FolksThis may be the wrong part of the fourm to post this, but I'll try anyway.I currently have a Packard Bell iMedia 2569 I am no computer whizz, so don't really understand this, but I'll give you some details:Intel Core Duo E6300 processor1024MB DDR2 MemorynVidia GeForce 7300SE Graphics The 'System Properties' menu says this:Packard Bell COmputerIntel CORE 2 CPU6300 @ 1.00 GB RAMPhysical Address ExtensionNow - I need to know if you guys think this is a suitable computer for running FSX. It used to work brilliantly, but whenever there are CLOUDS on the screen (I always fly online either with IVAp or FSX weather), the FPS go well, well down. With clear weather, I get around 25 FPS, which is nice and smooth, but with clouds it goes down to about 8.1. Is there a way of improving this cloud thing?2. could someone tell me if this computer I have currently is suitable for running FSX - I suspect it's not.3. could somebody tell me the specifications of a computer that WOULD run FSX smoothly, with an addon aircraft like the LVLD 767 or Coolsky Super 80, and with plenty of clouds, so I can shop around.4. My final problem - even with clear skies, I get good FPS which sometimes drop for a very short time to low FPS then back to normal, which creates a shuddering effect. Is there a way of stopping this?If someone could give me the perfect configuration for the 'Display' options in FSX for my current system I would be very grateful.Many thanks for your help and best wishes to you all,CJ :(

That CPU is really slow....however the video card is garbage. If you could put a new one, like a 9600GT, it would help immensely, in clouds especially. If you only have 1GB of RAM that is also not enough....honestly the whole system is really weak. But adding some more RAM and a new video card might be worth it to you.A good system for FSX:Core i7 920 overclocked to 4.0GHz6GB DDR3 RAMAsus P6T Deluxe v2 motherboardGTX285 video cardThat stuff will cost a lot maybe 1600 USD once you get all the parts

Ryan is correct. That's a very weak system for FSX, especially with resource hog clouds or worse yet Level-D/PMDG or any other complex add-on for that matter. Although a replacement graphics card and more ram will make a very noticeable impact (and you've got bare minimums as far as both goes), FSX/FS9 are very CPU intensive programs.I will add this: Perhaps you have some options on updating the processor to a newer, faster Core 2. Do some research and look around as to what others are running with, and see what your motherboard/BIOS will support. As always, be careful pulling things apart and tinkering with it, and read up!

Nice one chaps, I appreciate that the system is pretty poor.I can't afford anything too expensive - have been looking at the ALIENWARE AURORA.Would this handle FSX better?It's quite a lot of money but it seems pretty good...Any help appreciatedCJ

that alienware aurora is quite good. but you can get a much better pc if you build it yourself (and for the same price, usually cheaper :D). of course you did say that you are no computer whiz so you may not want to. but let me just tell you, if i can build a pc, anyone can! but that aurora is

Nice one chaps, I appreciate that the system is pretty poor.I can't afford anything too expensive - have been looking at the ALIENWARE AURORA.Would this handle FSX better?It's quite a lot of money but it seems pretty good...Any help appreciatedP.S. In customizing my Alienware I'd go for: "AMD

That'd be a leap from what you have now, but perhaps a little more waiting and saving could get you something with a little more breathing room? Just my $.02. My way of thinking is squeeze what you can out of the current PC; spend around $300 (I know, it's expensive) on another 2 Gigs of ram, a new GPU, and perhaps if you can a newer Core 2. When I buy and/or build a new PC, I like to have just under cutting edge :( . But to simply answer your question. That would be a better system, of course!

That'd be a leap from what you have now, but perhaps a little more waiting and saving could get you something with a little more breathing room? Just my $.02. My way of thinking is squeeze what you can out of the current PC; spend around $300 (I know, it's expensive) on another 2 Gigs of ram, a new GPU, and perhaps if you can a newer Core 2. When I buy and/or build a new PC, I like to have just under cutting edge :( . But to simply answer your question. That would be a better system, of course!

I'd rather spend 300 than 800!! Would it be straight forward for a computer chump like me to install new RAM, new CPU and a new processor in my current computer?CJ :(

I'd rather spend 300 than 800!! Would it be straight forward for a computer chump like me to install new RAM, new CPU and a new processor in my current computer?CJ :(

It may be if you want to install a new CPU and a new processor since they are the same thing. Just kidding I'm sure you meant GPU. I just had the rig in my sig built last year. I wasn't so sure about doing it myself, so I had a computer shop put it all together for me for less than $100. You could do the same if you are unsure about doing it yourself. I was temped to build mine, but in all actuallity I figured why not pay someone that can do this in a day and is covered by warrenty, rather than me spending a day or more, likely more, and possibily doing something wrong. I have however replaced memory and a GPU, not a CPU, by myself and it is very easy. Just make sure to unplug the power bedore you crack the case open and start fiddling around. It will give you a good oportunity to clean out all the dust on the inside as well.

I'm researching your computer model. You will need to do the same!For RAM. Start here by seeing what fits and works with your model.- http://www.crucial.com/Apparently you have a PCI-E graphics card. That means you can use most modern cards, though size and power supply may become an issue. I suggest any of these, the last mentioned being the biggest and most power hungry.- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814162016- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814130339As for CPU, this is where it gets tricky, for many reasons. We have to find a processor that is supported by your mother board and BIOS.Good news, found a list of supported CPUs! http://support.packardbell.com/uk/item/ind...;ppn=PB34330401I need to know what Operating system you have. XP, Vista?The more I'm looking, it looks as though you are extremely limited as of which CPU you can use.

I'm researching your computer model. You will need to do the same!For RAM. Start here by seeing what fits and works with your model.- http://www.crucial.com/Apparently you have a PCI-E graphics card. That means you can use most modern cards, though size and power supply may become an issue. I suggest any of these, the last mentioned being the biggest and most power hungry.- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814162016- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814130339As for CPU, this is where it gets tricky, for many reasons. We have to find a processor that is supported by your mother board and BIOS.Good news, found a list of supported CPUs! http://support.packardbell.com/uk/item/ind...;ppn=PB34330401I need to know what Operating system you have. XP, Vista?The more I'm looking, it looks as though you are extremely limited as of which CPU you can use.

Well, thank you for your help so far. I am very grateful. I am currently using Windows XP.By the way,I have looked on Crucial.com which has checked my computer for comaptible upgrades. It says I can get up to 1 GB more RAM,but it says each 1GB piece of RAM costs justs

I would not ever upgrade an off the shelf *all in wonder Motherboaed*A FSx rig can be built for 5-6 hundred in parts and run FSX brilliantly..I do it all the time... :(

I would not ever upgrade an off the shelf *all in wonder Motherboaed*A FSx rig can be built for 5-6 hundred in parts and run FSX brilliantly..I do it all the time... :(

Sadly don't have the time or 5-6 hundred quid spare.I can't see any harm in replacing the RAM - it is totally compatible and seems from a valid and trustworthy source. The operating manual even suggests upgrading RAM, as long as it's done with the right equipment.I'm definitely going to upgrade the RAM in my PC, especially as it's so cheap, and see if it makes a difference. Doubling it should have a good improvement (I'm thinking)CJ

Sorry I don't know where to shop for UK but you could build a Core 2 Duo system, like a E8500, P45 motherboard, 4GB of ram, a geforce 9800GT, and a decent power supply for like 600 bucks, but you'd need a case too

CJ, if Crucial said 1GB, I'd stick with that. They are taking into account the number of sticks and density the motherboard can handle. BTW, Ram is cheap nowadays. As for the GPU, the Galaxy should do alright. Make sure it'll fit and do some research on your power supply, >or= 300W will do it alright. As a disclaimer, I can tell you FSX will run BETTER but not by any means fast on your system. You are severely limited by your CPU and motherboard. As buying a new system or building one isn't an option, I'd say squeeze what you can out of it, but don't spend over $200 doing it.I should clarify. When I say make sure the GPU will fit, I mean make sure you can physically fit the card in your tower and have enough room below and above. Also, this card requires a 6pin molex from the power supply. Google that, and make sure you:A. Have a free 6pin MolexORB. Have a free 4pin MolexIf only B, you'll need an adapter like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16812887001