Software & Hardware Guide for FSX;

 

I would like to ask Nick and/or other contributors to the above mentioned guide a question about who I might contact concerning upgrading my desktop to a respectable level in order to run MS FSX with aftermarket graphics software. I ran Belarc Advisor on my machine to get a Computer Profile Summary so I could compare my machine with the guide, hopefully to upgrade for FSX. But I have trouble understanding the guide as it applies to my machine.

 

My question is this... I don't propose to be computer savy, having someone else configure my machine 5 years ago for FSX. That someone is no longer available and I would ask if there are those willing to take my computer profile summary and advise me on how to make it better respond to FSX. It's just the hardware I need help with. I figure once I have the hardware in place I can do all the recommended tweaks/config settings the guide suggests. But I need the help with the hardware upgrade. Yes, the guide lists the recommended components but I fear an upgrade (as opposed to an complete new system) complicates the issue's comparability concerns. Quite frankly, it frustrating. I have a fear of buying new hardware and learning afterwards that it either doesn't work at all or no better than before due to component constraints. As I wish to save money by upgrading as opposed to purchasing a pre built system, I hope there is help out there.

 

Thanks for listening,

 

Bill

Two corrections to my post:

 

"with aftermarket graphics software" should be omitted. I don't know where that came from.

 

"comparability" should read "comparability".

 

Bill

The second correction still is not right... Compatability, with a "t" is what I mean. Spell checker keeps changing on me.

 

Bill

You are effectively asking what parts you need to change on your Model T Ford, to be able to drive across the USA, on the Interstate at 80 MPH,
Whatever you upgrade on your old 5 year old computer, will be restrained in performance by any remaining old parts, thus really being a waste of money,

You do not indicate what your Budget is, but for between $900 - $1500, you could build yourself a new system, ( with performance matching components)that will run FSX "very well", ( while still keeping your old PC intact, and maybe usable for less demanding tasks, or for use at the same time as your new system ),

FSMP's advice is solid, however, if you still want to ask NickN, he hangs out at Simforums.com

Good analagy but I'm thinking its a late model 2 year old with available aftermarket accessories...

Good analagy but I'm thinking its a late model 2 year old with available aftermarket accessories...

It was you that said 5 years.   :rolleyes:  

 

A lot has happened to progress Motherboards, processors & Graphic cards in the past 5 years.

 

Keep us informed with what you do, and the results you get  ...    :p0504:

If your PC is five years old in my opinion there is nothing you can replace that will make much of a difference, you should build or buy a new one.  If you buy I would not get anything from Frys, Best Buy, etc.  Find a local PC shop that will build one per your specifications and not put any crap software on it, only Windows.  Considering the problems some people have with Windows 8 if I were you I would go with Windows 7.  By the way, my whole post assumes that the most demanding software you run will be FSX and the thing you want most is a PC that runs FSX as well as possible.

 

You can build your own system, all it takes is the ability to read and follow directions and a little patience.  There are people here and at simforums that are always glad to help and answer questions.

 

If you PC is two years old then you need to post a list of your hardware so we could make an informed decision of what could be upgraded that would actually benefit FSX.

 

If you have the money for a new system I would suggest that you buy the parts and build a Haswell 4770K based system.  Below are three links regarding this subject over at simforums which contains Nick's thoughts on Haswell and tuning a PC for Windows7 & FSX.

 

Starting on Page 2 of this thread Nick discusses his thoughs on his new 4770K system and how well he was able to overclock it.  There is a lot of excellent information here, I highly suggest that you read through it.

http://www.simforums.com/forums/gtx-780-settings-discussion-haswell-revealed_topic46112_page2.html

 

This is a link to Nick's "work in process" guide to building and overclocking a Haswell system.

http://www.simforums.com/forums/haswell-48ghz-on-air-building-a-haswell-system_topic46180.html

 

This is a link to Nick's "work in process" guide to tuning a PC with Windows 7 as an OS and for FSX.

http://www.simforums.com/forums/the-fsx-computer-system-the-bible-by-nickn_topic46211.html

 

Read all of the above first and then if you have any questions for Nick ask them in the hardware forum at simforums.

To idahosurge,

 

Thanks for the guidance. I will do the required reading as you suggest. Nick has made it easy for me by sending me his suggested 4770K Haswell setup and, with the 3 links you sent me, either build or have built the system.

 

The group here has been very responsive to my project and I wish to thank you all. I will try to keep you posted. So far I have started to price out components so I can compare the cost to a completely assembled system from a vendor such as CyberpowerPC. It's the only vendor I have looked at so far-intend to look at more but I'm leaning towards building and tweaking a system I build. Regardless of which way I go, the components will be what Nick specified.