I've been reading some post here on VC's.......I need some ideas.  I'm using 1- 28" monitor running FS9.1.  I do have lots of scenery upgrades and lots of add ons.  My question is I'm not ready to upgrade to a new machine yet but will in a few years.  My card fan is out so I need to replace.  Do I need the 4GB since I'm only using 1 monitor or would 2GB work.  Thinking abut GTX's 750's or so I know about the 980's do I really need it for FS9?  Thanks.  Again I'm just needing a good card.  Mine is a PCI express 16 Pin currently a Nvida 256MB memory card runs just fine most sliders maxed.  It's a Dell.....Intel R Core TM i7CPU, 860 @ 2.80GHz, RAM 2.80 GB, 64 Bit OS.

 

Thanks So Much!!!!!!!!

 

Scot---(Scooter)

Someone please help.  My system is down until I replace the card.  It works pretty well with 256MB.  I do get cloud stutters in 3D cockpit in clouds and rain but not bad.  I have a 350W power supply too.  I know most cards now require 450-600W now.  Throw me a bone here LOL.

In a few years, when you upgrade to a new PC, any video card you buy today will likely be too old and slow for that new PC.  Your 350 watt PSU is a serious limitation as most video cards start with a minimum of 350 watts and 18 amps on the 12V rails and 400 watts or more is preferred.   You are in a tough spot and I would hesitate to pair a new video card that requires 350 watts minimum with an old 350 watt PSU.  I think you will have to settle for a very low-end video card that needs only a 300 watt PSU, Nvidia 610 or 730, or replace the fan on your current card. 

Thanks Stans, I found a 520W at a store here for $50.  So that'd be a pretty cheap upgrade.  

Yes, but is that $50 PSU worth installing?  My experiences with PSU's is that you get what you pay for.  Cheap PSU's often do provide the advertised volts, amps, or watts and they can have very short lives, sometimes frying the motherboard and/or components in the process.  Buyer beware.

Thanks for that info.  I found a Geforce GT730 which all I had to do is plug and play.  Yeah I'm not ready to Fry my PC yet!  Thanks.  I just need a little more time for my up grade.

 

Thanks Scooter

 

 

I think you will have to settle for a very low-end video card that needs only a 300 watt PSU

 

Also consider GTX7## cards including the non overclocked GTX750Ti which have sub 300W requirements. Could be slightly overkill for FS9 but I wouldn't get a card with less than 2GB VRAM these days.