New video card performance

[ICTech]

I just replaced an ATI X700pro with an ATI X1950XTX and didn't get the big FPS increase I was hoping for in Flight Sim X. I'm beginning to wonder if it's my CPU or memory. Here are my specs:

MSI K8N Neo4, Athlon 64 3200, 2GB Ultra PC3200 (4x512) (cheap stuff), 160GB Maxtor SATA 3GB/s and Maxtor 120GB SATA 1.5GB/s, Seasonic S12 600W, 3 optical drives, X-Fi X-Treme Music, and new X1950XTX.

I'm game for a new CPU or better ram if that's my bottleneck. Any help is appreciated.

 

[dBTelos]

The CPU is really bottlenecking your system.

 

[Firsttime]

If that CPU isn't overclocked it is your problem. I would try overclocking it for a cheap solution.

 

[akshayt]

Try other games as well. Whether or not your CPU is overclocked, you should easily get a much better gaming experience. However, rather than expecting a big increase in those same settings, try to increase the settings, res, AA, AF.
Also, ocing the CPU will give you some help, try to get atleast 2.4GHz, in some of todays games and most of near future, the CPU will be a big bottleneck, so atleast oc it.

 

[jgis19]

FSX is a resource hog. Don't expect to play with everything maxed out,even with an 1950XTX. Set the sliders too medium and see how it works.

 

[akshayt]

It can't be that intensive that a 1900/1950 series can't run it at max settings even at 12x10 without AA, can it?

 

[jgis19]

Read this for performance tweaks http://www.fs2004.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=92583

 

[ICTech]

Great link. Thanks jgis19. It runs ok at medium quality but gosh, I want more. What is the best cpu out there for my mobo? (939) My cheap ram isn't a problem? That would be a good thing. I'll try the oc'ing until if and when I upgrade. Great information here.

 

[dBTelos]

A lot of CPUs for skt939. 3200+ - 5200+?

 

[ICTech]

Well I guess I was specifically referring to the X2's vs. the FX's. I'd say anything under $300 would be considered.

 

[Crescent13]

Opty 180?

the opty's oc really well, I have an opty 144, default 1.8Ghz, I'm running at 2.8Ghz.

 

[dBTelos]

X2s > FXs.

 

[Bill Kunert]

I've read that FSX will utilize the capabilities of dual core chips. If you have a Vista beta loaded try it. I've also read that FSX runs much faster in Vista.
Bill