New Computer Question

[pilotdave1970]

hey guys, my frame rates are now bugging me and I would like your opinions. Here is what I am running now. <TABLE style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #cccccc 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #cccccc 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #cccccc 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #cccccc 1px solid" border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=8 width="100%"><TBODY><TR xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #eaeaea; FONT-WEIGHT: bold" class=DocText vAlign=bottom width=125 align=left>Processor</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f0f0f0" class=DocText vAlign=bottom align=left>Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU @ 2.40GHz</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5f5" class=DocText vAlign=bottom width=75 align=middle>7.1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e0e0e0" class=DocText vAlign=bottom rowSpan=5 width=100 align=middle><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=100 height="100%"><TBODY><TR height=100><TD style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(res://C:\Windows\system32\winsatapi.dll/PNG/#111); TEXT-ALIGN: center; BACKGROUND-REPEAT: no-repeat; BACKGROUND-POSITION: center center" vAlign=center align=middle>5.9</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=center align=middle> Determined by lowest subscore</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #eaeaea; FONT-WEIGHT: bold" class=DocText vAlign=bottom width=125 align=left>Memory (RAM)</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f0f0f0" class=DocText vAlign=bottom align=left>6.00 GB</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5f5" class=DocText vAlign=bottom width=75 align=middle>7.1</TD></TR><TR xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #eaeaea; FONT-WEIGHT: bold" class=DocText vAlign=bottom width=125 align=left>Graphics</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f0f0f0" class=DocText vAlign=bottom align=left>NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5f5" class=DocText vAlign=bottom width=75 align=middle>7.3</TD></TR><TR xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #eaeaea; FONT-WEIGHT: bold" class=DocText vAlign=bottom width=125 align=left>Gaming graphics</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f0f0f0" class=DocText vAlign=bottom align=left>2559 MB Total available graphics memory</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5f5" class=DocText vAlign=bottom width=75 align=middle>7.3</TD></TR><TR xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #eaeaea; FONT-WEIGHT: bold" class=DocText vAlign=bottom width=125 align=left>Primary hard disk</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f0f0f0" class=DocText vAlign=bottom align=left>533GB Free (596GB Total)</TD><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff 1px solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e0e0e0" class=DocText vAlign=bottom width=75 align=middle>5.9</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-TOP: #cccccc 1px solid" class=SubText vAlign=bottom colSpan=4 align=left>Windows 7 Ultimate</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center align=left><NOBR>System </NOBR></TD><TD vAlign=bottom width="100%" align=left><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=2 align=left><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Manufacturer</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>System manufacturer</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Model</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>System Product Name</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Total amount of system memory</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>6.00 GB RAM</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>System type</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>32-bit operating system</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Number of processor cores</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>4</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>64-bit capable</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>Yes</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center align=left><NOBR>Storage </NOBR></TD><TD vAlign=bottom width="100%" align=left><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=2 align=left><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Total size of hard disk(s)</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>1211 GB</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Disk partition (C:)</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>533 GB Free (596 GB Total)</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Media drive (D:)</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>CD/DVD</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Media drive (E:)</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>CD/DVD</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Disk partition (F:)</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>307 GB Free (466 GB Total)</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Media drive (K:)</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>CD/DVD</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Disk partition (N:)</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>112 GB Free (149 GB Total)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center align=left><NOBR>Graphics </NOBR></TD><TD vAlign=bottom width="100%" align=left><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=2 align=left><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Display adapter type</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Total available graphics memory</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>2559 MB</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left> Dedicated graphics memory</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>1024 MB</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left> Dedicated system memory</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>0 MB</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left> Shared system memory</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>1535 MB</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Display adapter driver version</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>8.17.12.6089</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>Primary monitor resolution</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>1680x1050</TD></TR><TR><TD width=10> </TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center width=260 align=left>DirectX version</TD><TD class=SubText vAlign=center align=left>DirectX 10
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



I would like to know if this system at Best Buy will be better for frames.

Gateway - Desktop / Intel® Core™ i7 Processor / 8GB Memory / 1TB Hard Drive Model number: FX6840-15e

Processor Brand
Intel®

<LI class=banded>Processor (javascript:winopengld('1083716230738','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
Intel® Core™ i7

Processor Speed (javascript:winopengld('1083716230979','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
2.93GHz (up to 3.6GHz with Turbo Boost)

<LI class=banded>Cache Memory (javascript:winopengld('1083716231665','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
8MB

System Memory (RAM) (javascript:winopengld('1083716231937','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
8GB

<LI class=banded>System Memory (RAM) Expandable To (javascript:winopengld('1083716236490','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
16GB

Type of Memory (RAM)
DDR3

<LI class=banded>Hard Drive Type (javascript:winopengld('1083716232062','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
SATA

Hard Drive Size (javascript:winopengld('1083716235838','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
1TB

<LI class=banded>Graphics (javascript:winopengld('1083716236524','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
ATI Radeon HD 5750

Video Memory (javascript:winopengld('1083716235920','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
1GB

<LI class=banded>Audio
High-definition (5.1-channel support)

Speakers
None

<LI class=banded>Network Card (javascript:winopengld('1083716237203','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
Built-in 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)

Wireless Networking
None

<LI class=banded>Recordable DVD Drive (javascript:winopengld('1083716238563','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
Yes, double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW

Recordable DVD Drive Speeds (javascript:winopengld('1083716238811','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
8x DVD+R DL; 8x DVD-R DL; 5x8x16x DVD+RW; 5x6x16x DVD-RW; 48x32x40x CD-RW

<LI class=banded>Direct-Disc Labeling
No

Digital Media Reader or Slots
Yes, digital media card reader

<LI class=banded>Available Expansion Bays
External: 1 (5.25"); Internal: 3 (3.5")

Available Expansion Slots (javascript:winopengld('1087340576286','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
1 PCI, 2 PCI-E x1

<LI class=banded>USB 2.0 Ports (javascript:winopengld('1083716239272','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
10 (4 front, 6 rear)

Keyboard Description (javascript:winopengld('1083716240046','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
Multimedia with function keys

<LI class=banded>Other Control Devices (mouse, etc.)
Optical mouse

Operating System Platform
Windows

<LI class=banded>Operating System (javascript:winopengld('1083716241291','pcmcat3820 0050027','cat12080'))
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

Software Included
Adobe Acrobat Reader, Adobe Flash; Cyberlink PowerDVD

<LI class=banded>ENERGY STAR Qualified
No

Best Buy PC App
Yes

<LI class=banded>HDMI Output
Yes

Blu-ray Player
No

<LI class=banded>Graphics Chip
ATI

Drive Capacity
1TB

<LI class=banded>Desktop Types
Premium

Discrete Graphics
Yes


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Meshman]

When I'm out and about on the weekends I will try to catch Leo Laporte, the Tech Guy, on the radio. Last weekend he was talking to a caller and mentioned some problems with Gateway and quality. Just a FWIW.

Also, an i7 processor will take advantage of DDR3 memory, triple-channel. But you're showing 8gb, which wouldn't match up to tri-channel memory. Should be 6gb or 12gb, some multiple of 3. Otherwise the increased memory capabilities gets wasted.

[pilotdave1970]

When I'm out and about on the weekends I will try to catch Leo Laporte, the Tech Guy, on the radio. Last weekend he was talking to a caller and mentioned some problems with Gateway and quality. Just a FWIW.

Also, an i7 processor will take advantage of DDR3 memory, triple-channel. But you're showing 8gb, which wouldn't match up to tri-channel memory. Should be 6gb or 12gb, some multiple of 3. Otherwise the increased memory capabilities gets wasted.


Gotcha...I am trying to stay within the $1500US range. I am ready to upgrade. Just not sure what to get?

[txnetcop]

Dave I test hardware for mfgs at TechCorp here in Austin. We test all the latest hardware and report the results back to the mfg. Then they make changes accordingly or market whatever passes our rigorous testing.

Gateway has ironed out most of their hardware issues but in the build you mention above you would be in the same mess with the ATI 5770 video card and the cheap ram they use. I build gamer systems but only sell in the state of Texas. I will give you a configuration if you like and then you can take that to a local brick and mortar computer store and have them build it or build it yourself. It really is easy to build the hard part is the tweaking FSX later to work at it's best with the budget system you are building. The only CPU that runs FSX without many tweaks is the i7 980X and the CPU alone is $1000. Let me know how I can assist you.
Ted

[XLR8]

I just got my wife a new computer .One week ago today . I got it from the Dell outlet store .It comes with a 1 year warranty that can be exstended . Some of the details below.

XPS 630

XPS 630 Desktop: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 (8MB,3.0GHz, 1333FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
640 GB SATA II Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
4 GB DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz (4 DIMMs)
16X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability
512MB Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT


I OC it to 3.4 GHZ, ram is at 1066mhz . It comes stock with a 750 watt power supply. This thing rocks . I will most likley put a better video card in it . She wanted one to play BBC2 with me,and it performs great . It it even came with a mouse and keyboard .

I payed 1035.00 and got free shipping .

I have been running Dells since 2003 with no problems .

[pilotdave1970]

Dave I test hardware for mfgs at TechCorp here in Austin. We test all the latest hardware and report the results back to the mfg. Then they make changes accordingly or market whatever passes our rigorous testing.

Gateway has ironed out most of their hardware issues but in the build you mention above you would be in the same mess with the ATI 5770 video card and the cheap ram they use. I build gamer systems but only sell in the state of Texas. I will give you a configuration if you like and then you can take that to a local brick and mortar computer store and have them build it or build it yourself. It really is easy to build the hard part is the tweaking FSX later to work at it's best with the budget system you are building. The only CPU that runs FSX without many tweaks is the i7 980X and the CPU alone is $1000. Let me know how I can assist you.
Ted

I would really like to see what your specs are for me....I am all ears and eyes.....

[peter12213]

Trust me he has a good system! If you have a problem with your system, Txnetcop is the first person to the rescue or at least offer really good advice, there is very little he does not know about most modern systems and is more than willing to share his knowledge so be polite Dave because he's a really nice guy too lol! :wiggle: Butt kissing over hahaha not really!

[pilotdave1970]

Trust me he has a good system! If you have a problem with your system, Txnetcop is the first person to the rescue or at least offer really good advice, there is very little he does not know about most modern systems and is more than willing to share his knowledge so be polite Dave because he's a really nice guy too lol! :wiggle: Butt kissing over hahaha not really!


LOL!! No problem...I was running FSX ok with what I have now. I reformated a few days ago and my FSX has just been performing terrible. I am getting major spikes in frames. It will run in the 30's then it will take hits down into the 10-14 range. I dont know if its CPU or Graphics card problems.

[peter12213]

What scenery/aircraft are you using? have you tried this fsx.cfg tweak ... http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php?t=34661&page=1

Backup your fsx.cfg before you do anything but I highly recommend downloading and running this!

http://forums.flightsimlabs.com/index.php?/files/file/69-fsl-texturefix-v11zip/

it will change your frames dramatically, highly recommended but like I said back up you fsx.cfg before you tweak anything incase you don't like it or it doesn't suit your computer, let me know how you get on with your endevour!

[heywooood]

LOL!! No problem...I was running FSX ok with what I have now. I reformated a few days ago and my FSX has just been performing terrible. I am getting major spikes in frames. It will run in the 30's then it will take hits down into the 10-14 range. I dont know if its CPU or Graphics card problems.


reformatting with FSX installed may cause trouble...did you try deleting your fsx.cfg and then restarting FSX?

first save a copy of your existing cfg so you can refer to it for any tweaks you have that work
then delete the fsx.cfg...then restart FSX

this will cause FSX to create a new .cfg - check to see if that helps..then you can add the essential tweaks back in.

might be better than buying a new rig before you have a chance to save a few more dollars

[GrinningJester]

The 5750 is a bit weaker than the GTX285.

My suggestion: Don't buy prebuilt, go for one you build yourself, or perhaps pay a little $ for a service that builds them for you.

You'll get more machine for your $$

[dharris]

Your first and very best thing to do is contact Ted and take his advice. I did last year and with my "budget" system FSX is very smooth. He won't lead you astray! Thanks again Ted!

[pilotdave1970]

Awesome guys, I appreciate it. :)

[pilotdave1970]

What scenery/aircraft are you using? have you tried this fsx.cfg tweak ... http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php?t=34661&page=1

Backup your fsx.cfg before you do anything but I highly recommend downloading and running this!

http://forums.flightsimlabs.com/index.php?/files/file/69-fsl-texturefix-v11zip/

it will change your frames dramatically, highly recommended but like I said back up you fsx.cfg before you tweak anything incase you don't like it or it doesn't suit your computer, let me know how you get on with your endevour!

No addon scenery, but I am using REX...which improved performance before I reformated.

[pilotdave1970]

reformatting with FSX installed may cause trouble...did you try deleting your fsx.cfg and then restarting FSX?

first save a copy of your existing cfg so you can refer to it for any tweaks you have that work
then delete the fsx.cfg...then restart FSX

this will cause FSX to create a new .cfg - check to see if that helps..then you can add the essential tweaks back in.

might be better than buying a new rig before you have a chance to save a few more dollars

I will try this....Thanks again for the support.

[pilotdave1970]

I wonder if its because of my two hard drives in RAID configuration. Someone told me its better to have one drive.