Flight Simulator X

CrimsonSkies · Post by **CrimsonSkies** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 5:33 am

I am in the process of getting a new computer and just looking for some input from those who run the flt sim X and the acceleration pack. I am wondering what size of memory, video card and computers work best with this game. I want the graphics to work as good as possible and close to the box shots. Any input is appreciated!

YWGVOR · Post by **YWGVOR** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 5:57 am

If you really want to play flightsim, my advice is just stick with FS9... FSX is a pig on resources, and from experience, unless you are willing to pay thousands on a gaming machine, its not worth it... Read on any of the flightsim newsgroups, FSX is nothing but a PITA.. none of the "cool" addons work, or are still in the process of being converted a year later... FS 11 is already in development...

By selecting the proper scenery addons, you can make FS9 as visually pretty as FSX and still have performance...

moocow · Post by **moocow** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 7:04 am

OK I'll take a crack at this. I'm running FSX with a rather old computer, here are my specs:

AMD Athlon 3000+ (32 bit single core), 1 GB of RAM
Nvidia 7600 GS (AGP)

The game must be run with very low graphics setting and it is jerky. I suspect you need the following to make it work decent.

-Intel E6750, E6850, or Q6600 with 4 GB of RAM
-Motherboard featuring the latest Intel chipset such as the P35 or G33
-Nvidia 8800GT at the mimimum but close to box shots, I think you need to run a dual 8800 GT
-Don't forget to get new power supply of at least 500W from a decent brand that won't burn down your house
-3rd party fans and heatsink like those from Themaltake
-You can keep cost down by reusing your old HDD and XP if it's a retail version

Croissant Wrench · Post by **Croissant Wrench** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 7:39 am

I just got a HP 8125, quad Q6600 (2.4ghz), nvidia 8500gt 512 mb, vista premium and I can run FSX at max settings with a 40fpm. avg

slimjim10101 · Post by **slimjim10101** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 8:57 am

i have an HP m7650n with a Evga Nvidia 7600gt 256mb ddr3 video card and 4 gigs of ram, and a 1.8 duo core proc. I can run FSX on low to medium settings, but it looks really good. so yea... it requires a lot of expensive stuff. lol.

But i only use it to practice flying so its not that bad. if you do it for a hobby, you can end up spending a lot of money.

also, on a side note, once you install teh sp1(sp2 is almost out), ur fps should jump up. it looks good around 15-20+

bigfssguy · Post by **bigfssguy** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:06 am

It's all greek to me!

Axial Flow · Post by **Axial Flow** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:20 am

I went to Tom's Hardware guide and they have a graphics card benchmark for FSX and not the most expensive graphics card is the best.

I believe the best performing card for frame rates set at max resolution and sliders all the way to higest qualit was the 8600 GTX which is like 250 bucks which is great for the performance.

I priced out a FS rig for 2000 bucks not including the monitor...www.extreme-pc.ca is a great site for high end gaming PC's and also allows you to build your own from scratch.

Cheers,
AF

goates · Post by **goates** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:41 am

Croissant Wrench wrote:I just got a HP 8125, quad Q6600 (2.4ghz), nvidia 8500gt 512 mb, vista premium and I can run FSX at max settings with a 40fpm. avg

What setting is your autogen at? And is that 40FPS over someplace like New York, or over rural countryside?

slimjim10101 · Post by **slimjim10101** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:10 am

bigfssguy wrote:It's all greek to me!

my job is kinda all computers so i here this stuff all day long.

man i can't spell.... EDIT - *hear

Braun · Post by **Braun** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:17 am

Microsoft released a service pack for FSX that makes it run much much smoother for people with older systems like myself. I have a 7600GT amd 4200+ dual core and I can get up to 40 fps with the new service pack.

Splatm · Post by **Splatm** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:55 am

A lot hinges on your settings. FSX is not meant to run with all of the possible graphics settings on currently available hardware, it is designed to grow in capability as the hardware gets faster and more features are turned on. I mainly use it for IFR practice so autogen is way down and just enough graphics for taxiway signs. All the weather graphics are cranked way up and my mid-range machine easily manages 30fps.

Croissant Wrench · Post by **Croissant Wrench** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 1:28 pm

goates wrote:
Croissant Wrench wrote:I just got a HP 8125, quad Q6600 (2.4ghz), nvidia 8500gt 512 mb, vista premium and I can run FSX at max settings with a 40fpm. avg
What setting is your autogen at? And is that 40FPS over someplace like New York, or over rural countryside?

40 fps is my average. Over sparse areas I've seen the fps hit 150+. The only wrinkle I'm trying to work out is the occasional frame skip when in outside view in a turn.

I think the main tweak is to set your sky settings to clear, or cirrus cloud at most, when "sightseeing". When flying IFR you don't really need to go "outside" so the FPS should remain in the 40's. The quad core cpu is amazing and is what Vista works best on for now. The 8500gt nvidia is good enough and relatively cheap at $125-150 and with a 20" wide screen at 1680x1050 it's a nice view.

slimjim10101 · Post by **slimjim10101** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 1:36 pm

oh, are ya'll flying in the VC (Virtual Cockpit)? that is what's slowing my system down a lot depending on the plane.

YWGVOR · Post by **YWGVOR** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 1:47 pm

For those that are getting decent frame rates.. set your details to something relatively high and report on fps dong an approach in say Seattle, or another high detailed airport....

I've just noticed myself, and why I'm sticking with FS9 is I can run all the addon complex mesh and scenery cranked, have highly detailed water and clouds, and run it without a ripple on the LDS 767.. I'd be very surprised if you can run a complex panel like the PMDG or LDS without stutters in all phases on FSX..

If its running smooth, thats awesome....it runs like crap for me!!

slimjim10101 · Post by **slimjim10101** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 2:27 pm

here is what FSX looks like on my desktop:

i took these about a month ago

at girdwood and whittier in alaska

up at Summit in alaska

moocow · Post by **moocow** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 2:50 pm

If you run more than 1 core you really should install SP1 for FSX which enable the game to use multi core. There are ways to move the 3rd party stuff from FS9 to FSX however it is a pain in the bum. It will be a while before more add-on comes out. The FS series have always been demanding in terms of machine specs. I can't recommend any brand of PC since I build my own machines. You could spec out a machine from a good store but those are hard to locate. I recommend NCIX as it usually have the lowest prices and the sales conditions are pretty clear.

CrimsonSkies · Post by **CrimsonSkies** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 5:33 pm

I have a few options

1) Gateway GT5634H w/21.6 monitor
Intel duo core processor E4500
3 GB DDR2
400 GB
NVIDIA 8500 GT 256 MB DX10
$ 999.99 Future Shop

2) Acer AM5620-1204 w/20 monitor
Intel quad core processor Q6600
3 GB
500 GB
ATI Radeon HD 2600 pro 256 MB DX10
$ 999.99 Future Shop

3) Acer AM 5100 w/20 monitor
AMD Athlon dual core 5200
3 GB
500 GB
ATI Radeon HD2400 128 MB
$ 779.95 Staples

These are the computers I have considered so far, but will I be happy with the way the game plays. Mainly I need it for IFR stuff, I want to add a detailed 737NG, but honestly, I want it to do some awesome graphics when I buzz around VFR. If ya know of better deals let me know. Thanks

Captain CADORS · Post by **Captain CADORS** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 6:29 pm

Want a cheaper version of Flight Sim X? Check out this site and enjoy flying!

http://flightsimx.cyclops.amnesia.com.au/index.html

Yours,

CADORS

slimjim10101 · Post by **slimjim10101** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 7:55 pm

if you want some good graphics, go after the nvidia 8800 series or the same for ati. i don't follow ati. if you have that and 3+ gigs of ddr2channel ram and a nice duo core proc. you will be straight. i wouldnt go after the quad cores yet. they are nice but i don't think they are necessary and i heard of problems of overclocking them if that means anything to ya.

for the vid card get 256+MB pci express.

slimjim10101 · Post by **slimjim10101** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 7:59 pm

Captain CADORS wrote:Want a cheaper version of Flight Sim X? Check out this site and enjoy flying!

http://flightsimx.cyclops.amnesia.com.au/index.html

Yours,

CADORS

lol i suk at that one. lol.

ragbagflyer · Post by **ragbagflyer** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:02 am

How far can you get with the paper plane? I've made it to the end of the room so far but not through the window.

Braun · Post by **Braun** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:28 am

43 meters! Can I get an airline job with that you guys think?

ragbagflyer · Post by **ragbagflyer** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:39 am

39.488m with two or three loops. How far do I have to go to win the jet?

Grey_Wolf · Post by **Grey_Wolf** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:01 am

I must be bored ... 70.36m

Took a little while, not throw upwards and get shredded by that fan!!!

ragbagflyer · Post by **ragbagflyer** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:02 am

95.208 and climbing. I know for sure 120+ can be done.

Flight Simulator X

Flight Simulator X

The Best Flight Sim - Ever!

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