I am considering upgrading my GTX460. I have heard that the GTX660 (that is to be released this month) is approximately the same speed as the GTX580. As my current card only has 1GB of video ram, and now that I am now running a Dell 30” monitor at 2560 x 1600 resolution, I would think more video ram will help FSX. But which card should I purchase? The GTX660 will have 2GB of video ram as opposed to the GTX580 that has 3GB. I am assuming that the GTX660 will be more affordable than the GTX580. Does extra video ram made a substantial difference in my situation, and if so is 3GB better than 2GB?

FSX is dependent on CPU core speed. If you have no issues with the current card than replacing it just for FSX would not be worth the investment IMO.1GB Vram is good for FSX.

The 660GTX looks promising. It is incorrect to state that the GPU does not matter in the performance of FSX. The results on the FSXMark11 benchmark tests are proof of that. A fast CPU with an unmatched GPU will indeed restrict performance.Kind regards,

Yes this PC i solely for FSX and I use Win7 64Bit. I have recently overclocked my i7 950 to 4.0 GHz and have 6GB of low latency 7-7-7-20 1600MHz ram. And yet I still get microstutters and occasionally more noticeable stutters. I think I have seen elsewhere that more Vram can help, particularly with larger resolutions.

Yes this PC i solely for FSX and I use Win7 64Bit. I have recently overclocked my i7 950 to 4.0 GHz and have 6GB of low latency 7-7-7-20 1600MHz ram. And yet I still get microstutters and occasionally more noticeable stutters. I think I have seen elsewhere that more Vram can help, particularly with larger resolutions.

It depends on the AA/AF you're using...1GB is enough at that resolution if you're running 8xS/16AF and no transparency AA. I suspect your occasional stutters have more to do with your modest CPU horsepower--a Gen 1 i7 at 4 GHz is an acceptable, but not groundbreaking performer.Honestly, that 460 is a pretty solid match for your 4 GHz CPU...I doubt a stronger GPU alone will produce the improvements you seek.

Honestly, that 460 is a pretty solid match for your 4 GHz CPU...I doubt a stronger GPU alone will produce the improvements you seek.

Bob is correct, as usual.Although a fine CPU, I doubt that a i7 950 @ 4.0 Ghz could take advantage of much more than the 460 you have. If you jump it to 4.3 Ghz or so, it might be able to use a bit more, otherwise it is evenly matched more or less. Better to stay put for both your CPU and GPU and opt for the soon to arrive newer tech the next time you upgrade. :smile:Kind regards,

No point for 660 in FSX. The only thing you earn from modern cards is ability of antialiasing sim in best modes, which puts old cards on knees. Today GTX560, 570, 580 can do best antialiasing, so there is no more improvement can be done.The only thing which boosts FSX is fast hard drive or CPU.

How can any of these comments be accurate if the 6xx is not released and tested?

Stephen had some good data that showed that the 570 was out-performed by the 580 in some circumstances in FSX, which makes me wonder if the next series of cards will out perform the 580 in some regards in FSX.RH

Stephen had some good data that showed that the 570 was out-performed by the 580 in some circumstances in FSX, which makes me wonder if the next series of cards will out perform the 580 in some regards in FSX.RH

I suspect they will, based on what we have seen up to now. So far, each Nvidia generation improves FSX performance when accompanied by an equally fast cpu. Fun times!Kind regards,

Yeah, and I bet an Ivy Bridge @ +5Ghz will need a faster videocard than a 580 to max out. Can't wait for my IvyBridge!RH

Can't wait for my IvyBridge!

That's the spirit! :Big Grin: