Video Card

[Dan Morera]

Ok, so I made a search and there are no real specific references to specific graphic cards that you guys recommend, so there is the reason of my question.

If you had to choose your top 3 video cards that will work great with FS9 and they will do a good job with fsx (keep frame rates at about 20 no lower than 14) which ones would they be? Just one catch, they have to be under $200  :o

If possible use this website as a reference (since I'll probably buy from them).

Thanks for your help in advance

Dan

[jimcooper1]

Dan,

your card needs to be matched (optimized) with the rest of your system..so we' need to know your Motherboard/CPU/RAM specifications first.
No point spending $200 on a grahics card if you're limited by your CPU.

Regards

Jim

[Dan Morera]

Intel (R) Pentium(R) D CPU 3.00GHZ (2CPUS)
1 GB RAM
DIRECT X9
RADEON X300 SE 128 MB HYPERMEMORY (ATI) 32 BIT 60HZ
160 GB Hard Drive  

Those are my current specs, but I'll be getting 4 GB ram total at the same time I get my video card, I know I probably will need to change my CPU to a dual core, but I can not buy all at the same time.

Thanks again guys.

Dan

[jimcooper1]

No point getting more than 2GB RAM unless you're upgrading to a 64-bit OS.
What speed is the RAM?

Jim

[Dan Morera]

Not very fast since my computer can only handle PC2 5300, and it can not handle dual channel. So I was planning on getting  CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300)

Before I forget I can use PCI-E x16

Thanks
Dan

[jimcooper1]

Everyone will always say wait...and its true..prices drop all the time and better products are always on the horizon. If you're buying today then go to Newegg sort by $100-$200 in Highest First and price will be a good indication of quality (market forces

[Dan Morera]

Thank you Jim, I'm running (and will run with FSX) only 1 screen, so I guess I'll go more with the 256mb and DX10, cards.

Any other advice/opinions? Like having my current CPU and adding 4gb ram and let's say a video card like a 256mb and DX10, would I be able to run FSX at a good quality level?

Thanks
Dan

[jimcooper1]

2GB RAM is sufficient. FS2004 will run maxed.  FSX will depend on what you find acceptable.  Personally I  use Flight Sim to practice real approaches at Airfields that I fly from, so I only use Photo Scenery, hi-res Mesh, zero Autogen and place a few representative buildings and tree clusters that are used as reference points, consequently I get very good FPS.  If you're prepared to fly with medium settings then you'll get acceptable FPS in FSX

Jim

[Dan Morera]

If you're prepared to fly with medium settings then you'll get acceptable FPS in FSX

What would you consider acceptable at medium settings? 17 fps? What would make the difference between being able to use medium to high settings on FSX?

Sorry for being such a pain.

Dan

[jimcooper1]

If you're prepared to fly with medium settings then you'll get acceptable FPS in FSX

What would you consider acceptable at medium settings? 17 fps? What would make the difference between being able to use medium to high settings on FSX?

Sorry for being such a pain.

Dan

It's virtually impossible to predict what fps you'll get..but with your setup you should be able to get 18fps and better ..but there are so many variables to tinker with ..you just have to keep tweaking until you're personally satisfied with the results.

Jim

[ATI_7500]

So I was planning on getting  CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300)

I use the same Ram.

Excellent stuff, great for overclocking.

[Flying Mouse]

I bought the XFX Geforce 8600 GT because of its price VS what you get.

I suggest you view some reviews posted.

o and I would suggest you buy the XXX edition, because if you want an affordable card that provide great graphics and is Direct X10 compatible this might be a good bet.

Mouse  ;)

[jimcooper1]

[quote]Everyone will always say wait...and its true..prices drop all the time and better products are always on the horizon. If you're buying today then go to Newegg sort by $100-$200 in Highest First and price will be a good indication of quality (market forces

[Dan Morera]

I bought the XFX Geforce 8600 GT because of its price VS what you get.

I suggest you view some reviews posted.

o and I would suggest you buy the XXX edition, because if you want an affordable card that provide great graphics and is Direct X10 compatible this might be a good bet.

Mouse  ;)

Hey Mouse did you have to upgrade your power supply with that video card?

Thanks
Dan

[HugoCampos]

If you can get another 80, 90 or 100 bucks, then you should definitely go for the Nvidia 8800GTS with 320Mb. That card is amazing and can run FSX at nearly max settings and acceptable fps (20 or so) at not so high resolutions (up to 1280 x 960 or so). Of course this will depend on the CPU and the rest of the system but once you upgrade to a Core2, you'll be to achieve these results. Even while you have your current CPU and RAM, you'll notice an incredible boost in performance.
If you really can't pay $270-$300, then go for the Nvidia 8600 or the ATI HD2600. Those are good cards and they are under $200. They will probably be enough to play FSX with medium high settings and good fps (less autogen and traffic and no bloom). Oh, and any of those cards will be enough to Max FS9. I have an ATI 9600XT 128Mb, which is quite old (and now slow, too), and I can max FS9 and play FSX at medium settings and get good fps (No autogen or traffic, scenery textures and mesh to medium, weather to medium low and aircraft to medium.... but it still looks better than FS9). I'm thinking of upgrading though... I really want all the eye candy FSX can show hehe. The only problem is budget :S

Hope I was of any help  ;)