Is this computer right for me?

[Jeff Feldman 1040149]

Hey Guys,

I am in desperate need for a new PC. I am not willing/able to build my own PC- so here is a PC I was thinking about getting. I would like to know if it could run fs2004...also say I had the PMDG 747 as well as a payware airport, would I get good frames?

 

 

-THANKS

Jeff

[Kyle Koskey 1067284]

I don't see what PC you are planning on getting.

[Jeff Feldman 1040149]

Theres the link- sorry!

http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529668232.php

[Sam Cowan 979498]

does that say 8 gigs RAM?! i think you are set...

 

Sam

[Richard Gerrish]

8 gigs you should be set... only not so nice bit I see is the integrated graphics card with shared memory and the lack of good expansion slots

[Jeff Feldman 1040149]

Thanks guys. Do you think this computer could get 40+ frames? Also, the link I posted did not tell about the graphics card. The computer has an NVIDIA GeForce GT120 graphics with up to 1GB total graphics memory. Also, I am confused about the "32 and 64 bit VISTA." What do the bits mean? I think this computer is 64 bit, could it still play fs2004?

[Sam Cowan 979498]

the 64 bit vista is just another version, supposedly it handles RAM reqs better.

 

Sam

[Andrew Martz]

gateway gives you 64bit built in, and a cd with both the 32 bit and 64 bit in it. i should know, i bought a gateway DX4200 last year.

[Jeff Feldman 1040149]

So...do you guys think this system could MAX out fs2004, and even go for fsx?

 

Also, alot of people have suggested building a pc. I have no experience in it, and am worried about the warranty- is it a good idea?

[Erhan Atesoglu 1050499]

Jeff: let me answer that question by saying buying a retail system is NEVER a good idea. You will be better off paying an extra 30-50 dollars for the little guy to [Mod - Happy Thoughts]emble it for you and selecting the components you want and also that are on sale. Some might throw in [Mod - Happy Thoughts]embly if you buy everything from them. Either way I'm sure you'll get more for your money considering it's a gaming machine you want.

[Alex Evans 1082181]

Don't do it!

 

Get someone to build you a Q6600, overclocked to 3GHz+, add an Nvidea 9800GTX and 4 GB of RAM plus 2 hard drives - 1 for windows Vista 64 and another for FSX. Even better add another drive for your scenery. You may be able to do that with the same budget, for a system unit only.

 

My advice is do it properly, do your research. Don't just get any old "new" PC and hope for the best or you will be dissapointed.

 

If price is an issue I'd say wait until you can afford what you need.

[Richard Gerrish]

Your safest bet is to build it yourself or get someone to build it for you. If your in sin city or near by i'd be happy to give ya a hand but if you do decide to go with a prebuilt computer make sure that it's upgradable. the lack of PCie expansion slots in the one you sent a link for dooms you to never be able to use the new graphics cards down the road. 8 gig's of ram is great but you're trading RAM for expansion down the road. there are laptops out there that can and will max out FS2004 with better graphics cards on them.

[Calum McGregor 1094665]

I'm thinking of getting a new computer. A little website I found is www.pcspecialist.co.uk. You can pick your compnents and they will build it and send it to you.

[Jeff Feldman 1040149]

Thanks for the replies guys. I've decided to buy a computer- but am trying to figure out which one. In the future, when I have more time, I will try to build one.

Here are my choices: Which one would you choose? Which one can run fs2004 at MAX with add-ons, and even fsx.

 

1.http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9180628&type=product&id=1218046802510

2. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9081325&type=product&id=1218017465909

3. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9174564&type=product&id=1218044490119

[Richard Gerrish]

Thanks for the replies guys. I've decided to buy a computer- but am trying to figure out which one. In the future, when I have more time, I will try to build one.

Here are my choices: Which one would you choose? Which one can run fs2004 at MAX with add-ons, and even fsx.

 

1.http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9180628&type=product&id=1218046802510

2. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9081325&type=product&id=1218017465909

3. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9174564&type=product&id=1218044490119

 

 

personally i would go with the HP.

[Jeff Feldman 1040149]

Richard-

Thanks for the reply !

Do you think that PC could run FS2004, or even FSX, at full settings,with good FPS, along with add-ons?

[Erhan Atesoglu 1050499]

jeff: comparing core duo's to I7's is like apples and oranges.... go with the i7! if you have the 1100 bux this is a no brainer! just remember an i7 at 2.66ghz is baseline 20% faster than even the Quad Core Extreme processor running at 3ghz... Also an i7 allows you to run FSX in SLi/crossfire mode for additonal frames

[Richard Gerrish]

so far as i know there aren't many computers out there that can actually run FSX with everything cranked to full. I7's are great but if the company building it doesn't offer good tech support after the purchase then you can be left out cold. I would carefully weigh your options with both specs as well as look at the reviews on the product and support after the fact.

[Jeff Feldman 1040149]

Thanks guys. I was speaking with an HP rep on the phone, and was recommended this:

 

Here are the specs-

Your m9600t series

Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)

Processor Intel® Core i7-920 processor (2.66GHz, 1MB L2 + 8MB shared L3 cache with QPI Technology)

Memory 8GB DDR3-1066MHz SDRAM [4x2048]

Hard drive FREE UPGRADE! 640GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive from 500GB

Graphics card 1GBB NVIDIA GTS 250

Primary optical drive LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive Networking Integrated 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) Ethernet, No wireless LAN

Sound Card Integrated 7.1 channel sound with front audio ports

Front Productivity Ports 15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, 1394, audio

TV & entertainment experience No TV Tuner w/remote control

Speakers

Keyboard and Mouse HP multimedia keyboard and HP premium laser mouse

Productivity software Microsoft® Works 9.0

Security software Norton Internet Security 2009 - 15 month

[Erhan Atesoglu 1050499]

Jeff: is it the same price as before? I like this one better because of the NVIDIA card.. that seems like a rather odd memory config.. are you sure its not 6gigs at 3x2048?

[tom van der elst]

I would dump the Norton program though.

or maybe I'm confused with McAfee programs.

[Garry Morris 920567]

Both are pretty miserable Tom, but McAfee is worse in general.

[Jeff Feldman 1040149]

Erhan- Yes, the computer does have 8gigs. I customized it off the HP website. Please tell me what you guys think- so I can decide whether to but it or not.

 

Also, could this handle fs2004 (or even FSX) at MAX?- with add ons???

[Erhan Atesoglu 1050499]

Jeff: Personally I'd walk away with the minimum video card($35 dollar ATI) and shop elsewhere. You can get a much better deal if you go with the Nvidia 260 GTX rather than the GTS model HP is offering for $120. Really for $50 dollars more you are going to see a lot of extra mileage by virtually having 2x the GPU.. and also have a spare video card in case of emergencies. I'm currently running at 2.66 and get close to 25 FPS on the PMDG 747x and close to 40 FPS on the MD11. Also a good 45 FPS on the LDS, all while taxing at a fairly complex airport. I'm using two Nvidia 8800's and that's more or less one 260 GTX so you should expect comparable results.

[Jeff Feldman 1040149]

Erhan- that card is like $200!!! Maybe Ill go with the 250 for now, and in the future upgrade. The 250 is only 1 step below the 260, and it supposedly has its own cooling system- all that.