Hi all,

 

i've just found these forums and read through the stickies and so on. Lots of info there, really really great. Nice to know I've done a couple of this 'right'. But now I'm looking to upgrade one or two components of my pc. Having read through many stuff I think I shoud go for a new graphic card update but I really would like to hear some of your opinions. Budget is around 200-250 euro.

 

some relevant specs:

 

Intel Core i7-2600K, 3.40GHz, 8MB, HD3000, S1155 (OC to 4.4Ghz)

Corsair XMS3 8GB(2x4GB) DDR3 1333MHz CL9 (2x=16gb)

Asus P8P67 EVO S1155 P67 4xDDR3 ATX

Sapphire Radeon HD 6870, 1GB, FleX Lite

1920x1080p Monitor

160gb SSD

 

I'm running FSX with the PMDG NGX, REX Essentials and some aerosoft airport add-on. On the ground I get 13-16 FPS and in the air 18-24 FPS. I've already tweaked the software in all possible ways, from updates in fsx.ini to an external frame limiter.

 

So, in your opinion, what new hardware would give me the most 'bang for the buck'? (okay.... in need more FPS's!! :lol: )

 

 

Thanks

 

Ray

 

Corsair XMS3 8GB(2x4GB) DDR3 1333MHz CL9 (2x=16gb)

If you can upgrade to DDR3 @ 2133 CL9, you will see a 10-15% performance increase.

 

Sapphire Radeon HD 6870, 1GB, FleX Lite

 

If you could upgrade to a GTX660, you would see about a 10-15% performance boost right off the bat. In clouds, you will get a massive performance boost due to Nvidia not dropping SM2 support.

Hi Ben,

 

Thanks for your informative answer, very usefull!

 

 

I've been looking at memory modules sold by my local store and they've only got CL11 memory in stock. Do you know if this is better/worse than CL9? Opinions on the net range from 'no difference' to complete disagreements :lol:

 

Got any idea's on that?

 

Oh and would you recommend 8Gb (or more)? I remember reading somewhere that FSX doesn't require a whole lot or memory.

 

Thanks,

 

Ray

Hi Ben,

 

Thanks for your informative answer, very usefull!

 

 

I've been looking at memory modules sold by my local store and they've only got CL11 memory in stock. Do you know if this is better/worse than CL9? Opinions on the net range from 'no difference' to complete disagreements :lol:

 

Got any idea's on that?

 

Oh and would you recommend 8Gb (or more)? I remember reading somewhere that FSX doesn't require a whole lot or memory.

 

Thanks,

 

Ray

 

CL11 is worse than CL9. For RAM timings the rule of thumb is "the lower the number, the faster the RAM". Clockspeed must also be considered in this equation though. E.G. 1600MHz CL10 > 1333MHz CL9. If you only have to "trade" one level of latency for a whole clock speed bump, the speed bump is usually worth it, at least up until about 2133MHz and when running Sandy/Ivy (Ivy this rule stays true up to around 2400MHz). For anything prior to Sandy, 1600MHz is about as good as it gets.

 

In answer to your original question though, you could expect a decent performance upgrade by swapping out your Radeon 6870 for a Geforce 560 or better, particularly when flying in bad weather.

Edit: removed the water cpu cooler suggestion, missed you had it OC'ed already. Then for your money, I say get super fast memory and video card.

 

Also get a 560TI nVidia card for more and definitely smoother frame rates.

thanks guys, this is really helpfull. I can't believe the quick reactions.

 

So, the graphics need upgrading and (I didn't realise this) the memory needs to be replaced. Budget wise, I guess I'll have to save up twice. But hey, no pain no FPS gain!

The 560Ti card had already caught my eye and a whole lot of nice youtube vids seem to be made using this card. Ben recommended a 660, but a comparison is hard to make for me. The 'Ti' seems to be somehow more important than the higher number (??)

 

And for the memory, I'm just not sure yet what to get 8 or 16 Gb. Any idea's or opinions?

 

So the first thing that has to go is the Radion 6870! (anybody interested? Ha ha ha!)

 

Ray

Video card model number deciphering guide:

 

1st digit = product generation and is *not* part of the performance picture. example: a Geforce GTX 580 can be faster than a 660 (non-Ti)

2nd & 3rd digits = indicate product position within a given generation. example Geforce 680 is faster than a 660

@TechguyMaxC

 

okay so highernumber=better. Stil not really sure what the "Ti" means but budget wise, the 660Ti is just within reach. This review seems to rate is a pretty good, it kind of closed the deal for me (I guess... well.... for now :lol: )

http://www.flightsimworld.com/forums/topic/201564-gtx-660-ti-the-300-card-that-performs/

 

The memory upgrade will have to wait another month or two. The TrackIr5 has already emptied my pockets this summer ^_^

 

Ray