Old Geezer needs help!

[Leafhopper]

Because of health problems, I had to stop my flight sim habit back when I was running Win XP. (I am now 70 years). I have FS9 and FSX and had a marginal computer for FSX (FS9 ran pretty good at medium graphic settings with no traffic).

I want to get back into it but I am very concerned about running FSX on new computers with win7 or win8. I do not play any of the younger generation's multi-player high power requirement games...just FS.

 

I have the CH yolk and pedals (usb models) and multi engine throttle set. Since all this stuff was set to run under Win XP, am I faced with the need for new hardware which I can't really afford? 

 

I used to build my own computers so I'm not totally ignorant but I am years behind.

 

What OS versions can run FSX without a degree from MIT?

 

What CPU is a good upper mid range choice?

What graphics card?

How much ram?

 

Or, should I just take up checkers in the park?

 

Just searching for some advice and recommendations

[rlkjmt73]

This is my system:

 

GPU:  GeForce GTX 660

CPU:  Intel Core i7-3770k CPU @ 3.50GHz

Memory:  12 GB RAM

OS:  Windows 8 64bit

Monitor:  27 inch....1920 x 1080 60hz

 

Flight Sim:  FSX Acceleration

Controls:  CH yoke and pedals.

Weather Generator:  Active Sky 2012

Other programs:  EZDok 1.17, TrackIR 5, FS Commander 9.3, DX10 Scenery Fixer

 

I configure my yoke and pedals using the payware version of FSUIPC.

 

When I'm flying online, with others, I also have Internet Explorer active so I can access my flying club's website as I'm flying.

 

I've had no memory problems or crashes.  Very smooth.  Running 30fps except when I fly into to the Seattle area (KSEA).  I have all but a couple of sliders maxed.  Can't remember which ones I don't have maxed, but they are off by one notch from being maxed.

 

I purchased this system and have not added anything to it.

 

Hope you get back into flying.

 

Rod

 

Of course there are a lot of other configurations, i.e, better graphics cards out there too.

[Jude Bradley]

Hello Leafhopper,

Use Windows 7 64bit if you can.

Stay away from Windows 8 since there is a disconncting joystick hardware issue which has not been

resolved from an OS level.

Windows 8.1 so far has been reported to have the same issue.

 

There is a workaround,but it involves buying extra software (unless you already have the paid version of FSUIPC).

 

See the joystick Megathread in the avsim forum for more information..

 

http://forum.avsim.net/topic/393486-windows-8-joystick-megathread-problem/

 

Jude

[diajohn]

I am only slightly younger at 69 and build my own computers also.  You can overdo your specs with little to show for it. 

 

I suggest most any mid-range motherboard with an Intel I-5 or I-7 that can be overclocked to anything over 4.0.  Memory max needed would be 8GB and either brand of Graphics Card with 2GB of Ram.  Don't over-think what you need.  I would suggest  Windows 7 to avoid some 8 issues and it will be familiar to an XP person after a short period of time. 

[Leafhopper]

Thanks for the replies guys!

What kind of FPS is acceptable with sliders at upper mid-range for graphics?  As I remember, we were really excited to be getting 20 fps with FS4 and Win XP with scenery at about 50% and traffic at 20%. 

I have FSX but I could never get up to acceptable frame rates with any scenery or traffic.

 

I like the idea of not overthinking the hardware, but I do want to enjoy the sim.

I do have the CH yoke and throttle and pedals, all usb so hopefully Win7 can run them with a software update from CH...maybe?

I have a feeling it will be a challenge.

 

Leafhopper (Dave)

[Leafhopper]

diajon: What is your computer specs?  Sounds like maybe you have a moderate range system that works well?

 

Leafhopper (Dave)

[Reader]

I am only slightly younger at 69 and build my own computers also.  You can overdo your specs with little to show for it. 

 

I suggest most any mid-range motherboard with an Intel I-5 or I-7 that can be overclocked to anything over 4.0.  Memory max needed would be 8GB and either brand of Graphics Card with 2GB of Ram.  Don't over-think what you need.  I would suggest  Windows 7 to avoid some 8 issues and it will be familiar to an XP person after a short period of time. 

 

I am a mere child at 61.

I agree with the above, except that I would recommend an Nvidia graphics card over an AMD (Ati) one.

The only issue with Windows 8 is the well documented controller disconnects and the purchase of FSUIPC would be necessary if you were to choose it.

That said, Windows 7 is indeed much more like XP in appearance.

 

Regards,

Nick

[diajohn]

I run an ASUS Z68 Motherboard with an Intel I-5(2500k) overclocked to 4.1, coupled with an ATI 7850 slightly overclocked and 8GB of RAM.  Standard hard drives with FSX on my main HD.  I run FSX with Ultimate Traffic at 100%, Active Sky, Flight Environment X, FSrealWX, Radar Contact 4, PMDG 737NG or Captain Sim 777 or Aerosoft Airbus X Extended and an Acars of my several virtual airlines.  In addition I use Ch Pedals and the Saitek Yoke/Throttles with an ancient Samsung 23" LCD monitor running 1680x1050 (my next upgrade).

 

I don't get slideshows at Heathrow, JFK, SFO, ATL or anywhere else I fly, no matter the weather.  I run most sliders to the right because looking good is important to me.  My FPS as measured throughout the flight in usually in the upper 20's-60's depending on WX and location.  

 

I keep reading about the power users buying expensive processors, motherboards, SSD's, Graphics Cards, monster power supplies and wonder why?  I just don't believe FSX is as demanding for todays hardware and you may note, mine is a couple of years old now. 

 

One thing I have learned is to buy big hard drives and keep them 50% or less full will make a big difference and they are cheap.  I fly in windowed mode always so I can do email and other stuff while flying. 

 

Now if I could just nail down my landing rates on a more consistent basis.  Maybe sticking with one aircraft would help...

[Leafhopper]

diajon: I looked into your radeon card...too pricey for me. Like most others here, I was also afraid to invest in ATI graphics way back when. It seems like yours is ideal, though.

 

Here is what I have selected via a configurator:

 

• CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-4670K 3.40 GHz 6MB Intel Smart Cache LGA1150 (All Venom OC Certified)
• HDD: 1TB Western Digital Caviar Black SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 7200 RPM HDD [+29] (Single Drive)
• MEMORY: 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3/1600MHz Dual Channel Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
• MOTHERBOARD: [CrossFireX] MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate Intel Z87 Chipset DDR3 ATX Mainboard w/ Military Class 4, OC Genie II, 7.1 HD Audio, GbLAN, HDMI, 2 Gen3 PCIe x16, 2x PCI-e & 2 PCI (Pro OC Certified)
• SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
• VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 2GB 16X PCIe 3.0 Video Card [+123] (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)

I am not up on motherboards now, but MSI was always a good choice in my day.  Anybody familiar with this Nvidia card?

 

Leafhopper

[Leafhopper]

Also, regarding the above configuration, is any of it overkill or underkill?

Any advantage to SSD for OS or for FSX?

 

I can't believe I let myself get so far behind in the tech area (well, I was never really on top of it, but now it's out of sight).

 

Leafhopper

[diajohn]

Leafhopper, it looks okay to me although I don't know anything about Nvidia Graphics cards.  Most swear by them and the 650 should do the job.

[Bob Scott]

Also, regarding the above configuration, is any of it overkill or underkill?

Any advantage to SSD for OS or for FSX?

 

I can't believe I let myself get so far behind in the tech area (well, I was never really on top of it, but now it's out of sight).

 

Leafhopper

diajon: I looked into your radeon card...too pricey for me. Like most others here, I was also afraid to invest in ATI graphics way back when. It seems like yours is ideal, though.

 

Here is what I have selected via a configurator:

• CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-4670K 3.40 GHz 6MB Intel Smart Cache LGA1150 (All Venom OC Certified)
• HDD: 1TB Western Digital Caviar Black SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 7200 RPM HDD [+29] (Single Drive)
• MEMORY: 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3/1600MHz Dual Channel Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
• MOTHERBOARD: [CrossFireX] MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate Intel Z87 Chipset DDR3 ATX Mainboard w/ Military Class 4, OC Genie II, 7.1 HD Audio, GbLAN, HDMI, 2 Gen3 PCIe x16, 2x PCI-e & 2 PCI (Pro OC Certified)
• SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
• VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 2GB 16X PCIe 3.0 Video Card [+123] (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)

I am not up on motherboards now, but MSI was always a good choice in my day.  Anybody familiar with this Nvidia card?

 

Leafhopper

 

My thoughts:

 

You're going to need aftermarket CPU cooling to overclock the 4670K.

Make sure you get the Caviar Black HDD with the 64MB (vs 32MB) cache--it's considerably faster.

An SSD will significantly reduce load times for both OS and FSX, but won't do much for frame rates.

Assuming you will overclock the CPU, an nVidia 670 or 680 GPU would be a better match.

I'd recommend a minimum 750W single-rail PSU, as well.

Win 7 64 Home Premium--stay clear of Win 8

 

Regards

[Leafhopper]

w6kd: Thanks for the info!  The unit I'm looking at will be liquid cooled and I have selected a 750 watt psu. Sooo... Now all I have to do is get the courage to push the buy button!

 

Leafhopper

[Leafhopper]

Button pushed! OMG!

 

I used to be a regular here at AVSIM, but, for some reason, I wasn't recognized after 4 or 5 years of absence. Hopefully, I will be a regular again.

 

Thanks everybody, for the comments and advise!

 

Leafhopper