sorry, but i have done everything i can think of: checked irq conflicts, drivers, updates, even formatted. after 30min of fs9 the sound corrupts and iget scratchy sound and squeaky beaps. fps seems to drop as well, and pmdg flames out. i have a 250w ps, 300-350w is recommened, if the ps could be the issue can i power it on its own, b/c my motherboard can only do 250w. many thanks guysAndrewent from sb live->audigy2 then ti4200->fx5900, didn't notice any problems until i added the fx5900. my floppy isn't plugged into ps.

First thing to do is....Step away from the machine!! LOL But in all seriousness. First question is, Does the machine do this all the time or only during FS9 sessions? If so than there are a couple of choices. Bad installation of FS9. The 5900 has a variable speed GPU fan that when running 3D apps will speed up thereby increasing voltage needs from the PS. Have you added any add-ons along with the 5900 that may not be fully compatible?. These are some questions to answer first.Also, you say your running the latest drivers. Does that include the latest chipset drivers and the latest Bios from Dell?. Although Dell is knoiwn to under rate their PS's a 250 watt is just not sufficient in my opinion to run the latest hardware your running. The problem is Dells proprietary PS units. DO NOT, until you speak to Dell or a qualified service center swap out your PS. Dell uses a different pinout on the power connector which could result in a meltown. VERY EXSPENSIVE :(The other thing you could do is to remove the 5900 and install the 4200 if you still have it. If the problem goes away han you've narrowed down the cause.Keep in touchBobby

Hi Bobby,i reinstalled fs9 twice, so i don't think that's the problem, no incompatible add-ons. I have downloaded the latest bios from dell, haven't found any new chipset drivers. i took out the fx5900 and replaced it with the ti4200 and did not find any sound problems. have yet to check the fx5900 with sblive. can i power the gpu with a separate more powerful ps? if not, i'm considering a motherboard and ps upgrade. what do you think? thanks againAndre

Besides what Bobby sugested the same problems occure when you start to "cook" your hardware, namely your sound card. :-eekTry running FS with the side panel to your case removed while using a fan to blow fresh air at the case from a safe distance and see if that allows you to run OK.If heat is the culprit (FX5900 contributes to this) than it may be time for some additional ventialation to your case.

unfortunately i'm still having problems. wheni first start fs2004 everything is fine except for a little static. after a while of playing, (30mins) i get strange sqeaky beeps and lots of static, at which point the fps seems to drop aswell. what could cause this? any and all help appreciated. Andre