SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 1:14 am Post subject: Average-Best Computer and Parts

Well I decided that my next goal is to get a new computer Laughing

. Problem is, I have no clue where to start and what to get. I will put my price range from (of course) $0 TO> umm... around 1000$ just for the parts (no keyboard, or mouse, or monitor) just the computer parts themselves. What kinda computer will this get me. I'm a real noob when it comes to computers and building so I dont have the slightest clue on what I need or where to start. But lets say I had that 1000$ to spend on just getting a new computer... what would I get? I mean I'm definetly NOT CRAZY about the graphix themselves, but I AM CRAZY about getting very high framerates. I'm talking about a MINIMUM of 30. Would this be possible?

Thanx to anyone who takes the time to reply Wink

Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 2:32 am Post subject:

here is a good site
http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/

For parts
www.newegg.com
www.tigerdirect.com

Comments: Go socket 939 (AMD)
Also if you have money to spare for a great graphics card get a 7800 by NVIDIA.

I built my computer for $1500 (USD) that included monitor, keyboard, speakers, and a wireless card.

Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 9:55 am Post subject:

$1000 on just the box? I see some screamin' systems with AMD dual-core 3800's, 1 gig of ram and a decent video card (not quite a 7800) for around a grand Canadian. You should expect a good size SATA hard drive and a quality motherboard for that price, too, along with quality components, a good case, etc. If you were to have a PC built for you by a hungrier small retailer, or build it yourself, you just may be able to include a $400 Nvidia 7800 video card. SSSSMMMOKIN!! Apparently MSFS is processor intense, so a dual-core system would be awesome for frame rates, along with enough RAM and a decent card. 121a is right about the socket 939 board.

Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 9:57 am Post subject:

$1000 on just the box? I see some screamin' systems with AMD dual-core 3800's, 1 gig of ram and a decent video card (not quite a 7800) for around a grand Canadian. You should expect a good size SATA hard drive and a quality motherboard for that price, too, along with quality components, a good case, etc. If you were to have a PC built for you by a hungrier small retailer, or build it yourself, you just may be able to include a $400 Nvidia 7800 video card. SSSSMMMOKIN!! Apparently MSFS is processor intense, so a dual-core system would be awesome for frame rates, along with enough RAM and a decent card. 121a is right about the socket 939 board.

EDIT: to think I was laughing at someone else's double post a few days ago...D'oh!

Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 10:57 pm Post subject:

Wow thanx for the links and advice guys, i'm looking into it right now.

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 12:06 am Post subject:

Alright guys, after much time and confusion, i have come up with the following parts. Now like i said b4, i'm a total noob. Are my choices good?

Computer Case- 50$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133174
Floppy Disk Drive- 8$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16821103301
Hard Drive 98$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144417
Cd-rom Drive 21$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827131417
Processor 276$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116196
Proc. Cooling Fan 37$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835106038
Motherboard 167$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131540
Memory Sticks 78$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145440
Videocard 319$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143037
+ _____
TOTAL $ 1,254

Now as you can see, the total is a bit high.. is there any way I can cut down on some stuff to bring it down? If so, please link me to the cheaper part that will still do a good job.

Thank you so much for all your help and time you have taken to help me out!

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 12:18 am Post subject:

Your processor is not compatible, go with AMD they have socket 939. You also need a power supply. 500W-600W should work.

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 1:17 am Post subject:

What if i get this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103531
and it comes with a 47$ mobo so i dont have to get the expensive mobo. Please post any comments you have on this. I need to know everything b4 i buy

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 1:28 am Post subject:

that cpu isnt mighty fast....trust me that will become the slowest CPU in 2 months... thats how fast technology is... bam they probab;y will advance to 4 or 5 ghz or something

T-Fish

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 1:41 am Post subject:

I think your good with that but here is a different one, dual core.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103562

But if you decide to go with the one you were going to get don't get the $47 mobo.

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 2:11 am Post subject:

yup dual core is a good thing to go with... even if that one is only 2 ghz... that means TWO 2ghz CPU'S!!!! thats pretty good performance because the load is on 2 cpus instead of just 1

T-Fish

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 3:56 am Post subject:

Is that true TFish? I heard that double core cpu's act the same way. Two of the same cpus. What is the difference between a double core cpu and a dual-core cpu?

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 4:06 am Post subject:

errr.. they are the same thing... one CPU with 2 cores....

T-Fish

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 7:29 am Post subject:

Apparently having one processor dedicated to certain tasks and another taking care of another set of tasks makes a big difference in performance, and developers are writing software currently that takes advantage of this dual-core setup. Don't skimp on your motherboard if you can help it, it is a pretty integral element of your setup. I really doubt you have to have a $200 board, but I'd be leary of a cheap one. It seems video card prices drop by the month, so some crafty shopping around may yield a good deal. Take your time here and make an educated buy is my best advice. Remember, you're gonna want FSX when it hits the shelves, and possibly windows Vista, do your best to think ahead. It hasn't paid off yet for me when I become impatient or too anxious when trying to put a PC together.

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 1:30 pm Post subject:

t-fish almost said it. the 3800+, however, is NOT a very slow processor, its a medium one, and with a very nice value. I have a 3200+ and am pretty happy with it. Dual-core processors are nothing to be too excited about atm, as software has to be optimized for the extra juice to be utilized. Fs9 wont be better with that, as wont 98% of older games. And its quite a lot more expensive. But in the future, this will matter more and more, and "future" is not 20 years, but more like 2 years from now. so if You plan on using Your computer 4-5 years from now, then yes, it is recommended that You go dual-core.

oh, and T-fish, dont worry, cpus wont hit 5-6 ghz for quite some time from now Smile

currently intel and amd, with the latter more experienced with it, are trying to utilize those oscillations more effectively. When cpus gain frequency speed, they also generate a LOT more heat. So its not that effective. As You probarbly know, amd's processors run at far lower frequency than intel's, and Yet they are as fast (for example, my 64 3200+ matches intel's 2800-3200 mhz, but its core speed is only 2 ghz!)

bear in mind that i am no specialist and am not responsible for my errors Wink

if anyone finds doubtable info, please let me know.