Simviation Forum - Graphics

Feb 19^th, 2005 at 1:00pm

Ash7882 Offline
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I love YaBB 1G - SP1!

Posts: 5

Hi All,

I'am considering buying a Graphics card to enhance the Scenery and the frame rate. Only problem is the ones I have looked at seem very expensive.

So my questions are,

1 - Is it worth getting one?

2 - What type should I get and a rough cost.

Thank you in advance.
Grin

Ash

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Reply #1 - Feb 19^th, 2005 at 2:26pm

Scottler Offline
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Albany, New York USA

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My suspicion is that if you're asking, you probably don't have much inside already. If you're going to make the move from say an integrated graphics chip to an all out video card, then yeah, definitely get one.

As for which, it really depends what you're looking to spend. The FX5200 128mb card is a great little card if you're not looking to spend a buttload of cash..it's the card I've got, and I love it. (Check out my shots in this month's contest.)

If you really want to spend some money, the sky is literally the limit. What are you looking to spend? That's the best spot to start.

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Reply #2 - Feb 19^th, 2005 at 2:55pm

Ash7882 Offline
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I love YaBB 1G - SP1!

Posts: 5

No i currently dont have anything and I find if i put my display settings as much as med high the whole game slows down considerably, eventually I get a virtual memory low warning and the whole thing closes.

How much is a standard card, I'm not after anything too expensive or top of the range!

Thanks

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Reply #3 - Feb 19^th, 2005 at 7:01pm

MattNW Offline
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Indiana

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By nothing I take it you are using an integrated graphics card. In that case almost anything you buy especially if your MB has an AGP slot, is going to be an improvement.

For a good graphics card you are looking at somewhere in the range of $200-$300. This will give you a real boost in graphics power moving up from an integrated card. If that's a little high end for you then you can also get better than you have presently for $150-$200.

There are some limits if you have to use a PCI graphics card but I still think it will be better than an integrated card like you have now. In my opinion however I wouldn't spend near as much on it if you have to go the PCI route. You'd be better off getting a cheaper PCI card then saving your money for a new computer with a real good AGP card.

In Memory of John Consterdine (FS Tipster)1962-2003

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Reply #4 - Feb 20^th, 2005 at 4:22am

cobzz Offline
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Melbourne, Australia

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the fx5700 is good , i have one and fs9 runs fine at a little over half graphics. just somtimes it runs slow like when you flying new york with max air traffic on.
it cost around 200-250$$ australian i dont kno about US.
if you get the MSI fx5700 you get (soposidly)1200$$ of soft ware + the graphics card for 450$ australian

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Reply #5 - Feb 20^th, 2005 at 5:04am

Bumper Offline
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I love YaBB 1G - SP1!

Posts: 6

My advice on this as usual is - go to ebay, check what's on offer at what prices, check out the specs of the various cards compared to your budget and then give it a go.

I recently picked up an ATI 9700Pro for under £100 on UK ebay which would be less than $100 on US ebay I guess.

In your situation you would be crazy to buy a low-mid new card when you can get a high end used card for MUCH less ££$$

Just be sensible, set a $£limit and be prepared to let a few go by. You will find what you want.

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Reply #6 - Feb 20^th, 2005 at 5:06am

RollerBall Ex Member

That seems like good advice to me.. Wink

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Reply #7 - Feb 20^th, 2005 at 10:14am

dave3cu Offline
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3CU, Northern Wisconsin, USA

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Quote:

........I get a virtual memory low warning and the whole thi......

This sounds like you may also be short on RAM. This also affects your FS performance. I think the general concensus is min of 512Mb for an XP system. I saw significant FPS improvement/elimination of stutter upgrading from 256 to 768. New 512Mb PC2100 DDR ram, $75-80 US.

If your stuck with only PCI (as I am) for your Graphics Adapter upgrade, I believe the Geforce fx5200 128 PCI is about the highest you can go (dont know about ATI). New, $75-80 US. For AGP, think new is about $55 US.

Cheers,
Dave

At that time [1909] the chief engineer was almost always the chief test pilot as well. That had the fortunate result of eliminating poor engineering early in aviation. Igor Sikorsky

I intend to live forever....so far, so good. Steven Wright

You know....you can just rip up a to-do list.

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Reply #8 - Feb 20^th, 2005 at 5:26pm

the_autopilot Offline
Colonel

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Posts: 1359

Quote:

Hi All,

I'am considering buying a Graphics card to enhance the Scenery and the frame rate. Only problem is the ones I have looked at seem very expensive.

So my questions are,

1 - Is it worth getting one?

2 - What type should I get and a rough cost.

Thank you in advance.
Grin

Ash

1) yes, it seems like you have an integrated video solution.

2) Depends on your mobo. If it supports AGP, get a 6600 gt. Best performence for its price. You won't find anything better for its price. IF you have PCI, your limited to a 5200, which i still a hella of a lot better than integrated gfx.

Link to sig:&&Click here&&(Cannot post signature here due to current forum restrications on linked images).

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