Hello,I need some advice as to what might be causing some performance problems with FSX. Two years ago I bought what I thought would be a computer to handle FSX, but was disappointed. I have spent the last two years messing with FSX settings trying to get it to run better without any luck. Here are my specs...Intel core 2 QX6600 quad 2.66ghz(2) Nvidia 8800 GTX 768 mb SLI4 GB RamWindows XPIn FSX, with slidders set to low-medium, I get roughly 20-25 FPS in defult aircraft over the sparsly populated mid-west. Any add-on aircraft and I am down to 12-15 fps.First, would I see any significat improvement going to say a 3.0 ghz processor? Should I try to overclock my current processor (this could be a disaster)? OR, is it possible that the two 768 MB graphics cards are using too much Ram causing a bottle neck? Since FSX doesn't support SLI, should I remove one of them?Any advice would be great.Thanks,John

Hello,I need some advice as to what might be causing some performance problems with FSX. Two years ago I bought what I thought would be a computer to handle FSX, but was disappointed. I have spent the last two years messing with FSX settings trying to get it to run better without any luck. Here are my specs...Intel core 2 QX6600 quad 2.66ghz(2) Nvidia 8800 GTX 768 mb SLI4 GB RamWindows XPIn FSX, with slidders set to low-medium, I get roughly 20-25 FPS in defult aircraft over the sparsly populated mid-west. Any add-on aircraft and I am down to 12-15 fps.First, would I see any significat improvement going to say a 3.0 ghz processor? Should I try to overclock my current processor (this could be a disaster)? OR, is it possible that the two 768 MB graphics cards are using too much Ram causing a bottle neck? Since FSX doesn't support SLI, should I remove one of them?Any advice would be great.What is your mobo...it appears that you are set up badly or have some bottleneck issues within your system.....I have a 600 dollar box I built that runs FSX just beautiful...

The mobo is a Nvidia nforce 680i sli. Several months ago I had a local computer shop format and reinstall everything due to a corrupted windows file. I thought if there was a set up issue it would be resolved with the fresh install, but performance was not improved after the reinstall. FS9 works great, FPS locked at 28 with everything maxed and it never fluctuates.

Ok First off I see two main culprets...SLI is a no go for FSX... It will not nor will it ever use it and xcan be very problematic due to FSX codeingSecond that Q6600 at 2.4 ..Or looks OCed to 2.66 is a tad weak for FSX ..I am running an E5200 OCed to 3.4 with an 3850 ATI card and FSX is locked at 35 and never faulters...Its all about Ram..FSB, and CPU relationship to both....Have you considered a new build? Mine cost 410 bucks to build , I had a PSU to use so the basic build goes to like 500 bucks....

Thanks for the info. I've never overclocked a processor, is it possible to over clock the 6600 to 3.4 and maintain stability? It does have a liquid cooling system on it.Regarding the SLI, can I just pull out one of the cards and run a single video card or is there more to it? I have tried disabiling the SLI feature in the Nvidia control panel, but doesn't really make much difference, would it help to physically remove the card?I have considered going the new build route, but thought that if I plug in a $350 3.0 ghz processor it might help. How difficult is it to over clock a processor?? How likely am I to damage something or cause the computer not to reboot. I have read that the QX version of the Intel process is basically built for overclocking.Thanks,John

Hi John...The Q6600 if the GO version will OC to 3.6 on air very easy... But you need to know what you are doing too..you really can't hurt the chip, as it will just fail to post if OCed bad...But it can happen at times...Your OC will depend alot on your Ram speed too..SLI is really still on even if you turn it off in Control Panel, pull the bridg...The onlt true way is to Pull a card..If its water cooled that can be an issue...Read thru this thread about my cheapo FSX rig....While I find another link about it....http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php?t=16854Here is more info about it ..http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/show...light=harleyman

Thanks, I will take a look at it. I appreciate the input.John

I had a single 8800 GT on a vaguely similair machine. By using Nick_N's guide and adjusting bufferpools outside of what he recommended I went from 8 to 80 FPS. Try your testing with the default Cessna though. I found it to be a balancing act to adjust bufferpools low enough to prevent model deformation and high enough to keep the smoothness. For instance, the Cessna would run fine all the time but the PMDG MD11 would eventually deformed, especially as I got close to more detailed scenery.I only had 512MB. With 768MB, I think you'll be able to do this. What clued me in was that my FPS would average 8 FPS however spike to 180 FPS (I think over a couple of seconds is why). This meant the card could render quickly but the computer was having trouble getting data to it. I'm guessing bufferpools helps with the timing.So I got a 280 GTX water cooled. What a good investment. I removed my tweaks and it still works fine.Once again, I think you can do this.Oh yeah, I'm a reformed FSX hater. Is there a recantation ceremony or something?

With a higher vid card mem, like 1 full 1 gig, the LOD can be set higher and that will allow FSX to also share that mem to lighten the burdon od your CPU ...I do believe I need a new 4890 now.....LOL

I just read through the bufferpool tweak and it sounds as though it is designed for video cards with 1GB mem or more. Since I am running two 768 MB cards in SLI, would that count as a total video card memory of 1.536GB? I'm not at my computer right now so I can't take a look at it, but it does have liquid cooling...is it possible to replace either the CPU or video card with the liquid cooling option? I will have to take a look at that tonight. That would upset me if it wasn't upgradable.Harleyman...very impressive setup!! For a very impressive price!! Unfortunatly, I wouldn't have the slightest clue as to how to put it together much less configure the drivers and programs. Can you install an ATI card into an nvidia mother board?

Hi Piper Arrow....No...It does not double your Vid card mem....Thats just a total ..Yes...You can run (1) ATI card on any Nvidia board....It is not that easy to change Vid Cards if they are water cooled..Expecially if you are using a different kind..As that means that you need a different water block... Dame goes for the CPU..But the water block for your socket 775 will work on all the same....Typically to change a vid card water cooling you need to drain the fluid out so that you can reply new grease tape and heatsink grease then re attach the new card..It can be done not draining if you are just replacing a bad card with the same...Your computer IS upgradeable,,Liquid just makes it harder for a novice...That computer you saw is my signature FSX build out of my business.... Then you can go i7 and really get into money..but honestly..The 2 grand difference to me is not even necessary...I sell that computer everyday at $750.00 set up, tested, updated, bios flashed, latest chipset, and OCed and guarenteed to be at 3.4 ans stable....I also guarentee that it will fly FSX briallently out of the box...I also have a service for first time builders over the phone...I have full testemonials for folks that hevbe never built or even considered the option of building one them selves..Theres always a way...May I ask..Is your Computer from DS ?

Harleyman,Do you have a website for your business, I am interested in checking it out.Thanks for the info on upgrading what I have. The computer was bought through Alienware two years ago, for what I paid, I thought it would handle much more than it has. Won't make that mistake again.John

Hey John...My website is due to launce this June 13....I have forums open, but not yet linked from anywhere as of yet...The forums are still somewhat under construction too..Somewhat, as in they are not finalized...But send me your E Mail to [email protected] and I will be happy to send you my link...Mason