SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

I used to visit here a lot because I was hoping to get a PC to play FS2004(among other things), but I gave up on that hope for a lack of money. However, I'm optimistic for this summer now that I can get a job.

On topic, when I came here it seemed like a lot of people said that there would be a drop in pricing during summer 2005, I specifically remember Exxman telling me this. So, did this happen? Could I get the computer I was looking at 9 months ago for cheaper now?

Thanks

Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 3:01 am Post subject: wellllll....

Well, it's possible that the computer you WERE looking at may be a little cheaper now because the technology is advancing and therefore the one you looked at will be a bit farther down the line now. I have noticed that the most current machine that will kick tail for FS is in the 1,000.US range, give or take a couple of hundred depending on how complete a system you are getting. If you want to be able to rent main-frame time to the military, then it would be very easy to spend 4,000-6,000 on a retina-frying, hair-burning, brain-degaussing monster of technical origin. If your sole purpose is gaming, then you can economize a bit as you wont need an expensive dual layer dvd-burner and can plow that money into a graphics card upgrade. Just dont skimp on the motherboard/processor combo, the graphics card and the power supply.

Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 3:03 am Post subject:

Yes, of course. Computer prices always depreciate in price. I wouldn't recommend buying a computer 9 months old. You probably wouldn't be able to buy it from a local retail store. Set your priority to a modernized computer because computer and computer components become obsolete within a month. Also, have you seen the FSX screenshots? If you haven't, go search for them. They are just stunning. A modernized computer will guarantee decent performance in the upcoming Flight Simulator. Yup, technology advances so swiftly these days.

Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 4:20 am Post subject:

I realize that prices will go down, but I'm talking about a bigger than average cut in prices.

Also, I was going to build a PC.

Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 4:28 am Post subject: well,

well, hmmm, I can only relate my experience with my current PC. I was at work, decided I needed a new one and called my local Tech Advanced Computers store, told what specs I wanted and what my budget was and went and picked it up that evening after work. I had considered building my own, and I well could have and may for the next one. I deferred, however, to the experience of the technician at the store as to what would serve my requirements for all around functionality and scalability. Using DVDExpress, I am burning my old VCR tapes to DVD to preserve them, some of them cant be found anymore in any format. The savings of being able to do my own archiving has nearly paid for the machine already. So, consider what your primary use is and let that guide you. As for component pricing, a good place to window shop is TigerDirect and dont forget to check out the manufacturers websites.

Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 4:31 am Post subject:

That store you described sounds awesome. I don't think I have any place like that around me or I'd ask them.

Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 10:45 pm Post subject:

Prices have come down considerably. Visit www.nextag.com and look up the hardware you want. You'll see a graph of (US) prices levels.

I just purchased a bunch of hardware for FS2004:

Asus A8N32-SLI board
AMD Athlon 64 x2 4200+
Corsair Twinx 3500LLPRO RAM
Hiper 580w power supply
etc.etc.

edit: forgot to mention the best part: eVGA Nvidia 7800GTX KO - 256MB card, I got a new one on eBay for about $200 under retail.

The whole rig, including a Samsung 19" monitor with 700:1 contrast and 8ms response time cost about $2000 US.