Laptop Video for FS9 and FSX

[Papafox]

What laptop video is sufficient for running FSX and FS9 reasonably well at a fairly high resolution? I'm suggesting an i5 540M CPU for my buddy's upcoming laptop, but we doubt that the onboard video chip will suffice for flight simming. Would a 512MB ATI Mobility HD 4550 graphics be okay for 25 fps or greater with a 3D cockpit and PMDG airliner? The ATI video is my preferred choice because its available with the laptop that's affordable. Would the Nvidia GeForce 240M video be up to the task? Thx!

[Capt.Propwash]

I have FS9 (maxed out full), and if i turn my LOCK FPS to UNLIMITED I can get up to 60FPS and that is with


Dell Inspiron 2200

OS Name      Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Version      5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 Build 2600
Total Physical Memory      1,280.00 MB
Page File Space      4.10 GB


Display:
Name      Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Family
Adapter RAM      128.00 MB (134,217,728 bytes)
Resolution      1024 x 768 x 60 hertz
Bits/Pixel      32



is that good enough for you???

[Papafox]

Propwash,
Under what conditions can you get 60fps? Are you talking about a stead 60fps or varying frame rates that hit 60fps? Do you need to be at high altitude with autogen taking a rest? Is your video a chip on a mobo? Have you tried FSX on that computer, and how does it do? thx

[Capt.Propwash]

ROFLMAO dont even get me started with FSX. LMAO. 

yeah my video is integrated into the MOBO.

For me, yeah its usually very high altitude FL650 - 999 (SR-71 Blackbird flights), FPS stay steady in the high 50's and if its night time and im star gazing, ive seen it peg&drop 90 a few times.

low and slow is an easy 20-25.   

... keep in mind this is DEFAULT FACTORY MOBO/Video/Sound hardware from like 7 years ago so.




Weather = Real Environment Pro
Default ground scenery (except addon airports), no GEX or anything like that.






as for FSX....  .i.. FSX ..i. cant even get AIRPORT buildings to show up let alone 1 tree or it freezes like HELL!!! 2-5 FPS.

[Papafox]

What I really need now is for someone who runs FSX on a laptop to tell me what video card is needed to get 25-30 fps at medium settings. I already understand that flight sims are normally limited by the CPU, but I think a fast new Arrandale dual-core will be sufficient.

Propwash, thx for input.

[Capt.Propwash]

not a prob.  I am but 1 person among the hundreds that visit here, and while my FS9 is (to me) top notch, my FSX might as well have stayed on the shelf with this computer.

It sucks.  I hate not being able to have screenies like most of the other guys on here.

In fact I am thinking about getting a NETBOOK at taxseason just to have a newer computer, and then me and the MRS wont have to fight for the computer everynight. lol


http://www.walmart.com/Acer-Aspire-10-N ... 2476    -- then again, looking at just this one for instance, it would only be FS9 like the one i am on now, so.  :-/

[AlphaBravo]

I run FSX on my macbook pro due to the fact that it bsod's my pc..

anyway the macbook specs are 2.5Ghz Core2Duo, 4GB RAM, 8600mGT, 500GB 5400rpm HDD and its 17" screen @ 1920x1200

I can run FSX on medium high with around 30-40 fps