Recommendations for my PC

[Kevin Huskens 1149136]

Hey guys,

 

I just came, to see what your recommendations are for my PC. Im not a PC expert and also not on the top shelf of computers. This is what it says on my computer.

 

I have:

- Inter Core 2 Duo Processor T7100 (1.8 GHz, 800 MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache)

- Up to 358 MB Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100

- 2GB DDR2

- 160 GB HDD

 

Now, i dont know what most of these are, but im pretty sure there not good because i am getting low framerates.

I get about 10-15 in big airports but in the air it's pretty good

But i would just like to ask you guys,

 

- What is letting me down in my PC? (Im sure theres quite a bit :p)

But please dont give me all these complicated things because i most probably wont understand them. Keep it simple

 

Also,

- What do you recommend me to do, in terms of FS options/addons, and maybe some tips to help to get better framerates WITHOUT changing anything on the computer.

Ex. You guys recommend me to get resized textures (which i already have)

 

Maybe there is a way to get better performance out of my PC, i dunno. Just give me ur ideas

 

Oh yea, im using Windows XP

 

Thanks,

Kevin

[Richard Gerrish]

are you running FS9, FSX, or Xplane?

 

first thing that jumps out as a killer is the onboard graphics card with shared memory. If you were to install a new Graphics card that will help your frames considerably.

 

I would also look into adding more RAM if you're going to be adding addons and payware ect.

[Ivan Kovacevic 920456]

Do you have a Desktop PC or a Laptop?

 

The selection of components indicated either a laptop or a very poor idea of making a desktop PC out of laptop parts

 

 

In both cases, unless you've got tons of $$$ to throw away, get a proper desktop PC - much better "value for money" when it comes to Flight sim.

[Darrol Larrok 1140797]

I hate to say it, but that computer is useless for anything other than light office work and internet surfing.

 

For any flight sim or game, 2.5 Ghz is pretty much needed. An intel GMA is not suitable for...anything. I'd recommend a recent graphics card.

 

At least 3 gigs of ram, 4 if your on 64 bit.

[Scott D. Williams]

I have been flying with 2 gigs RAM for about 2 years and about 2000 hours and no problems. The airplane (computer) seems to like two 1 gig strips. So that is what I do and I pretty much fly way too much according to my wife. As a side note about every 90 days you will find a new computer expert here so how you buy that is your decision. Thank God, the best part of flying on Vat is the extent of the pro pilots and the pleasure of sharing busy airspace with them.

[Darrol Larrok 1140797]

The ram isn't a huge issue. The GMA is, as is the 1.8 Ghz processor.

[Scott D. Williams]

Not to me.

[Darrol Larrok 1140797]

Your running a flight sim on a GMA?

[Scott D. Williams]

I have no idea what a GMA is other than Good Morning America which I confess I enjoy. If you want to fly with me on Vat I am always available with 2 gigs. I fly Delta Mostly.

[Kevin Huskens 1149136]

Im running FS2004 and im on a laptop.

Yea... i know its pretty bad laptop but i didnt buy it.

My dad gave it to me just for homework and that stuff.

Not for gaming

 

Sooo yea..

 

So most of you guys are telling me to get a new processor and graphics card? Is that right? And RAM too.

 

So how would i necessarily get these things? Can i like ask some computer expert to replace mine, or is it more complicated and involves taking the whole laptop apart? This is for the processor and graphics card.

 

Just wondering if this process is complicated or quite easy.

 

Thanks,

Kevin

[Ivan Kovacevic 920456]

You don't really have much upgrading room if you have a laptop...

 

Even with computers, if it's more than a year or two old, upgrading will require a change of almost all components of the PC.

[Kevin Huskens 1149136]

OK so i guess im stuck with what i got unless i buy a new computer.

 

Thanks everyone,

Kevin

[Richard Gerrish]

Im running FS2004 and im on a laptop.

Yea... i know its pretty bad laptop but i didnt buy it.

My dad gave it to me just for homework and that stuff.

Not for gaming

 

Sooo yea..

 

So most of you guys are telling me to get a new processor and graphics card? Is that right? And RAM too.

 

So how would i necessarily get these things? Can i like ask some computer expert to replace mine, or is it more complicated and involves taking the whole laptop apart? This is for the processor and graphics card.

 

Just wondering if this process is complicated or quite easy.

 

Thanks,

Kevin

 

upgrading RAM on most laptops is very easy pop a couple screw maybe a bezel if the manufacturer snuck a Dimm under the keyboard and you're good to go. The ram upgrade might help you out a bit since you're sharing your RAM with your GPU.

 

about every 90 days you will find a new computer expert here so how you buy that is your decision.

 

true enough there are a few of us that are around most of the time, however the constant debate between whats best can get old the joys of computer hardware there is no right or wrong answer till you wire it wrong

[Darrol Larrok 1140797]

A ram upgrade won't have a great deal of improvement. That laptop will never be able to run anything involving decent graphics well because it has a GMA and not a graphics card.

[Scott D. Williams]

Let us all do some Vatsim flying and most of my flights are in the southeast U.S. I would love to see you guys. I am always DAL4176 or WWA1404.