Computer Whiz Needed

[BOSSIER_ROB]

With all the new upgrades required to effieciently run Realflight G4 I'm in a rut. I know I need a new graphics card but I don't know jack about them. I would ask help on knife edge forum but it wont let me post even after registering. It seems that most are having luck with the newer Geforce 8 series cards but I cant seem to find one right now. Will the 5500 work? What about an XFX 7800? Is there other cards that run as well, and what manufacturer produces them? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Edge 540]

This is why I'm sticking to 3.5. If you notice, even the purpose built demo computers have trouble handling G4 at times, especially with water and smoke. My computer doesnt have a chance!
I'll be curious to hear what works. I'm sure there are plenty of options, I just dont feel like going down that road. It is a great simulator from what I've been able to mess with.

[BOSSIER_ROB]

Well I don't have a choice. The sim's sitting right here on my puter table. It's make it work or throw $200 away. I'm not partial to option 2. I've got a brand new HP Pavillion. Dual core 2.2 gb I believe with 2000 something ram and plenty of storage space. I think with a good graphics card I'll be happy. I'm not designing aerospace vehicles or nit picking the ripple effects on the water. I just want to use the damn thing! lol It's cheaper to practice alpha rolls on the deck here than with my yak at the field.

[Edge 540]

haha Yeah you're probably right. Maybe I'm just frustrated cause I spent the $200 for G3 about 10 months ago and now theres something better. I know they have a trade in but it doesn't include the new PC parts...

Oh check out newegg.com. That might help save a little money compared to the bigbox stores.

[3ddd]

the package should have recomended graphics cards in it.go to best buy or staples or circut city and ask the techs what would run it.it will have to be a pci express i am sure but they will know,just take the info with you and a credit card.you need a video card that supports 3d accelerated video-2.0 pixel shader-256mb of dedicated video memory

[BOSSIER_ROB]

Cool. Newegg explains things for dumbasses like me. I think I got it now guys. Thanks a bunch. Mods.........You may shut this down at anytime. Questions answered.

[dubd]

The best card per dollar right now is the newly released Nvidia 8800GT. It's $270 and it's only 5-10% slower than it's $550 big brother. If you're on a budget I suggest you go with a 8600GT.

[Neogenesis]

I would open the case and be sure that you have a video slot before you go purchase something. A lot of major computer mfg's these days have been physically removing the AGP/PCI Express slot so that you don't have a upgrade path and are therefore required to purchase a new PC. Stupid as it sounds....I've seen it from all the major mfg's. Open the case on it....take a pic of the motherboard and either myself or someone else can tell you exactly what you need.


Neo

[Wojcigitty]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Neogenesis
	I would open the case and be sure that you have a video slot before you go purchase something. A lot of major computer mfg's these days have been physically removing the AGP/PCI Express slot so that you don't have a upgrade path and are therefore required to purchase a new PC. Stupid as it sounds....I've seen it from all the major mfg's. Open the case on it....take a pic of the motherboard and either myself or someone else can tell you exactly what you need. Neo

I agree here, most people wouldn't think to upgrade, and they're counting on that.

Also, dubd knows his stuff, the 8800GT has a slightly newer architecture, and is by far the best bang for the buck right now. Some people are saying Nvidia has shot themselves in the foot by offering such a fast card for so cheap.

As far as installation, ask around your flying club, if you have one, or a local mom and pop computer repair store, for help. It's not difficult, there's just some stuff you should know. Like starting that first glow engine!

By the sounds of it, you've got a Core 2 Duo CPU at 2.2 ghz and 2 gigs of ram, which, with the 8800GT, should be enough to play any game that comes out in the next two years, including G4.

[BOSSIER_ROB]

I've already upgraded. Did it Saturday morning. I went with the 8500GT(for cost purposes) I could't see spending over $260 Just to make a game work. The 8500 has 512 mb DDR2 mem, shader 4.0 support........it works pretty good. I upgraded the power supply as well. It's a 300 watt wich is the minimun requirement, so I dropped in a 500watt to be sure. Everything seems to work well. No glitches with the sim. It's awsome on my plasma, too! Almost like being at the field. Thanks for the recommendations fellas!