Hi all,I'm about to upgrade my sys, and later was looking for some precessor options... On my search through the net, I've noticed that there aren't AMD processors much higher then 2Ghz, while the P4 can get as high as 2.8Ghz... So, if I would to choose between an Athlon machine 2.*Ghz(2000+, 3000+, etc.) not so powerful as the P4 2.4Ghz, or the P4 2.4 itself, wich one would you recommend me buying(considering that all other specs would be the same in both cases)???? Many Thanks,Lucas.

Hi Lucas,I had the same dilema in upgrading as I was totally confused. However, I have upgraded to an AMD 64 FX-51 (3200) running at 2.2GHz with 1GB of Ram, ATI Radeon 9800XT 256 DDRAM and win XP Professional, direct x 9.0b.In FS2002 (I don't fly FS2K4, as I only fly the superb PIC B767)With all the sliders set to max, 1280 x 1024 x 32 Bit, FStraffic set to 100%, flying the PIC B767. Here are my Frame rates (using the 3.9 ATI drivers)in 3D mode. Visibility set at 80 Miles, with Scattered Clouds.EDDF Aerosoft with FS Traffic (60 + planes on the ground!) 36 FPS after pushbackAt end of Rway 18: (EDDF) 46 FPSKLAS Simflyers Net at the terminal after Pushback: 24 FPS Looking in the air with clouds set to Broken: 75-100 + FPS British Airports EGLL (after Pushback) 60 + Aircraft: 27 FPSAt end of Runway 27R or 9L: 35 FPSAt default Kansai Airport: 77 FPS (with FS Traffic 10 planes +_)At the add on Kansai Airport with FS Traffic: 25 FPS.(These are the minimum Frame Rates).The only problem I have is with the fan which makes a very annoying sound, which sounds very similar to the Nvidia 5800's fan. I am not sure whether this is from the AMD FX-51 or from the video card itself.I hope this is of some help.Best Wishes,Chris

Hi Chris!Thank you very much for the thorough answer!I asked the same question in other forums and am certanly going for the AMD!!And Athlon 64 is too expensive for me right now, but the AMD 3000+ is a good option, don't you think???Now,if you could solve another doubt... Wich motherboard would you recommend??? I'm thinking that an ASUS would suit me better... Also, Is the amount of memory that can be used determined by the number of slots the motherboard carries??? I mean, how can I set 512mb of RAM on my computer??? Many thanks,Lucas.

Hi Lucas,first the processor architecture of the Athlons and P4s is very different, that's why you see different performance at identical clock speeds.As to motherboards, if you decide to go with an XP3000, I would recommend the Asus A7N8X. As to RAM, I'm not sure I understand your question. You can't 'set' the RAM anywhere on your computer, you'll have to buy and physically install the chips. The maximum amount you can install is determined by the motherboard manufacturer (normally around 3-4GB on modern boards).Cheers,Gosta.http://www.hifisim.com/images/as2betateam.jpg

Hi all!I asked this on FS2002 forum... Is there a BIG difference between the Radeon 9800 128mb and the 9600 128mb??? The reason I'm asking this is, since money is relatively short now, if it woudn't be a better idea to invest on an Athlon 64 3200+ and buy the 9600 video card, rather then purchasing an Athlon XP 3000+ or even 3200+ with the Radeon 9800... Would the performance be similar???Wich brings me to another doubt: Is the difference between an AMD XP 3200+ or 3000+ and an AMD 64 that HUGE as I think it is???Thanks,Lucas.

Hi Lucas,Glad i could help in some small way.I USE THE ASUS motherboard, I'm afraid I know very little ablout PC hardware so I cannot answer your other questions.But I think the AMD 3000+ is a good option from what I hear.512 MB of RAM is also good.Good LuckBest Wishes,Chris

http://www17.tomshardware.com/graphic/2003...38-nv36-40.htmlCopy&Paste the whole above link 'cause Tom is actually using FS2004 for the benchmark! Or, older graphics cards (UT 2003 Antalus Flyby benchmark) http://www17.tomshardware.com/graphic/2003...d_guide-13.htmlVery interesting....

Sorry but i have to disagree with the cpu suggestions im seeing. if your looking for performance in fs (or in most programs for that matter) i would suggest a p4 2.8 or 3.0 gigahertz processor. version c with HT and 800 mhz FSB with an asus or msi springdale or canterwood board.If in doubt ..read a review.. most review tests are made to be as objective as possible without the bias. You will then require 2 ddr 400 memory dimms with the same timings in order to have dual channel capability.

Never believe Tom's Hardware, they are unbelieveably biased towards Intel, and of course Intel sponsors them. If you want to do a little overclocking, get a 2500 for about $85, and some decent PC3200 memory, a simple FSB adjustment and you should run at 3200+ speeds at ease for much less money.

>Never believe Tom's Hardware, they are unbelieveably biased>towards Intel, and of course Intel sponsors them. I really don't know how you can say that. Tom was championing AMD for a very long time. He was actually perceived by many to be anti-Intel.Michael J.

Hmm I wasn't aware of that. I just drew my own conclusions since a lot of his reviews show Intel with more performance in some cases where other review sites disagree.