SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

Pcgames2 · Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 45 Location: Somewere on Earth

Hey guys I got FSX for my birthday and my GeForce 6100 is not up to the challenge. I've found these cards on Tiger Direct and was wondering which is the better deal?

My system specs are
Emachine T6532
Windows XP Media Center Edition - Service Pack 2
AMD Athlon 3500+ 64 2.21 GHz
2GB memory
300w PSU

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GeForce 8500GT
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3751566&CatId=1558
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3128204&CatId=1558

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GeForce 8400GS
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3190698&CatId=1558

viche12345 · Joined: 01 Apr 2005 Posts: 841 Location: San Diego, CA, USA

Those video cards aren't adequate for any type of intense gaming, whatsoever. If you don't mind playing FSX at lowest settings, don't hesitate to purchase the 8500gt. I would stay away from the 8400gs since it is one of the lower-end cards of the Nvidia 8000 series.

By looking at your choices, I presume your budget is rather low. However, if money isn't an issue, I highly recommend the 9600gt. Or, if you'd rather spend more, I'd suggest one of the 8800 cards.

You might find this article useful:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/graphics-card,1923.html

Pcgames2 · Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 45 Location: Somewere on Earth

Ok I've read your post and must say the 8800's a bit to much. The most I can do is 8600.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3514923&CatId=1560
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3192396&CatId=1558
and this is really pushing it [-o<
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3505264&CatId=1826

viche12345 · Joined: 01 Apr 2005 Posts: 841 Location: San Diego, CA, USA

Video cards with DDR2 memory tend to be considered the "crippled" version of a comparable GDDR3 equivalent. Therefore, I would stay away from cards with DDR2 memory. Among the choices you've selected, I would go with the Palit GeForce 8600GTS.

However, I would like to make another suggestion. Consider this model as well:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127284

The only noticeable difference between the Palit and this model (the MSI) is the speed (GPU and VRAM clock), the amount of RAM (256 vs. 512 MB), and the brand name's reputation. Personally, I would choose the MSI over the Palit since it is more powerful (it's factory overclocked!), it physically appears appealing to the eye, and I trust MSI!

Oh yeah. Did I mention there's a mail-in-rebate for the MSI video card that ends this month? Hurry! It only costs about 80 bucks after rebate and is cheaper than the Palit.

Good luck. Don't hesitate to ask more questions if they arise

ppgstf · Joined: 07 May 2008 Posts: 6 Location: On the beach

A 300W PSU, I'm surprised that illuminates the on/off switch.

Seriously, I would also consider at least a 500W supply as well as an upgraded graphics card.

Pcgames2 · Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 45 Location: Somewere on Earth

I'm going to to choose the msi its the best deal. The only thing I don't like about it is the power plug but other than that its a very nice card. Thanks for your help viche.

I figured I was going to have to upgrade PSU its loaded down with plenty of crap but its handled it without a problem. Thanks to you to ppgstf

7e7guy · Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 11:01 am Post subject:

How about nvidia's new 9 series, they have better performance than the 8 series, and they are made out of some new material that is cheaper! so go to some manufacturer on ebay like EVGA who takes the same card and puts on a heat sync (I bought my card from them) and buy say... a nvidia 9600GT superclocked. it will cost about the same as buying an 8600GT but it's better. look at the 9 series before you make you buy. :wink:

Pcgames2 · Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 45 Location: Somewere on Earth

I couldn't find any 9600's for about the same price. My limit is around $100 that includes shipping.

7e7guy · Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 9:44 pm Post subject:

Pcgames2 wrote: My limit is around $100 that includes shipping.

Have you seen the 7 series? #-o

tropicalfish · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Posts: 866

ppgstf wrote: A 300W PSU, I'm surprised that illuminates the on/off switch.

Seriously, I would also consider at least a 500W supply as well as an upgraded graphics card.
For such a system, even 450W is sufficient. Quality, not quantity, comes first.

rd · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 6:45 am Post subject:

tropicalfish wrote: ppgstf wrote: A 300W PSU, I'm surprised that illuminates the on/off switch.

Seriously, I would also consider at least a 500W supply as well as an upgraded graphics card.
For such a system, even 450W is sufficient. Quality, not quantity, comes first.

BS.....

When it comes to power supplies, it IS THE QUANTITY, followed by quality, which is the final price.

I have said it 1,000 times, and will say it, another 1,000 times.

There is no such thing as having a bigger PSU than you need. The more, the better. However, having one that just meets your needs, is over working it, and can cause problems. Having one too small, or even at what you need, is stupid.

PSU's only put out what is needed. You hit that point to where your system, hardware, etc., needs more, you will be sorry. You can smoke your PSU, you can short out harddrives because of too little power, and when your PSU spikes, it can then fry it, internally, or fry your g-card.

Whatever you think you need for wattage, add 100 to it. Your system will be happy, your PSU will be happy, and you won't cry, when it fails or fries something.

NEVER under power your rig.

RD

mel wilson · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 8:20 am Post subject:

RD is absolutly right....... If anyone thinks that it's time to upgrade their PC.... then the top of the list HAS TO BE THE PSU. So many people disregard this vital piece of hardware......... Just because it's running, does not make it ok.

Never disregard the Power Supply !

Mel.

Pcgames2 · Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 45 Location: Somewere on Earth

I calculated my power usage at 350-365W with the graphics card 299W without it and thats if I run everything at the max.
Question if I buy a PSU thats not PCI-E ready is it safe to use a peripheral adapter even with two drives running on that same line?

tropicalfish · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Posts: 866

You can't just get a high wattage no name power supply.
Now then, I am not saying 300 or 350 watts is sufficient. Most poorly branded PSU's won't even actually go that high to the wattage stuck on the sticker. Good brands such as Tagan, FSP, Corsair, PCPowerCooling are rated for that power and can easily go a bit higher without causing power dips or any other problems. I am not saying get a low watt PSU, that isn't good. But if you are not planning further upgrades, than *beep* PSU you can afford AND is from a reputable brand- FSP or Tagan or Corsair are really good.

7e7guy · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 7:07 pm Post subject:

Yeah, PSU's are pretty cheap, 70 bucks should do you in for a decent one, mine has failed before, luckily without and damage and the warranty covered it. MAKE SURE YOU PSU IS NOT OVERWORKED!!!. mine is a 500watt and I'm only using 300 of it. always have too much wattage!