Improve framerate. help?

[ejdahunta]

I'm no computer expert, and I need help upgrading my computer to handle FSX bettter. The one thing I can identify as the worst ( I think) is my Nvidia Geforce 6150SE nforce 430 graphics card.

Also I have:

AMD Athalon 64 X2 Dual Core processor 4400+ 2.30 ghz
2gb ram (and leaving a 2gb flashdrive on vista "readyboost")
Vista home premium 32-bit

Also if this helps here's my vista experience index:
Processor: 4.9
Memory (ram): 5.9
Graphics: 3.2
Gaming Graphics: 3.0
Primary Hard Disk: 5.6

What could I do to improve my fps (currently 4-5 on highest settings and 10-15 on lowest) in FSX for as little money as possible? thanks.

[Wii]

Well, it sounds like you have a desktop because I have the same mobo. Your RAM and Processor are good but you need to upgrade graphics cards. Before you go out and just "buy" something, you need to READ UP...can't stress that more. Failing to learn more about computer hardware will result in an unhappy you. First of all, have you downloaded and installed FSX SP1 and SP2? SP1 and 2 will make use of both of your processors and boost your performance greatly. Your mobo have a PCI E x16 slot meaning you can get all the latest and greatest graphics adapters out there. You don't sound too hardcore so I am going to suggest to you the 8600GT or the 8600GTS by eVGA.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130290

[ejdahunta]

Thanks. Yes, I have SP1, but not 2. I guess I'll do that now. I'll probably get the 8600GTS sometime soon, too. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Wii]

Thanks. Yes, I have SP1, but not 2. I guess I'll do that now. I'll probably get the 8600GTS sometime soon, too. Thanks for the suggestions.

No problem.

[JBaymore]

Take a look at this sticky thread:

http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2 ... 1190754444

best,

........john

[machineman9]

Thanks. Yes, I have SP1, but not 2. I guess I'll do that now. I'll probably get the 8600GTS sometime soon, too. Thanks for the suggestions.

I have the XpertVision 8600GTS (512mb)

Overall it is a fairly alright card, but for a bit more you could get something much nicer.

I was naffed to see that after working for a week to get

[ejdahunta]

I was going to go for the 8600GTS, but a techy friend of mine told me to spend the extra money and get the 9600GT. I looked online and it was almost the same price, if not a tiny bit more expensive (depending on the company). Do you think it would be worth it? It seems quite a bit better for so little money.

[markag]

the 9600GT will be a much better card then the 8600.  It performs nearly as well as the 8800GT, but not quite, and is priced on par with the 8600 cards.  If I were you I would get the 9600GT.