Hello everyone. I have a system with i7 2600k (not overclocked), 8Gb RAM and a Nvidia GT530 video card. My question is should I upgrade to GTX550-Ti video card? Do you think it would improve my fps even to some extent? Basically the only thing I do with this desktop is run fsx so other aspects concerning the video card can be ignored.

 

Thanks in advance!

short answer - NO. Long answer - NO - GPU's really don't make that much impact on FPS in FSX - CPU power is what is needed. And going from the 530 to 550 is just a waste of $$. Later this year when the next generation of 6 series cards is available, you *might* see some improvement but whether or not the improvement vs the cost is worth it - only you can tell.

 

Save your $$ and overclock the I2600 - you will definitely see an improvement there.

 

Vic

I have to disagree. The GT 530 is a rather anemic card, even FSX can make more use of the GPU than the GT 530 can provide. Certainly this is true with an i7 2600k. In fact, if you can swing something faster than a 550 I would recommend it also. A 560 is a fine card. If you can wait, the 660 will be out in the next few weeks and should be even better.

Yes ..the 530 is a weak card and vs the 550ti there is no contest. However just yesterday Aug 17, 2012 the GTX 660ti line is available for around $300. While it is true that FSX is CPU intensive and more so than GPU intensive..however that is not license to disregard an appropriate graphics card upgrade. I had a 550ti installed in my FSX box and got 6.4 on Windows Experience and replaced it with a 560ti w/448 Cudas (around $300 then) and the Windows Experience for gaming and graphics went from 6.4 to the max of 7.9. The improvement in FSX was dramatic. In Manhattan and London iitis tuff sledding for most of us.

 

Cloud settings are a big hit so you could try reducing them in FSX...but I have to say when I got half-way decent hardware and went with HDMI video card output and HD monitor what a tremendous plus...I run my clouds maxed out and it's a beautiful thing. My home airport is KLAS (Las Vegas.NV) and get 40fps + flying downtown "Sin City" around 25 fps in Manhattan but there are so many variables FPS comparisons are generally pointless IMHO

 

Happy Landings... :rolleyes:

 

-ps I always use real weather (which changes) but on a clear day in Manhattan it's 40+ BUT forget FPS obsession..if it is a smooth flight and you are adequately "immersed" then that's IT! Right? B)