What used desktop to buy for CFS3?

[Six O'Clock Shadow]

Hey all, looking for some advice here.

I used to fly CFS3 on an emachines 6520 with CRT monitor.

Monitor died and I replaced it with a Dell 23" IPS, but just hooked it up VGA. PC had no DVI out.

Now the computer is dead.

Would like to replace it so I can fly again, but a brand-new unit doesn't make sense. I only use the desktop for CFS3; I use my laptop for everything else.

Looking to spend $100 to $200 tops for a used desktop just for CFS3. Want to use with my 23" LCD.

What do you recommend?

I'm leaning toward an old Dell XPS, like a 420 to 710 model. Maybe add an SSD.

These can be had with everything from XP to 10 installed. I have an old XP install disc i can probably use, if not, i can buy XP for about $20 on eBay.

I can pickup on old 420 for $40 to $60 with no HDD. Another $40 for a small SSD. Another $20 for XP if needed. Total would be $100 to $120.

I've read that with FSX, CPU power matters more than the graphic card. Is this true of CFS3 too?

Ive also heard that folks have had issues with multi-core CPUs with CFS3. Am I better off looking for an older machine with a single-core CPU instead?

Bottom line, I'd like to run CFS3 at 1920 x 1080, all sliders on high, with a good framerate. Doable within budget?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

-=6=-

[Flamingskull5000]

Graphics card is a big consideration along with CPU and amount of RAM. The SSHD is also helpful in speeding things up. If you're handy, why not get a new mother board and CPU for the box you already have?

[Six O'Clock Shadow]

I think the PSU is shot. And its proprietary.

Graphics are integrated (Radeon 200) so there is no GPU to carry over.

Basically, i think i can buy someone elses used desktop that's newer and nicer for less money than it would take to fix and improve this one.

[glh]

I run my CFS2 and FSX on off-lease DELL desktops that I have found on EBay. Make sure you get one from a reputable seller (someone with 98% or better positive comments). Pick the hard drive, Op system and RAM that you want. You will probably have to upgrade the video card.

That's basically what I had to do for mine. They have been running for YEARS !!

[hairyspin]

MS flight sims (FSX, FS9, CFS3 etc) value CPU speed over modern graphics card power. Dual or quad core processors work fine. nVidia video cards are generally preferred, but for that money I wouldn't be too fussy as long as you have plenty RAM: try to get 4GB (or more) if you can.

[Six O'Clock Shadow]

Thanks all for the input.

I'm looking at mid-tower desktops, circa 2011 to 2012.

CPUs would be from i3-2100 to i5-3470 (all Sandy Bridge).

PSU would be around 320, OEM.

it looks like a 750 ti would be a safe bet for a graphics card.

But there are also 75w versions of the GTX 950 now that don't require a six-pin connector.

Since I ONLY plan to play CFS3 on this box, does anyone think the GTX 950 is worth the extra $?

Or is a 750 ti more than enough to play CFS3 at 1920 x 1080?

Thanks again!

-=6=-