A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Hi im getting a new computer soon and i want something that will be able to run the top flight simulators on the market. What computer/video card/RAM etc.. is needed to run Combat flight simulator 3 and GP realflight 2?
The computer im looking has as follows:
ATI Radeon 7000 64 mb video card (this a good card)
P4 1.7ghz
512 Kingston RAM
Windows XP

Are these acceptable to run those two simulators (combat flight sim 3 and GP realflight 2)

I dont want to get a computer that wont run one of these.

Thanks for all the replies,

Papa

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Thats a ok card. I have a ge force 4 128 MB. That computer will run it yes. How much are u gonna pay for that rig dont buy any thing yet i can help u get a good price. What all else u getting and what are u gonna pay for it.


}{unter

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

As far as Realflight that system should run it fine. In the case of Combat Flight Sim, there is not a system out there yet to run that thing with full graphics. Message boards have shown that people are very unhappy and returning it to stores for that reason. I have been a CFS fan since it came out but I didn't even buy this one. By the time the right computer comes out CFS 3 will be in a bargain bin somewhere.

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

This is the computer its $1477 CAD one
http://www.mdg.ca/3x_vision.asp?bus=...try=ca&lang=en
I really want CFS3 its not too expesive but i cant afford an expensive computer. DO you think i should just forget that simulator and stick with real flight?

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

This is the computer its $1477 CAD one
http://www.mdg.ca/3x_vision.asp?bus=...try=ca&lang=en
I really want CFS3 its not too expesive but i cant afford an expensive computer. DO you think i should just forget that simulator and stick with real flight?

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

well considering thats CDN money and you get a flat screen its pretty cool i guess. You can upgrade someof those things on there also


}{unter

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

The only thing you can upgrade is the service right?
Wiat nvm i didnt even see those options.
And will the upgraded all in wonder 7500 apg video card help out the simulator or is it just a waste of money?

Re: A good computer to run the simulators?
 

DO NOT get the ATI card... get a GeForce 4 card with DDR memory... Preferrably a Ti4200, Ti4400 or Ti4600 version of the card... you can go as low as an MX440 version of the card.. do not go with the MX420 or MX400 versions...

I would go for a Pentium 4 of at least 2.0 Ghz in speed.. they are only a couple $$ more than a 1.7 Ghz

Also DO NOT get a flat panel (LCD) screen for gaming or simulating.. they do not update fast enough and you will see jerky motion and such... go for a nnice high quality CRT Monitor...

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

As long as you have a good motherboard with possibly 4X AGP does better than a PCI slot graphics card. You could go for the Radeon with 128 mb on-board (video card on-board) memory or the GeForce 4's. I use the GeForce 4 4200 and Nvidia cards run well.

Some say the Voodoo cards have issues but I really like my VooDoo 5 though..Mostly at least about 128 memory on-board then you graphics card need to be good enough to give you a fluid smooth frame-rate. You could have an Intel 3.06Ghz CPU & mobo, but if your graphics card is not good enough it would not allow you to have smooth frame-rates for your Sim. The Radeo 64 would do very well also...hope this helped.. :) I have even used a GeForce GTI 32mb card with good results, but 64 would be better and 128mb on-board video would give your great framer rates in Real Flight (gameplay) as well if you game any also..

They have have some 8X AGP mobos out now..just have not gotten around to trying one yet. I just built a Koolance case water cooled with antifreeze to CPU-HD-GeForce card not a big difference but cooler and it should allow the CPU-GC-HD will last longer...No OClocked that is..

I still use the Real-flight Deluxe but would like to buy the G2 for on-line flying with others..

RF Sim played well on my older P3 600 with 128 mb with Geforce GTI Nvidia card, but system I felt was a bit dated so my daughter now owns it..

Just say NO to ATI
 

If it is not too late, do NOT get an ATI card. I owned two different ATI cards and they have to be the worst cards I have ever worked with. The software is always full of glitches and gotchas. Every game I ever owned had problems with ATI cards. I replaced both of them with GeForce cards and those same games all worked perfectly! One is a GeForce 2 Ultra (very good at the time and still works great) and the other is a cheap GeForce2 MX420 that I picked up from WalMart for $50 about 3 months ago.

All the game websites say the ATI Radeon is a good card, and it might be, but as long as it says ATI on it, you will never EVER find on in my PC! If for some reason you do get one, find a version of the software drivers that works and do not ever install an update to it.

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

I still havent gotten the computer but which card is better the radeon or Integrated Intel Extreme 64MB Video Card or 32MB Integrated Graphics (64MB Maximum, sony) . The GEforce looks really nice but for $350. Really what im looking for is will CFS3 work on these cards. I dont mind putting the detail to low but i dont want to buy a $70 sim and find out i cant play it or it lags like crazy. I much rather save up for a 4 stroke engine or computer radio. Will CFS3 work well on either of these cards. And whats the difference between DDR RAM and Kingston RAM?
And would i need 512 to run the sim or wll 256 do the job?
Another thing what exactly is bus speed is there a big difference in 400MHZ compared to 533MHZ?
Also when they say perfectly flat screen it means the screen only not the box. Its just a normal monitor with a flat screen im not getting an LCD (too expensive).
What i really want to know is should i buy CFS3 if i dont have a GF4 or something thats not the best on the market?
Need help quick, thanks

Papa

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

How do these computers look:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...d=&newdeptid=1

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...d=&newdeptid=1

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...d=&newdeptid=1

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...d=&newdeptid=1

Remember to keep in mind price

Hurry please i need to know soon im getting one in less than 2 hours.

My G2 Works great with my
 

GeForce 2 Card :D

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Can i please get an answer for my last two posts in this thread sorry for rushing you guys and being so hasty but i really need to know this stuff before i get my computer. And im going in less than an hour.

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Don't be in a hurry. I got a lot more system that that a year ago with the G force card with all the ram I could get in the system for $600 U.S. and you should be able to do better than that now. I didn't have to get a screen, but those are pretty cheap. You can get a 17 inch flat screen now pretty cheap. If you want LCD they are a bit more, but under $500 each. That system will run G-2 fine though. The more ram, the better. Seems to do well with more. Enjoy. By the way, hows the RC plane flying?

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Does TV out on a video card mean it can be connected to your TV?

Flyboy: RC flying is going good however the weather has been bad to me the past month and i havent been able to go to the field. However it seemed to warm up and the wind died this week so i might be able to get there this weekend hopefully (i really dieing to get out there again).

What i really need to know is would you rather have Intel extreme 64mb Video card and 256 DDR ram or would you want ATI Video card with 512 kingston ram or 512 DDR ram with a 32MB Integrated Graphics (64MB Maximum, sony).
And would you rather have GF4 128 mb card with 256 ddr ram or 64mb intel video card with 512 ddr ram?
And is bus important?
This is to run CFS3.
Is the intel chip a good video card and will it run CFS3 well.

Thanks for the replies,

Papa

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

15 minutes till i go i have no control over when i get my computer as it is not 100% mine i have to get it in 15 min.

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

G force card is very good. I would look very close at it.

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

I have done a lot of looking around on video cards, I am not partial to any brand of video card, but have never had problems w/ ATI cards. based on what i have found out, the fasted most advanced card on the market today is the Radeon 9700 Pro. its still alittle pricey, but you can find some deals.

My .02

David

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Sorry about the late reply. So what happened? Did you get it or wait. There are litterally hundreds of places to get a PC built for you. It looks like you are thinking about getting a brand name PC. If you cant build it yourself or dont have a buddy that works on them, then this is the best way to go. My father in law lives two hours away so I helped him get a Dell. There is nothing wrong with Gateway and that 500EX looks very good. I have heard very good things about Sony Viaos too. Sony is known for their audio video capabilities. Also remember that you will have to pay shipping (around $80) and with some of these system sales tax too.

For what it is worth I will try to help. DDR is a newer technology than ****M and is faster and costs a little more. Generally with a PC, the more ram the better, especially with 2000 and XP. 256MB will do any game and any software you want. If you start opening up 9 different programs at once, then go with 512 or more.

TV means just that, you can have the output display on a TV. The idea is to watch a DVD on your TV but have it playing from the PC. The cost of DVD players is so low, that this is hardly worth it. I dont know a soul that uses TV out. Normally the PC and TV are in different rooms.

As far as video cards, I know nothing about Intel...is this a bad thing, well you will not find them on game machines, normally. Get the cheapest video card that comes with the PC. If you dont like it, then go to WalMart and get a GeForce card. They have the cheap one and a good one for $100. For that matter you can get a GeForce2 Ultra on EBay for very cheap. I have a GeForce2 Ultra and it will play any game there is, like Unreal 2000 and Medal of Honor.

If you still need help shoot me an email or PM and I will try to help.

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Alright so im about to pick up the computer system it seems to be very good for the price but im not sure about the video card?
Compaq P4 2.4GHZ
512 DDR RAM
64 mb intel extreme video card
80 GB
The price is 1299 CAD

Dont remember the rest but it wasnt bad.

My question is first is this a good deal and will it run CFS3 well?
How much is the card worth?
Is a GeForce2 Ultra that much better?

Thanks for all your replies,

Papa

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Like I think I said earlier, there really is not a good computer yet to run CFS3. That program is ahead of it's time. At least that has been the talk that I have heard on the message boards and for that reason I did not purchase it. I can tell you that I believe to have any success at all with CFS3 you will need a 128 mb ge-force 4 video card. Unfortunately they are very steap in the wallet right now. Talking between 300-400 dollars just for the video card. System looks pretty good but I am an athlon processor fan rather than intel. It will run Realflight with no problems. Good luck.

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

So i should just stay away from CFS3.
Basically i want to know am i wasting my money if i were to buy this sim or will it work the details can be set to low i just want it to work and not have so much lag.

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

do not get the Intel Extreme graphics card, they are very crap.
Dunno what it is with Intel, they make good CPU's but bad video cards.
ATI Radeon 8500-9700 will all give you good performance with all the RC Flight Sims out there. RC Sims don't have cutting edge graphics so you should be fine with only middle of the range stuff.
For a NVidia Card, skip the crappy MX version of the GF4 as they aren't actually GF4 GPU (rather a slightly beefed up GF2 as they don't have pixel shaders etc). For the money a GF4 Ti4200 is a good buy, and you could run at higher resolutions say 1280x1024 in 32bit.
I run FMS etc at 1600x1200x32 with 2xAA on my P4 @ 2.5Ghz using a GF4 Ti4400 and they look sweet :D
Get what you can afford, but don't get the Intel graphics.
Also remember if you get a 1.6Gig P4 or greater that you could overclock it later on. Mine is a 1.6Gig @ 2.5Gig, always good to know you have extra speed available on tap.
Buy well

SimJen

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Guys,
Before you start spending your hard earned $, take a look at these forums:
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/categories.cfm?catid=18
and
http://forums.anandtech.com/categories.cfm?catid=40

People discussing how to get decent system for cheap.
The only thing you shouldn't be saving on, is video card. A good video card is a must!

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

You want to keep at least 10' away from anything that has "intel Extreme" written on it. Newer games it will NOT work. Battlefield 1942 requires at least a Geforce 2 or better. It came out months ago and it is a good rule of thumb to just stay away from that chip. Oh yeah, as far as I know, the Intel Extreme is an integrated Chip, not a video card. It uses shared memory, which say your system has 512mb of memory, the intel chip will "use" 64mb of it. Therefore, you actually have 448mb of system memory to use. Not to mention system memory is alot slower than on board graphics card memory.

If the ATI is really what you want, get it instead of the integrated deal. At least it has a better shot of playing the newest games. The best thing you can do is combine a Geforce 2 Ultra or better with 512mb of DDR memory. 256mb ---> 512mb WILL make a difference in games, specifically load times and in game experience. I recommend the 64mb Geforce 4 Ti4200 this card is the best bang for your buck. Pick any brand you want, they all are similar, some have TV out and other bells and whistles. Honestly I heard to much problems with ATIs drivers. The Catalyst series drivers have improved them, but I still have run into trouble with them. Nvida's however are rock solid and they support anything you will run the card on. In your original post you mentioned the Geforce 2 Ultra. I built my system 2 summers ago.

1.4 ghz AMD Athlon
Epox 8k7a mb
512mb crucial DDR memory
eVGA Geforce 2 Ultra
100 gig WD Special edition drive
40 gig IBM system drive
Sound blaster live
Dual Ethernet (load balanced)
21" Trinitron display

That system ran me about $1000 and I'm still using it today. I can play all the newest games at a very reasonable resolution. Unreal Tournement 2003, which just came out it will play 1280X1024 32bit color and get about 30fps. So even with a Geforce 2 Ultra I can play the newest games. Granted I have to turn down the resolution a little, but it still is smooth.

As far as the P4, The bus makes a difference. The Intels Northwood P4's have a 533mhz bus and contain some significant speed improvements, they started making northwoods @ 2ghz, it would also be worth your money to purchase a Northwood P4 with a 533mhz bus. I believe you can also get a Northwood marked 1.6 "A".

As far as Combat Flight Sim 3, It might not even run at all with a Intel Extreme. With the Radeon 7000 it's going to be extremely slow, you'll have to turn the resolution to 800X600 with not special effects and 16bit color. Overall making it not very appealing. A Geforce 4 Ti4200 can be had for $117 from newegg.com. You will have a pleasant gaming experience with that card with both realflight and CFS3

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...roperty&DEPA=1

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Sounds like it is a done deal already? Hope it works out.

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=D70027-054

Click on the link above for your game machine, add the GeForce4 Ti4200 video card below and your sim will work great. You're out $668.99 plus some shipping for both.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...?sku=P450-7248

Enjoy.

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

I can send you links-I prefer via Email on sending you links not online..
I would not get a video card with onboard shared memory...I tried one of the mobos with it and sound & on-board Lan it was a bit slow to me..

I run RealFlight on this lil rig now:Staying on subject I use it with Realflight If you need advice-PM or Email ...I do not want to get to off topic..in forum.. :)
P4 3Ghz+Non Overclocked-Water Cooled Video-HD-CPU w/radiator RealFlight Rig

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Thanks so much for the replies im going to pick it up tommorow actually (long story) but thanks for stopping me from getting the intel card. First thing is the ATI Radeon 9000 APG 64 mb a good card?
And ive been hearing alot of G force 2 ultra my first question is is this a good card to use for CFS3 ive heard that Gforce3 is not that good is the GF2 ultra better and will it run games better? My second question is can i get this at wal mart and for how much? If this is a cheap card is it better then the radeon 9000?
And my last question is how difficult is it to switch a video card i dont want to buy a computer and then find out i broke it because i put the new video card in wrong will i need someone to come in and installl it for me?
What Gforce card is the best for the cheapest i need mininum of 64mb right? Which module numebr is the best?

Thanks again for the replies,

Papa

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Radeon 9000 is an okay card. I personally would go with a GF4 Ti4200 for similar money. I have no brand preference, I always go with the biggest bang for my buck.
GF3's are fine cards, but a GF4 is better.

SimJen

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

I would not really go to extreme on a card because some of the latest offerings have a programmable chip which as of now could be considered a overkill because how many software developers have took advantage of this..Not many and future devlopment will take a long time Unreal II took years to finish..by then when games or Sims are updated to make use of this technologies I see no need now. Plus software developers look at the compatibility of the masses and not the few..look at the system requirements of RF..

A good CPU like the Athlon XP is beter than a Duron due to the L2 cache-like a P4 is somewhat better than a Celeron..
But in all honesty a good 1Ghz computer with a good card and memory would very do..I only built the 3 Ghz system because I knew it would last a long time (years) before needing to upgrade and it was really sorta just more of a novelty to build it..I did it myself reasonably..the GeForce GPU is more complex than some of today's CPU's

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Its true a lot video cards features aren't utilised, especially in RC Flight sims, but look at the latest games and they are becoming more commonplace.
I use Antialiasing to clean up jaggies in all 3d software I use (including 3d studio max) and it is a worthwhile investment to have a card that can handle it.
You could probably play most RC Sims with an old TNT2, but if you want your new PC to last, get something that will still be capable of running software in a year or two.

SimJen

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

In order of speed/performance approx? i think i may have left something out.

CPU

Athlon/P4
P3
Duron
Celeron

Video Cards

Ati Radeon 9700
Ati Radeon 9500/GF4 Ti4600
GF4 Ti4400
GF4 Ti4200
Ati Radeon 9000/8500
GF3 Ti500
GF4 MX

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

"In order of speed/performance approx? i think i may have left something out.

CPU

Athlon/P4 -Athlon Xp seems to run coooler better L2 Cache
P3 -Good processor
Duron Reasoably priced CPU solution-Less L2 cache
Celeron " same as above "

Video Cards

Ati Radeon 9700 64 mb-128mb I believe is available
Ati Radeon 9500/GF4 Ti4600
GF4 Ti4400
GF4 Ti4200
Ati Radeon 9000/8500
GF3 Ti500
GF4 MX

Memory you have ****M-DDR-memory slot-some mobos have both DDR-****M slots-DDR is a bit faster
128-256 memory is nice, at least 128 would be good..

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Better check with the people you are buying the main system from on a few things. You said it was a compaq at one time. I find that compaq will not accept a lot of card changes easily if you do not know how to program to make it work and understand exactly what you are doing. What I mean is things are not easily plug and play on them. I get this from a couple different friends that are in the computer business. I haven't tried myself so ask the seller about it. These guys that told me this are among the best in the industry and neither will touch compaq personal systems so I give them credibility. All the systems I have used are pretty easy to change cards on. I use the GF-4 card and it is great. Try for that one if you can.

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

CPU

Athlon/P4 -Athlon Xp seems to run coooler better L2 Cache

Athlon XP runs cooler than standard Athlon, P4 runs cooler still. "

Video Cards

Ati Radeon 9700 64 mb-128mb I believe is available

stick with 128mb for future proofing

Memory you have ****M-DDR-memory slot-some mobos have both DDR-****M slots-DDR is a bit faster
128-256 memory is nice, at least 128 would be good..

if using Windows XP then get at least 256mb, but don't bother getting more than 512mb unless doing intensive work

Compaq/HP/Dell type sysytems are okay, but the only thing really going for them is "Support". If you don't need the support then a homebuilt type machine is usually better, in terms of upgradeability and parts quality.
I've seen parts from low end manufacturers, relabelled by Compaq and sold in new machines (such as GF4's etc that come with slower ram than an off the shelf retail unit from Asus/Gainward etc) just to shave a few dollars off the price tag.

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

PaPa-NeGeorgeo, simply put the Geforce 4 Ti4200 is going to be the best bang for you buck.

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

O boy now im confused what i was going to do was get the computer above and switch the video card with a GF2 but now i dont even see it on your lists?
Are compaq's good or bad computers? And is the radeon 9000 64 mb a good card?The GF4 is just too expensive but i might be able to get that card but with only 256 mb of ddr ram? Its the gatway i listed that $1599?
Whats wrong with the GF2? (I probably wont be able to get it anyways as i cant put it in the compaq)

A good computer to run the simulators?
 

Hows this:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...d=&newdeptid=1

And this i can probably find one thats english:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...d=&newdeptid=1

Im not familiar with Cicero at all but it looks like theres some good stuff in there? And it comes with a free inkjet printer (All futureshop pcs do)and a 17" monitor? Will the card in there run CFS3?

Or this one:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...d=&newdeptid=1

Weak ram but great video card