I have tried most of the recommended tweaks and gone back to a default rebuilt fsx.cfg with only a HighMemFix line added. I have AI traffic fairly low, scenery detail medium/high-ish and it runs pretty good with moderately dense airports and Bluesky photoscenery and meshes. I have moved all addon scenery to a 128gb Crucial M4.

 

The system is FSX locked at 24fps and I usually get smooth frames with the occasional stop (which I guess is referred to as a stutter) and sometimes I see distant scenery loading. It is a given that I can't afford a new computer as I am retired and living on a fixed income.

 

The question is this;

 

Could I get any worthwhile improvement with a video card upgrade (350W pwr supply)?

 

If so, which one would you recommend for my antiquated system.

 

Thanks in advance for the accumulated expertise of this board.

 

Slim

I don't think it would be worth it with your pc. I'd save that money towards a total system upgrade personally.

Hi Randy,

 

Thanks for your suggestion. Roughly how much did your system cost not counting FSX peripherals?

 

I too come from a cattle ranch background although much smaller than yours. I would suggest that you not wait until "someday" to learn to fly. It ain't getting any cheaper and I would imagine with 12000 acres to over see an airplane could come in handy. Your FSX knowledge of radio procedures and airport protocol gives you a leg up on most students.

 

Also I don't know how close your ranch is to major towns, but I know on a farm or ranch something is always breaking down and needing parts. Perhaps a pilot's license could come in handy for this.

 

Regards,

Slim

I put my system together for around $900. You can save some money by getting a 660ti or so instead of a 670. I already had a monitor and peripherals.

 

I'd like to fly but it's not a priority. Not much I can do with an airplane that a horse won't do better. I don't like scaring the bejeebus out of my cattle so no helicopter roundups around here. It's a nice dream but other things like my kiddos college take precedent right now. I'm still waiting for flying cars in every garage, maybe then.

Yep I didn't really mean use the airplane for a roundup, more for parts runs, looking for lost stock, vet meds pick-up, or maybe even taking a lady friend to a nice dinner. I imagine the distances on a 12000 acre spread are more vast than my little Mississippi farm.