System Hardware: PC | MOBO | RAM | CPU | HDD | SSD | PSU etc

Hands up who wants one of these beauties?http://gizmodo.com/341413/alienware-curved...-another-planetAvailable later on in the year.

Yes, it is a strange problem indeed!! Last week on doing a disk cleanup using the WinXP utility I noticed that my PC (PIV 3.6 GHz, 3 GB of memory and GEforce 6800GT of 256 MB) closed itself without any error messages (just switches off!!) when it reaches the "compress old files" part.After that my FS9 and also FSX show a similar behavior! After flying a certain amount time (random), in any part of the world, my PC just closes (it is not a CTD - it just closes as the power cord were taken out from the wall socket).I made a search and I read at MS website that when problems with the "compress old files" arise one should delete that entry on the registry that I did. But that…

will one of the CPUs in a 2 core system handle all the applications that run in the background when using FS9? if so that would free up some resources. thanks, william

Curious whether anyone had the ultimate experience with FSX on 8-core CPU systems?I was considering a Mac Pro as a replacement for the last remaining PC at home, and today Apple posted their new 8-core system with quite acceptable price tag and a variety of GPU options including 8800 GT (DX10 compatible?). so I was wondering if 8 cores is really a significant improvement over, say, 4 cores and how good Windows XP or Vista handle it?Cheers,=S.V.=eMachines T5026/P4/3.07GHz/1Gb RAM/160Gb S-ATA HDD/Windows XP Home SP2/ATI RADEON 9250 PCI 256Mb/ViewSonic VX910 19' 1280x1024/Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback 2

i have an AMD 3000 Radeon 9600 and 1 gig of ram. am thinking of getting a new motherboard with a duel core AMD 5000, 256MB GeForce 8600 GT and 1 gig of ram. on my current system i run FS9 at 1024x768. i can run it at 1200x1600 but get occasional stutters so i usually come back to 1024x768. if i get the mentioned upgrade do you think i can run FS9 at 1200x1600 without any stutters and i'm talking about with real weather but using 2D clouds instead of 3D. i don't mind the difference that much and it helps things to run smoothly. i also have everything else pretty much maxed out, most sliders far right. i also currently just fly the default aircraft so i'm not concerned abou…

Hi folks :-)I was digging around in our loft (attic) and found some 'shot em games'Janes F15, Longbow and Total Air War (F22) which ran really well on a 233MMX cpu, which brings me to ask how come MSFS was never done in 3DFX as it used to steam along quite well on a 233 cpu with all manner of things going on in the sim and I wonder what kind of quality would be seen with todays 'high end' cpu's and graphic cards if 3DFX was the 'platform' ?Steve / UK

Hi all, for whatever reason, with my graphic settings seem to change every time I leave FS9. However when I check the settings in the control panel, they are set correctly. I load fs9 the first time and all is good, then I go into full screen mode and all is good, then I go to windowed mode and i get crappy 2X AA and blurr, when I go back to full screen mode the same thing happens, crappy textures and 2x AA not 4X AA. I have exit the sim and load it again.Is there a solution for this?Thanks,Bill

Sam, Gary et al:I installed my Tuniq Tower 120 on my Gigabyte P35-DS3R with an e6850, cranked the fan to high (still very quiet in my Coolermaster Stacker) and in the Gigabyte BIOS, changed the voltage to AUTO (as per the BIOS recommendations) and increased the mulitiplier from 333 to 400. Steady 3.6ghz, no issues and core temps measured with "Core Temp" never climbed above 55c during a quick pattern around EGLL.Ok, now what- leave it as is, or with these low temps, try for a bit more? The RAM is CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory.Chime in guys, I'd like to get all I can out of this system in a 24/7 STABLE …

I'm using two monitors on my system. One running at 1920x1200 and the other at 1024x768. Both are being run by a 8500GT card.The problem I am having is when I start FSX, after the scenery loads, the big monitor video starts flashing on and off. If I switch from full screen to window mode it stops. Or if I start FSX in window mode it is ok. I have always run two monitors but this is a new system and 24" monitor. Any ideas of how I can cure this so I can run FSX in full screen using both monitors?Thanks.Jim

I have a C2D chip on an MSI P35 Platinum board and have just had to reinstall Windows XP. I noticed on SiSandra that my OC'd settings are the same as before but on the CPU Temp program I use, the Frequency setting is lower than previous. Can installing the OS change the OC'd settings in the BIOS? I did not thing so but wanted to ask here.Mark.

I consider buying a yoke for use in FSX. As far as I know there are two possible alternatives: The CH Flight Sim Yoke USB and the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System.Before I even get into considering which is better, I would like to know if it is possible to attach the yokes to a circular table because my desk is shaped as a quarter circle.Now, assuming it IS possible, which do you prefer? What are they like? Are they of a good quality and so on...Thanks in advance for any advice.

NVIDIA has been disappointing in the latest drivers, as far as the "Blurry Problem".The blurry problem has been the biggest nuisance since using FS2000 and its performance debockle (we all know what a diaster that was). I have been out on Newegg.com researching Video Cards. I know I will probably be buying two cards, one for the interim, and big bertha when all the DX10 hype has been decyphered. Looking at the ATI cards. Can someone confirm that there is absolutely no blurry problem with ATI??I have a LOW Profile case and need some recommendations. If you go to www.Newegg.com and type in low profile video cards, it lists my low profile options.Since this is an inter…

goodevening everybody,i've an huge problem. I've damaged the fourth CD of FS9 and now i'm without a large part of Scenery.Microsot don't want changes just a Cd and want that i pay for the change. I'm desperate. Now every scenery are blue and i don't know where i land.How can i do? thanks a lot

I know I have seen them here but cant find the threads Looking for reccomendations on companies that sell pcs with fsx preloaded and configured just plug them in and play, onto new systems that rock for flight simulationMike

For some reason, on long flights, I am losing the ability to use my ailerons. My yaw and pitch will work fine but unable to roll after I have flown a long distance. I took some advice from a posting by assigning a function or two to the joystick itself in hopes of preventing it from "timing out". That did not prevent it. It seems to do just that though, "time out" after a while and not let me have full function of the stick.Who do I turn to to ask what is the fix? Is it a software problem with either Microsoft or Logitech? I am using Logitech Force 3D pro along with FS9. My system specs are as follows: OS Name Microsoft Windows XP ProfessionalVersion 5.1.2600 Servic…

Anyone tried them yet?Any improvements over 7.10 in FS9?George DorkofikisAthens, Hellashttp://online.vatsimindicators.net/811520/1704.png

All functions on CH Pro Pedals work OK except the left brake & toe brake don't show when pushed. Calibration under CM on all axis ok and in FSX under the control section, both axis are assigned and both boxes are checked.Could a pot gone bad or what do you think. If it is a pot, can they br obtained anywhere??All help will be appreciated. ThanksChuck

Hi thereRight now I have two sticks:a Logitech Attack3a Logitech Force3D pro stick with Force FeedbackI enjoy the new Force3D with FF (fsforce) and the handle rotation but I REALLY miss the Attack3 smooth spring centering. It's hard to trim a plane since it centers bad, hard to make smooth corrections during approches etc etcSo I had the idea to put a spring in the Force3D stick! Is it totally crazy?I opened them both and it seems impossible to put the spring inside the stick - two motor just dont leave much space.. So I'll try to put it in the exterior, probably on the base of the stick.Has someone done something similar? Any advices?I know the x52 is the perfect solutio…

I hjave 2 monitors, one is a widescreen LDC, the other a conventional 4:3 LCD. I have previously used them both with DualView, which offers the advantages of letting each monitor be set up for resolution separately, plus the ability to drag-and-drop applications between the 2 monitors. However, I have found it to be a resource hog, and I guess that's just being that you don't get something for nothing :). Video card was a 7950GT.I have just completed a new build (Q6600, 2GB DDR3). I have the same video card fitted (7950GT). The single monitor performace is awesome and I'm addicted to it, but I would like to also get back to using my second monitor- usually used for n…

I am checking prices for a new screen. What size should I consider 21", 24". Does the video card have some important role in allowing the screen to operate at its optimum. What are the best combos some of the simmers are using? Video card ,screen size, ram and motherboard. oops cpu sizeThanks for any info! :)Mike

Hi,I am using an AMD 4200+ 2.2Ghz processor at the moment and have decided to upgrade to a 6400+ 3.2Ghz. When I put in the new chip and turn on the PC it turns off again as if short of power. My power supply is a TAGAN 430w and I would have thought that this would be sufficient. Do I need to upgrade the power supply as well to maybe a 600W?If so does anyone have any advice.thanksKeith

My XPS has been sitting in the corner ever since my Radeon 9800XT died. I don't have the money to purchase a new computer at this time so replacing the video card is my only option. I tried the GeForce 7300 and did not like how FS9 looked so I returned it to the store. No this same retailer has a NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS in stock. Would this be a good upgrade from the 9800XT? This is the only other AGP card that they have in stock. Thanks for any help you guys can give me on this subject.ThanksRegan

I have the EVGA 8800GT 512 and I was getting better perf and IQ with my 7900KO.It seems this new card does not keep up with the scenery as fast....If I am in spot view the texture looks blurry until it renders but my old card seems to always have the rendered scenery instantly without any lag this includesd AI sitting at a gate and looking from my 2d cockpit left or right and the AI will need to fill in as well and after some time it needs to do it again so the GPU memory is not being utilized correctly within the SIM.I have tried the following drivers 169.21,169.02,169.09 and so far have stuck with the 169.04.Tried with and w/o NHANCERAF=16AA=8XQ with supersampling tried…

I have just acquired one of those portable USB cables with six different plug on male connectors of various USB & firewire types. On the packaging is a diagram of two desktop PC's interconnected by USB to firewire.Whilst i understand it is not recommended to connect two PC's via USB with a standard USB cable, is it safe if I put a firewire connector on one end of the cable and connect one PC's USB port to the other PC's firewire port. The purpose of which is to transfer data between the two. I had also intended to network the two PC's via Firewire as I understand IEE 1394a supports the TCP/IP protocol.Is is possible to network the two PC's in this way, or would I have…

I right now have a Raptor 150GB hard drive. I find that it takes a long time to load airports that are located in the MegaSceneryX Southern California areas. I have 4GB RAM, 8800 Ultra video card, and an Intel E6700 CPU in my PC. Would adding another Raptor 150GB hard drive and setting them up for RAID 0 reduce load times noticeably for areas in MegaSceneryX Southern California? I also could use the increased drive space that comes with RAID 0 for my games, applications, and operating systems right now and 300GB would be more than enough capacity for me.