SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

[harkonnen]

I have the need to buy a new system on a low budget and I think anyone in the same boat may have similar questions.

Is an AMD Sempron processor suitable for gaming (FS9), and how important is that level 2 cache?

It appears that Semprons go into a socket 754 M/B and Athlon 64's go into a socket 939 M/B. I thought I saw a system claiming 'Sempron upgradeable to athlon 64'. Would I be remiss to assume that I can start with a cheaper Sempron and slap in an Athlon 64 later on the same appropriate board?

I thought I saw M/B's with an AGP 8x slot and a PCI-E slot but it didn't say PCI-E 16x like some others did. Are all PCI-E video card slots 16x or is there a less robust version or something?

I was pondering a Sempron starter on a M/B that would take an Athlon 64 down the road. If I could get a relatively inexpensive board that accomplished this and offered a good PCI-E slot, there are less expensive Nvidia PCI-E cards out now, too.

I can save even more by buying a ready made Sempron box with just AGP 8x capabilities but would that make any sense at all with a probable summer release of FS2006?

One last question folks, does anyone know the scoop on these built in ATI PCI-E x300's and the like? Might be an option as long as there's an open PCI-E slot for a screamin' card later? I know these questions are very generic and performance depends on so many variables, assume I'm buying the less expensive M/B's with the not -so-latest FSB speeds, etc. and that I doubt I'd spend much more than $125c on an Nvidia card.
...It's a funny time to buy computers, with PCI-Express on the go now getting the latest greatest stuff is a no-brainer, but there seems to be a fine line when you're trying to save money and not limit yourself! :?

[Exxman]

Processors are a funny thing. You can go out and buy an Athlon 2800+ and think it's tops but a person with a 2500 Barton core will kick it's ass. All depends on many, many factors. FSB isn't important anymore as the architecture is changing. Semprons are mid-quality and lose their value quickly as well so watch for that.

If you are asking for advice...here's my take....go with the most expensive 939 board you can get. Stick a good 2500 or 2600 Athlon in there. Barton or Thoroughbred cores are great and run up there with AMD 3000's. Then when you have the $$ to go with a higher end AMD product, dual core or what have you...you are good to go. A 2500 will beat any Sempron out there so sometimes older is better. As for the other stuff, it's really a long process to go over every bit of it. Just look for the newest h/w out there, then research some of the terms and technology out there and the next thing you know...you'll be up to date on whats hot and whats not...allowing you to make an informed decision. I'm sure others will post up more info for ya, but in the end you still have to make the call based on information and experience. You'll get one of those here, the rest is 'out there'. :)

Exx

[harkonnen]

Thanks, getting a really decent, upgradeable motherboard does make sense as a good starting point, eh? And I agree that I'm going to have to educate myself regarding specs and compatability. The urge to go cheap just to have that new PC sooner is making me ANXIOUS is all, but that hasn't paid off in the past!

[Exxman]

We've all been there Hark. Man, I've spent tons of money on impulse, then look at myself in the mirror and go: " You sir, are a fool". LOL

Resist it! But man, it is fun to just act on impulse eh?

Exx