johnny Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 my current spec is a Q6600 2.4 8500GT I'm not big into hardware and changing my spec but I saw today the following: Twintech Geforce GTX 250 PCI 1Gb express 2.0 HDMI (149 euros) Is this going to give me a remarkable performance improvement for FSX (and fs9). Will I be on another planet , or is it not worth it and gives only a smal gain. also Twintech Geforce GTX 260 PCI 512Mb express 2.0 (195 euros) PNY GTS250 512Mb (149 euros) Are there any pitfalls with changing a video card. and reinstallation to do or is it a simple thing with generally no side effects? thanks for your help guys John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spirit Flyer_old Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 Hi Johnny, What are the current specifications for your MB, CPU, RAM, GPU and OS? How much does the price of the GTX 260 vary from a GTX 275 or 285? Spirit Flyer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny Posted October 10, 2009 Author Share Posted October 10, 2009 Hi Spirit Flyer GTX 285 is 329euros, GTX 275 is 269euros, GTX 269 is 195euros I'm on vista 32bit , this kind of thing was always my weak spot, but I guess now is the time to learn, I have listed here a load of info, half of it is probably useless, the other half hopefully answers to your question. what do you reckon, are any of those compatible with my motherboard and likely to give me a new experience with FSX? John Product number GX643AA Introduction date 26-Sep-2007 Country/region sold in: * France Hardware Base processor Core 2 Quad Q6600 (K) 2.4 GHz * 1066 MHz front side bus * Socket 775 Chipset Intel G33 Express Motherboard * Manufacturer: Asus * Motherboard Name: IPIBL-LA * HP/Compaq motherboard name: Berkeley-GL8E Memory Component Attributes Memory Installed 3 GB Maximum allowed 8 GB (4 x 2 GB) (64-bit OS) 4 GB* (4 x 1 GB) (32-bit OS) *Actual available memory may be less Speed supported PC2-5300 MB/sec Type 240 pin, DDR2 SDRAM Hard drive * 500 GB SATA 3G (3.0 Gb/sec) * 7200 rpm 16X DVD(+/-)R/RW 12X RAM (+/-)R DL LightScribe SATA drive * Must use Double-Layer media discs in order to take advantage of the DL technology * Must use LightScribe-enabled media discs and supporting software in order to take advantage of the LightScribe technology Function Maximum speed DVD-RAM Up to 12X DVD-R DL Write Once Up to 8X DVD+R DL Write Once Up to 8X DVD+R Write Once Up to 16X DVD+RW Rewritable Up to 8X DVD-R Write Once Up to 16X DVD-RW Rewritable Up to 6X DVD ROM Read Up to 16X CD-R Write Once Up to 40X CD-RW Rewritable Up to 32X CD-ROM Read Up to 40X Video Graphics GeForce 8500GT * 512 MB GDDR2 memory * I/O Ports: HDMI, dual-link DVI , S-video Sound/Audio Integrated High Definition audio * Realtek ALC 888S chipset * Supports up to 7.1 audio channels Network (LAN) Integrated 10/100/1000 Base-T networking interface Memory card reader * Supports the following cards: o Compact Flash I o Compact Flash II o IBM Microdrive o Secure Digital (SD) o mini-SD o MultiMediaCard (MMC) o Reduced size MultiMediaCard (RS-MMC) o MultiMediaCard Plus (MMC plus) o MultiMediaCard Mobile (MMC mobile) o Memory Stick o Memory Stick Pro o Memory Stick Duo o Memory Stick Pro Duo o SmartMedia o xD Picture Card (xD = extreme digital) External I/O ports I/O ports on the front panel Port type Quantity 15-in-1 (4 slot) One USB Two 1394 One Headphone One Microphone One Line-in One I/O ports on the back panel Port type Quantity PS2 (keyboard, mouse) Two (one each) VGA One (disabled due to the installation of a graphics card) USB Four 1394 One LAN One SPDIF out (coaxial) One SPDIF in One Audio (side speaker out, rear speaker out, center speaker out, line-in, line-out, microphone) One Each Expansion slots Slot type Quantity PCI One (One available) PCI Express x16 One (None available) PCI Express x1 Two (Two available) Drive bays Bay type Quantity 5.25" Two (One available) 3.5" Two (One available) Pocket Media Drive One (One available) Technologies * Viiv Keyboard and mouse * HP multimedia keyboard * HP PS/2 optical mouse Back to top Software NOTE: HP provides basic support for software that comes with the computer. For in-depth feature assistance, refer to the help section in the software or on the software vendor's Web site. Software titles that shipped with PCSoftware Category Software Title Operating System * Windows Vista Home Premium with Windows Media Center Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nerd-tech Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 Hi johnny, After reading your post's, is this a pre-built system from Dell/Acer/HP? If so you would probably need to upgrade your PSU unless you have already to a decent unit which would not most be likely the case as the big manufacturers (previously mentioned) only really provide PS's that are generic's (AKA no brand) and can only run the selected hardware already installed. Any upgrades and you will have a problem. GPU-Wise, any upgrade from a 8500GT to a more recent card will see quite the big improvement. From what have read, FSX is more dependant on the CPU but it still needs a decent GPU nonetheless. With this in mind, how much are you prepared to spend on a GPU and possible PSU upgrade? Installing a new GPU is bery straight forward, remove the previous drivers for the 8500GT, turn off computer, take out the 8500GT, then install your new graphics card. Insert any needed PCI-Express Power connections (6/8pin), boot up and install the drivers either off the disc included or from online. (Online seem to be always more recent) All the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkH Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 All you need to know: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBS8mTC_R2k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 good video, thankyou. but I have asked my wife to shoot me if ever I start along that path. I would be willing to spend up to 200 or so if I thought it was risk free - but hearing nerd-tech say now that an upgrade to the PSU may also be necessary. Don't know now, have to start reading up big time, its not then just a question of seeing my pc has pci express and going and buying a good card for 200 euros. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skypilot Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Hmmmmm what a strange video - I do not like the way the person handles the cards - obviously has not heard of/is not aware of antistatic precautions. I find it odd that the performance of the card is said to be directly related to the weight of the card - hey, just add a few sinkers and hey presto you have boosted the performance; and another heatsink and fan hey presto more performance increase? I think the testing method has a few flaws in it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maurice_King Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 SP I don't believe problems with static are as critical these days as it used to be, BUT I do take reasonable precautions when fitting Memory and CPU to the MoBo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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