I need help.... I want a new g.card, but I don't know what to get. I've been reading many of the previous posts but it gets really confusing for me...my system is kind of "old", but then, so am I...I only do FS9 but I'd like to start using more add-ons...my current sysytem:ASUS K8V-X Athlon 64 3000+ Socket 754 (currently at 2000 mhz.) 512 mb. DIMM WD1200BB Western Digital Caviar 120Gb. 7200rpm radeon 7000 !!!!!Win XP Pro sp21024x763x32 ViewSonic E70f+ could you give me some advice on how to improve my graphics? which card for this system? should I do anything else? more ram? overclocking?thanks so much for the help.Ricardo

My recommendation:Priority 1: 1 GB of PC3200 SDRAM ~ $120Priority 2: A 256MB nVidia 7600GS-based AGP video card. ~ $125CheersBob ScottATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-V L-300Santiago de Chile

Agree with Bob,Definatly add memory, 512 is barely enough to run XP smoothly imo. After you can, since your limited to AGP go for an 7600GS, or if you want the fastest AGP the 7800GS, both will do a good job at that resolution. Obviously the 7800 will be even better yet at higher cost.

I didn't realize the 7800GS was out there in AGP form factor. I like that option better since there are some 512MB 7800GS cards out there.CheersBob ScottATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-V L-300Santiago de Chile

thanks everyone...I've installed 512Mb more of ram and it has made a diference already. I will get the card this week. Is there a lot of difference between the GS and the GT model? Would it be worth it for my current specs?Ricardo

Depending that version you want, have a look at the links below. Imho id opt for the 7800GS, better performance, although again if its within budget.7600GT vs. 7600GShttp://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=434&card2=4357800GS vs. 7600GShttp://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=382&card2=4347800GS vs. 7600GThttp://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=382&card2=435Have fun whatever you choose.

Hmmmm...actually the GT edges out the GS in most of the performance tests I can find. But, IMHO, it's not by enough to warrant a significant price difference. What is likely to make a bigger difference is the amount of VRAM on the board...that stands to smooth out texture swaps that causes pauses and stuttering. 256MB is good...512MB probably better, especially with weather and high-poly count models like the PMDG B744.CheersBob ScottATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-V L-300Santiago de Chile

thanks everyone!...a 7600GS 256mb is on its way. I will post the results.Ricardo

well, the 7600 GS is up and running....and it has made such a difference!!!! 22 FPS steady even with AS6 and PMDG737...I'm so much happier...thanks everyone

Hello again...since a year has passed (and many add-ons....), I thought on asking one more question:do you think is a good idea to add 1GB of ram to my system (see begining of post). I'm still running FS9, but on Vatsim and with some of the big birds it gets kind of bumpy.PC3200 ram is so expensive nowadays that I'd like to be sure.thanks for all your help!!

Hi Rico,>>PC3200 ram is so expensive nowadays that I'd like to be sure.Expensive? you can find PC3200 already as low as 40/50USD.Anyway, If you are still running with 512MB as stated in your OP, then yes 1GB would be a warm welcome. It will relieve quite some load off your page-file, and will speed up system performance quite a bit as opposed to only 512.512MB for XP is just is not enough to run properly.Keep in mind that your board has a RAM limit, upto 2GB PC3200 DDR SDRAM can be Max. installed.Regards,

thanks for the rapid response Davis,I have two 512MB pieces now (for a total of 1024MB PC3200 SDRAM). I was thinking on taking this up to 2GB. Would that improve my FS9 performance?

If you are running the same hardware as before, not really, unless you are using lots of addons, and planes like PMDG.

Hi Rico,Ohh ok..so you already have 1GB. Well in terms of RAW (FPS) performance you would not really see a boost similar of that like a CPU upgrade so dont expect it to work miracles..On the other hand in terms of reduced loading times you will notice that in certain conditions you wont find yourself waiting as long as before, for example loading of ground textures, airplane textures and the likes.Furthermore loading of day to day programs like Office, PS and the likes will also benefit from more RAM, in turn reducing their loading times..So it will help under certain circumstances. It certainly would not hurt one way or another. Just be sure to set your swap-file settings accordingly after the upgrade.Regards,

I just increased RAM from 1.25 to 2.0 GB. (FS9 AMD 1.8 triple GeForce Fx5200 cards/monitors- DDR PC3200 RAM). No FPS gain at top of the FPS - but a distinct improvement at the bottom of the FPS range in heavy load situations like night at KLAX. Like adding a floor to frame rate. A bit expensive but not a dead loss either.Some time ago I got a 20% overall FPS boost going from .75 to 1.25 GB.Alex Reid