Computer on the cheap (need help)

E

EMatheson

Charter Member 2016
I am right now suffering from low frame-rates. My little lap-top is not capable of running FS9 with mesh, REX, and the VRS Hornet all at the same time, which really is bothersome to me. So I am looking to build a new desktop to handle this.
I know that some of you have some expertise with computers, and I remember that with some skill it was possible 3 years ago to build an FSX capable system for less than $500 US.
So it should be capable to build a fully-modded FS9 capable desktop for dirt-cheap now! I just don't know where to look or what to buy. SO I need your help in choosing hardware and getting it all set up.
I am a "starving college student" now, so money is an issue. So is FPS. Since FS9 is 8 years old now, I darn well ought to be able to fly it!
 
I only know local places but I hear Newegg is a good start. My specs below do a nice job with FS9 and decently with FSX. Don't need high-end for good results.
 
Hi Emath

To get more bang for buck, you're always better off building it yourself.

Don't let the thought scare you off, it's really easy to do. (Not sure if you've had experience or not.) Just take your time and be careful. There's also plenty of guides online.

Here's a rig I would reccomend.

CPU: AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition ~$99
AMD Phenom II X2 Dual Core 555 CPU, 3.2GHz (80W), 7 MB Cache,

Motherboard: ASRock N68-VS3 UCC ~$45
2xDDR3 1800MHz RAM slots, AM3 motherboard, unlock CPU.

GPU: Powercolor Radeon HD6850 1GB ~$149

RAM: Kingston Value 1333MHz 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 ~$33

HDD: Samsung SpinPoint F3 1T HD103SJ ~$59

DVD: Samsung SH-222AB SATA DVDRW Drive ~$22

Case: CoolerMaster Elite 371 Black with 500W ~$89

Total: Approx. $496

This is a rough guide, just taken from part prices in Australia. (I dare say you will get it way cheaper than this. :) )

Let me know how you go

Chris
 
Something almost identical to what Chris suggested comes in at around 400$-480$ at my local place. A place where they will build to suit or they offer an assortment of pre-spec'd very much like what I now use. 500$-600$ will get a BestBuy more or less comparable but with bloatware, a bit less in the performance area (CPU,vidcard,ram) and not tailored to what you want. Plus you have the geeks to deal with when that time comes.
 
EMatheson said:
I am right now suffering from low frame-rates. My little lap-top is not capable of running FS9 with mesh, REX, and the VRS Hornet all at the same time, which really is bothersome to me. So I am looking to build a new desktop to handle this.
I know that some of you have some expertise with computers, and I remember that with some skill it was possible 3 years ago to build an FSX capable system for less than $500 US.
So it should be capable to build a fully-modded FS9 capable desktop for dirt-cheap now! I just don't know where to look or what to buy. SO I need your help in choosing hardware and getting it all set up.
I am a "starving college student" now, so money is an issue. So is FPS. Since FS9 is 8 years old now, I darn well ought to be able to fly it!
Click to expand...

Here's what I did:

I run my FSX and CFS2 on separate Dell GX270 Desktops. I bought three of them on EBay about 2 years ago and have had no problem. They use Windows XP Pro (installed and with COA), one has 60 GB and the other 100 GB hard drives, each came with 1 GB memory, keyboard and mouse. I paid approx. $100 USD (including shipping) for each one. There was very little additional software installed on these machines in order to keep the clutter down. I added an Nvidia 6200 video card (about $50) to each machine. Pick your own joystick/throttle/etc. I got two Logitech 3D Pro joysticks at Goodwill for a few bucks each.

So I have about $450 TOTAL in 3 desktops to fly sims. The desktops did come from corporate leases but they have been/were running for about 2 years with no problems. FSX stutters a bit (I probably need a 1 GB video card and more memory) but I am living with it for now. I had FS9 on a companion setup (worked fine with no stutter) but got hit with a virus that destroyed the hard drive so I am just on the FSX/CFS2 sims now. One of these days I will repair my damaged machine.

Just my $.02. Good luck with your choice(s).
 
One thing to consider. FS9 only uses one core so maybe you can get a P4 3 gig cheap if you can find it. Nvidia graphics cards are the best. Get a fairly good one with at least 512 meg vram. A 9800GT isn't that much nowadays. Two gig ram is enough. Onboard sound is fine. Just some 2 cents.
 
Thanks for the suggestions! I dunno if I actually will get the desktop, though. After reinstalling FS9 and trying things again, things are running a lot smoother.
(I had been using an install I'd burned to DVD before I left on my proselyting mission to Ghana two years ago... cleaning out the dead-wood did a lot...)
 
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