

    Hey Guys,     Appreciate your help, now I have matirial to work with in helping my understanding.     caveman

[congo]

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One more who's never seen the quattro 7800GTX

[ctjoyce]

Well if I havent seen the most useless card ever  :-/ . And they need their own AC power + molex power in the case, thats just sad. Personally though I think I would rathar have Quad SLi (4 cards) insted of this.

Cheers
Cameron

[caveman16]

    Hey Congo,     My  post today - - -I know you answered my question about the "price"  - -  but  - - isn't it silly to pay more for less  ?      Don't the company "see" that ?

    caveman

[congo]

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