Which Computer system will I need

[missle]

I'm going to finally get me a computer so that I can get a good simulator program (after 2 years of thousands of dollars in repairs :eek: ). My plan is to purchase a CPU that will be solely used for my sim program. I don't even plan to connect it to the i-net so that I won't have to install any spam/worm protection programs. I'm not sure as to how much memory, speed, ect... that will be necessary to run something like realflight or the other good programs out there. So far, I priced a couple of CPU's that had the following:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200 Processor
Dual core technology provides efficient computing, and boosts your productivity
1GB (512MB x2) DDR2-800 Memory
Huge 320GB hard drive
Versatile optical drive
18X DVD+/-RW (+/-R DL) / DVD-ROM, 16X DVD-ROM Drive
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition
Logitech deluxe keyboard
Logitech optical internet mouse
System RAM: 1024 MB
Product Form Factor: LANBOX Gaming Case
Expansion Slots: 1x PCI Express slots, 2x PCI slots
Expansion Bays: 2x External 5.25" Drive Bays, 1x External 3.5" Drive Bays, 2x Internal 3.5" Drive Bays
Number of Memory Slots: 2x240pin
Cache Memory - Type: L2 cache
Cache Memory Size: x2 1MB
Graphics Controller - Type: PCI Express x16 - plug-in card
Graphics Controller Size: 256 MB
Graphics Controller Graphics Processor / Vendor: NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT
Motherboard: MSI K9N6PGM-F Motherboard
Motherboard Interface: IDE/SATA: 1x ATA-133 channel; 2x SATA2 ports support RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5, 4x USB 2.0 ports, 1x LAN port, 2x PS/2 ports, 1x Parallel port, 1x Serial port

This particular one is $750 and only includes the CPU. Is this enough or overkill?

[ChrisE]

There are a couple of very obvious weak points in the computer that you have specified. It somehow feels like last years model. As I don't live in the US I will leave it to others to comment on value.

1. 1Gb RAM is not enough to run Vista home premium well. You need a minimum of 2Gb and I would really suggest going for 3Gb. You could add 2Gb to the 1gb that is already in there.

2. 320Gb is not a "huge" HDD drive any more. 500 or 750gb would be more typical but 320 is enough - plenty - for sim & game use but not for lots of graphics type files.

3. The 8600GT is a surprisingly old card & not good for DX10 which is the future. I would suggest that for DX10 & the latest sims a 8800GT 512mb would be much better.

I am not sure what you mean by " this particular one is $750 & only includes the CPU...." If you mean it does not include a screen/ monitor then what you have here is a "base station". The CPU is the AMD Athlon X" 5200.

[missle]

Chris,

That's exactly the type of info I needed. So, > 3Gb of RAM, >500Gb of HDD, 8800GT 512mb (is this a brand name or type of graphics card?). What about the processor speed and is there a benefit of a "dual" processor vs a single? Thanks so much for your help.

[ChrisE]

The 3 Gb RAM is definitely a great idea & will make a big difference - I can't recommend this more strongly.

The HDD is very large for simulator use but these days there is a tendency for people to put video clips, their music library etc on their computers & then it doesn't seem so large. In the real workd a 500gb drive costs very little more than a 320 anyway.

The 8600GT in you spec has an 8600 chipset made by nVidia although lots of manufacturers then use those chipsets in their cards. Generally as long as you compare different manufacturers cards with the same amount of memory - in your case unspecified - the performance will be similar.

The 8800GT is the next nVidia chiset up & all the same applies. Go for 512mb & you should not regret it. Unfortunately this is a bit more expensive!

Hopefully others will contribute!

[ColinB]

Hey Missle,
Why don't you work backwards? Check out the different sim websites. They list minimum and recommended spec's. So long as you are above the minimum, you should be fine. Or, go to a computer store you trust and say "Sell me a PC to play xyz sim" and show them the spec.

Also, I found this link that supposedly compares video card performance. Good for comparing. (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-cards-money,1696-6.html) that rate the video cards performance.

Colin

[Mike66]

I don't even plan to connect it to the i-net so that I won't have to install any spam/worm protection programs.
This will prevent you from taking advantage of sim updates and second-party models and scenery. There are plenty of free applications that will protect your computer from Internet baddies...as long as you maintain the updates.

[missle]

Again, everyone thanks so much for your assistance and guidance.
Colin, I've actually looked at the recommended requirements but wanted to get more realistic suggestions (like getting a minimum of 3Gb of Ram). As far as computer stores go, sorry I don't trust them cause it won't take them but a second to realize that I haven't got a clue, and there goes my life savings.
Mike66, your correct about the i-net so I'll probably have it set up and ready (wireless).

[ChrisE]

Never ever EVER EVER believe the minimum requirements on the box. The sim may well run with them but it will not run well. The other thing is that when you buy a computer if it is only just adequate for what you want to do today then you can guarantee that it will not be enough for that update etc in 6 months time.

Nobody wants to spend more than they need but the knack is to get what you need at a price that you can afford which you will be pleased about having purchased in 6 months time.

I do agree that sims differ. If all you want is FMS the you can get away with a lot less than if you want the latest versions of AFPD, Real Flight, or Phoenix etc. The latter are actually quite demanding applications. It is good advise to decide on the sim & then check your spec with the owners of that sim. The spec that I suggested should run any of them.

Beware of the prices of extras charged by some assemblers. As an example the link below gives the price of a specimin 2Gb of ram to make 3Gb total - $28.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134635

I run Phoenix by the way.

[dellavex]

missle....i just moved from the dayton area but have shopped at Micro Center in Sharronsville.....my buddy, who lives in dayton just bought this computer http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0296599 and he run's real flight g4 on it. I was impressed with the quality and the speed of this system. Although this does not come with a monitor, you can get the salesman to add one to it for a good price. Sales on computers are down right now so you should be able to hagle a good price....

Jay

[ChrisE]

Something to be warned about. Many computers highlight what they think less aware users want to read about & don't mention bits which are important but less well understood. Note they always tell you about the processor but rarely about the graphics card.

In the case of the microcentre PC they all but ignore the graphics so you have a massively powerful processor combined with basic integrated graphics. It is however a much better spec than the one at the top of the thread.

[ColinB]

Hi Missle,
Perhaps you could give us an idea of what sim you are looking at? I quickly looked at the Realflight website, and they list minimum specifications required, and then their recommended system.

I didn't mean to give your cc to the local store and tell them to "go for it!" That would be silly! (We only do that at the hobby shop.) I meant for you to use them for advice, like you are getting here. It is up to you to believe it or not and shop around a little.

If you don't have a clue, why go with a wireless router? Simply plugging into the wall is easier and more secure - one less thing to configure.

Colin

Again, everyone thanks so much for your assistance and guidance.
Colin, I've actually looked at the recommended requirements but wanted to get more realistic suggestions (like getting a minimum of 3Gb of Ram). As far as computer stores go, sorry I don't trust them cause it won't take them but a second to realize that I haven't got a clue, and there goes my life savings.
Mike66, your correct about the i-net so I'll probably have it set up and ready (wireless).