Hi all, I have been browsing the internet looking to up grade my PC for FS9 use. I dont feel confident to build my own and have seen adverts for PC sytems with Dual core processors with twin Nvidia Graphic cards.Does having two cards have any effect in FS9 ? and what RAM would you advise to have?I fly with all the usual add ons and would like to get decent FPS, only achieving 12-15 with my current PC.Thanks for your helpJohnPentium 4 3.2GHz1024 MB DDR320GB HDDGeforce FX5200 265MBSaitek Flight SystemHead TrackerRC4AShttp://fs2crew.com/linepilot.jpg

When going DualCore be sure to get The Core2 line, as it currently still tops anything dual from AMD. As far as SLI setup, FS9 isnt coded to use SLI. In my case (using twin DX10 8800's) i do get a higher fill-rate during benchmarks, but even with a single card fs still performs superb. The nice thing is though that instead of using SLI, you can use it as a dual-monitor setup, very nice to have. As far as memory goes, stay away from cheap brands like AZEN, get like OCZ,Corsair,Crucial,Munskin,Pqi or Geil. Those are the best, also get matching pairs with the tightest timings. Hope this helps a bit.

Thanks for the reply, it seems I need to do more research as much of the tech info means very little to me but I am sure by reading this forum I will be able to make an informed choice on my next PC.Regards JohnPentium 4 3.2GHz1024 MB DDR320GB HDDGeforce FX5200 265MBSaitek Flight SystemHead TrackerRC4AShttp://fs2crew.com/linepilot.jpg

Which part don't you understand? Maybe i can clarify it more for you. Maybe using layman terms is easier (sorry im a techie) hope the folowing is easier to understand .. In short, If you want a CPU look for an Intel Core 2 Duo either model E6400 or E6600 (most common choice for standard simmers) those are excelent CPU's and do FS9 more than enough justice..Dual videocards dont really do anything for FS9 since it was never made to take advantage of that technology, with the exception that you can use two monitors for ease of flying e.a put the Pedestal on it or Glareshield you get the point ;)...The model you want, is largely based on what your budget allows, your monitor screensize (the higher the resolution you use the more speed and RAM would be needed on the videocard, for example, running the resolution of 1024x786 256MB-512MB videoRAM (NOT to be confused with RAM you use in you computer) would be enough, running higher 1280x1024 and up, you'll be looking at the ranges 512MB and up, the higher the resolution, the more ram and the higher the clock speeds will be needed in turn making the cards more expensive. (VideoRAM note, the more RAM your GPU has the faster it can draw your images on screen, meaning less waiting for textures to load/swap)Lastly regarding video,if you eventually want to future-proof yourself (rise in price here) DX9/10*. (in short do you get the second generation video card, which is pretty much all the videocards out in stores with the EXCEPTION of the Nvidia 8800 series which is the first generation DX10) more on DX10 that in the link below. All of the high-end DX9 videocards run fs9 just fine. For example, the ATI Radeon line X1900 series, or the NVidia line 7000 series.The DX10 8800 is the current fastest videocard and really only to be negotiated if you want to futureproof and if budget really allows.And as far as RAM, if you talk to the guy in the store tell them you want any of the brands i told you, they are all fine. And that you want two matching sticks when buying more than one stick (e.a buying 2x 512MB or 2x 1GB). The tech will know what you are talking about.As far as timings is concerned ignore that part. I just started to talk about it (habit) incase you wanted to Overclock.. Just disregard that.*DX9 vs. 10 http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/pcs/directx-9-v...-for-243099.phpNote: DX10 is still a debatable issue since there isnt any game out yet to take the full advantage, so the screenshots are a projection of what hopefully will come/is possible.Pheewww, hope that a bit easier to understand, im of to bed :(

Fantastic, thanks for taking the time to explain in simpler terms, you have really pointed me in the right direction and I feel much more confident that I can pin down the more important requirements for my new system. Im salivating in anticipation of seeing the performance I so often read about in the forums.I think future proofing my purchase is important as being disabled updating hardware is something I cant afford to do very often. Flight simming is a great escape from reality and brings me great pleasure and being able to get advice and help on these forums is something I value greatly, we are all equal in cyber space!!:-lol Thanks again JohnPentium 4 3.2GHz1024 MB DDR320GB HDDGeforce FX5200 265MBSaitek Flight SystemHead TrackerRC4AShttp://fs2crew.com/linepilot.jpg

Glad it helped John, if you still help help just drop inhere again ;)

A single 8800 card can run dual monitors just fine...as far as I know they all have dual DVI-I outputs. I run dual 22 inch NEC monitors at 1280x1024 just fine on the one card.And if you fancy ever being able to run 3-4GB of RAM with a 32-bit OS, having two 768MB 8800 video cards will make 1.5GB of your RAM address space unuseable, meaning that anything over 2GB of RAM will be rendered unusable.Keeping in mind the mushrooming power requirements of the new GPUs, having a second high-perf vid card will require a much more powerful power supply...probably on order of 800-1000W, and will generate that much more heat as well.Generally, unless you intend to use SLI for a specific application that can really use it well, right now just a few high-end 3D shooter games, you should probably stay clear of dual video. You can always add it later.CheersBob ScottATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-VSantiago de Chile