Your motherboard only supports the original Phenom processors. These processors were uncompetitive when they were released. The Phenom II, which replaces the Phenom, is much more competitive, yet still not as fast as Intel's fastest chips. If I were you I wouldn't waste my time sinking money into your current computer. You would need a new motherboard and power supply to accommodate the new graphics card and CPU you need. That's basically an entire PC right there.

But isn't there something I can do with my current computer? It's only a year old, so I really don't have intentions of buying a new one.

But isn't there something I can do with my current computer? It's only a year old, so I really don't have intentions of buying a new one.

HelloBasically no, you have bought a Brand name Computer which is not designed to be upgraded.Not being harsh but that PC was slow even a year ago.Best bet for you would be to run FS9 which I actually prefer over FSX, and save up for an i7 based machine for FSX

mad dog is entirely correct. Take this as a lesson learned and don't buy OEM computers again, no matter how good of a deal it may seem at the time.

mad dog is entirely correct. Take this as a lesson learned and don't buy OEM computers again, no matter how good of a deal it may seem at the time.

Definately a lesson learned, never listen to the guys at best buy..Is there anything I can do that could get me maybe like another 10 FPS on my current computer that you guys know of besides changing settings, etc? Or if there's anything that can be modified/upgraded on this computer to improve FPS? Also, could somebody just maybe give me a quick explanation as to why my computer can't be upgraded? I'm not really a computer expert or anything and I don't really understand why my computer can't be upgraded and others can. Thanks for all the help and advice that everyone has given me so far. :(

Definately a lesson learned, never listen to the guys at best buy..Is there anything I can do that could get me maybe like another 10 FPS on my current computer that you guys know of besides changing settings, etc? Or if there's anything that can be modified/upgraded on this computer to improve FPS? Also, could somebody just maybe give me a quick explanation as to why my computer can't be upgraded? I'm not really a computer expert or anything and I don't really understand why my computer can't be upgraded and others can. Thanks for all the help and advice that everyone has given me so far. :(

Hi jf59,I was in the same boat you are in. I didn't know much about computers and only now have a very basic knowledge but I have learned alot thanks to the guys on these forums. I have a Dell Inspiron 530 with an AMD Athlon Dual Core 5600+ running at 2.8 ghz. I purchased this computer 2 years ago. Then I added an 8800GT graphics card because the guy at Circuit City said it would improve my gaming experience. And it did. However, I didn't realize at the time that often FSX runs slower because of the computer processor rather than the video card. It was fine for running FSX with the default scenery and aircraft, but as soon as I started getting add-ons I found this PC was inadequate and I would get less than 10 fps with the Flight 1 Mustang even with my settings turned down.I thought I would just go out and buy an I-7 920 processor and get Best Buy to install it on my computer and my problems would be solved. After a little research I found out that processor wouldn't work with my motherboard (the device in the computer that everything plugs in to). In fact when I added the 8800 GT video card I had to get a bigger power supply (that cost $400). Anyway, the only processor that was compatible with my motherboard was an AMD that was just slightly faster and not worth the upgrade. So basically I had spent $1,000 on my Dell computer, then another $400 for a nice graphics card and power supply only to find out that I couldn't upgrade any further unless I basically changed the motherboard and the rest of my computer components. As one forum poster mentioned, its just best to get a custom built computer for FSX. I found all of this out about 6 mos ago and I couldn't afford to build or purchase another computer.Now (thanks to my tax refund and an okay from my wife) I am able to get a custom built computer with an I-7 proc and a 275GTX graphics card that I think will run a decent job of running FSX. More importantly I got a motherboard that I know I can use when upgrading to a faster I-7 and a better graphics card later on.Anyway, I know the frustation you feel. Mark

You can always replace the graphics card with one that would be an upgrade but doesn't require the use of a PCI-e 6-pin power connector. I'd recommend the Geforce GT 240. That's as fast of a card as you'll get that doesn't require the power connector, and would definitely be an upgrade over your 9400. The reason(s) you can't upgrade your system have already been outlined, but I'll reiterate them for you:1) your power supply is inadequate and does not support the use of high-end graphics cards like the GTX 200 series2) your motherboard does not support the Phenom II series chips, which are significantly faster than the original Phenom chips, therefore you have no upgrade path for the CPU since you're limited to the (slow) Phenom series

You can always replace the graphics card with one that would be an upgrade but doesn't require the use of a PCI-e 6-pin power connector. I'd recommend the Geforce GT 240. That's as fast of a card as you'll get that doesn't require the power connector, and would definitely be an upgrade over your 9400. The reason(s) you can't upgrade your system have already been outlined, but I'll reiterate them for you:1) your power supply is inadequate and does not support the use of high-end graphics cards like the GTX 200 series2) your motherboard does not support the Phenom II series chips, which are significantly faster than the original Phenom chips, therefore you have no upgrade path for the CPU since you're limited to the (slow) Phenom series

I went to the AMD website and it said my CPU plugs into a socket called AM2+. The Phenom II series plugs into an AM3 socket. I did some searching on google and appearantly AMD designed the Phenom II series so they would still be compatiable with AM2+ sockets so anyone wanting to upgrade wouldn't need a new motherboard/system. Is there any truth to this or is it still not possible for me to upgrade? http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2468 -one of the websites that mentions this, found after scrolling down a bit towards the middle

I went to the AMD website and it said my CPU plugs into a socket called AM2+. The Phenom II series plugs into an AM3 socket. I did some searching on google and appearantly AMD designed the Phenom II series so they would still be compatiable with AM2+ sockets so anyone wanting to upgrade wouldn't need a new motherboard/system. Is there any truth to this or is it still not possible for me to upgrade? http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2468 -one of the websites that mentions this, found after scrolling down a bit towards the middle

HelloYou are correct the Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition will drop into an AM2+ socket and apparently switches its DDR3 controller to a DDR2 controller.Your power supply is inadequate at 300w to support the Phenom II x4 and a newer Video card but the good news is that your PS is a standard ATX size so no problems upgrading that.So you can upgrade to something like a Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition with a GTX260 216 and a good quality PSU around the 600w mark and you will be able to run FSX OK, FS9 will run really well.

The socket itself supports the CPU but the specific motherboard your computer uses does not have BIOS support for the newer CPUs.

HelloHere is a link to the HP bios update for that board to enable support for AM3 processorsReleased: 2009-07-13Version: 5.13 Enhancements: # Updates AGESA source code to 3.3.2.4.# Updates microcode to support newer AM3 processors.# Updates RAID ROM to version 3.0.1545.55.# Resolves issue with optical disk drives not being recognized when a Hitachi Hard Drive is connected to the system.# Resolves issue with the system hanging when a Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo (4GB) is connected.# Updates fan curve for processor support.sp43099.exehttp://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwar...product=3870515

HelloHere is a link to the HP bios update for that board to enable support for AM3 processorsReleased: 2009-07-13Version: 5.13 Enhancements: # Updates AGESA source code to 3.3.2.4.# Updates microcode to support newer AM3 processors.# Updates RAID ROM to version 3.0.1545.55.# Resolves issue with optical disk drives not being recognized when a Hitachi Hard Drive is connected to the system.# Resolves issue with the system hanging when a Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo (4GB) is connected.# Updates fan curve for processor support.sp43099.exehttp://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwar...product=3870515

Sweet so then I can get a Phenom II to upgrade my computer?

HelloThis is pretty much what you will need , Max will be better placed to advise on pricesIf you go this route I would buy with an eye to the future in as much as I would get a power supply that would carry over into my next build ect.I would check out other build options as you may be able to put something more future proof together if you sell your existing rig and add what you make from the sale to the near $500 it is going to cost to upgrade.Bearing in mind that you will never get the full potential from the Phenom II X4 965 with your existing Motherboard.I am with Max on this , not really a viable upgradeAMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Quad Core Processor $189.99BFG GeForce GTX 260 Overclocked $209.Enermax EES620AWT ECO80+ 620 Watt Power Supply $89.99

HelloThis is pretty much what you will need , Max will be better placed to advise on pricesIf you go this route I would buy with an eye to the future in as much as I would get a power supply that would carry over into my next build ect.I would check out other build options as you may be able to put something more future proof together if you sell your existing rig and add what you make from the sale to the near $500 it is going to cost to upgrade.Bearing in mind that you will never get the full potential from the Phenom II X4 965 with your existing Motherboard.I am with Max on this , not really a viable upgradeAMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Quad Core Processor $189.99BFG GeForce GTX 260 Overclocked $209.Enermax EES620AWT ECO80+ 620 Watt Power Supply $89.99

How much of the Phenom II's full potential will I not get? Also, how do you think my system will do with FPS with this upgrade in FSX?

How much of the Phenom II's full potential will I not get? Also, how do you think my system will do with FPS with this upgrade in FSX?

HelloBy Full potential I meant that you will not be able to overclock the CPU as your bios is most likely locked or missing the settings needed to push the CPU further, another one of the reasons to stay away from OEM computers.You will still be limited to running FSX at fairly low settings, getting FSX running well requires some serious hardware when you start adding complex aircraft and sceneries (which you will).Its your call but I would price up the components for an I7 build and see how close you are when you factor in the cash from selling the HP.I feel you will spend around $500 and still be frustrated with FSX.

As my current CPU is @ 2.40 Ghz, upgrading to 3.40 Ghz and a better video card won't make much of a difference? My other question is what's the difference between an intel i7 @3.4 GHz and an AMD Phenom II @3.4GHz besides a large amount of money?