Help me buy a new Graphic Card

**bliz** · #1 26th Nov 2007, 16:06

Hi Everyone!

I was wondering if anyone could help me?

I have a very old but (I think) powerful computer.

It is a P4 (2.6GHz), 1GB Ram, 120GB HDD, and a 128mb Medion Radion Graphic card.

I want to play games like FSX, and Rail Simulator (with good high end graphics). I dont really know that much about computers but I know that I have a powerful CPU just not a very good Graphics card.

Can anyone suggest any good Cards that I could buy for under £40??? Do you have any information for me?

Thanks

**cheesepuff** · #2 26th Nov 2007, 16:11

well, i hate to say it but you have a very low end CPU. that wont get you by at all...you wana play FSX on hi settings? good luck. that game is very CPU intensive since it calculates physics and such. for that amount of money you can get a 7900GS. not sure how much else, but that rig wont stand up to FSX at all. if you really wana play that game i strongly suggest you get a new CPU.

**alex** · #3 26th Nov 2007, 16:23

I'd recommend a whole new pc to be frank.

With a quad core cpu and high end graphics card (think 8800GT or GTX) even at 1280x1024.

FSX is tremendously gpu AND cpu intensive. And like all flight sims you need the detail settings cranked high to get any kind of draw distance and ground detail otherwise they just look, well, crap.

If you can't go the new pc route. We need your motherboard model/make to see how far it will go in the P4 stakes. I'd also strongly recommend doubling the ram.

**cheesepuff** · #4 26th Nov 2007, 16:28

you said it Alex.

**bliz** · #5 26th Nov 2007, 16:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex

I'd recommend a whole new pc to be frank.

With a quad core cpu and high end graphics card (think 8800GT or GTX) even at 1280x1024.

FSX is tremendously gpu AND cpu intensive. And like all flight sims you need the detail settings cranked high to get any kind of draw distance and ground detail otherwise they just look, well, crap.

If you can't go the new pc route. We need your motherboard model/make to see how far it will go in the P4 stakes. I'd also strongly recommend doubling the ram.

I could go down the new computer route, we need to keep it cheap like and wouldn't know were to start looking! I am on my laptop now would need to find my Motherboard setting out in the morning. Thanks for your help.

~~sparky33~~ · #6 26th Nov 2007, 16:30

Judgeing by the guy's PC spec, I think budget would be an issue here, as his current set up is a few years old, so I'd guess that spending over £1000 (at least) on a new quad core build is unlikely?

**alex** · #7 26th Nov 2007, 16:31

No problem.

Post back and we'll help as much as we can.

The mobo model will also help us find out if your card is AGP or pci-e and we'll need to know that because if it's AGP it will limit your field.

~~sparky33~~ · #8 26th Nov 2007, 16:34

On a P4 2.6 he's not really going to get a processor onto it that is more than 3.2 anyway, and 2.6 is even borderline for 533/800 fsb.

**cheesepuff** · #9 26th Nov 2007, 16:36

well, before we jump the gun here, lets see what the guys budget really is. and if he plans to do some actual SERIOUS gaming, or if the guy is more of a moderate gamer. cuz by the sound of his current build, doesn't really make me think he's into it all hard core like.

**bliz** · #10 26th Nov 2007, 16:38

Should I be looking for a new PC? I wanted a new Graphic card because I use Auto CAD and WYSIWYG and use 3D Rendering!