> Vid Ram = better???

[Major_Spittle]

What is the best video card for FSX in the $150 range? Does more video ram help? I am running Vista64, 8800gt, 6 gig ram, Q9450 @ 3.6.

With textures and such I was kinda thinking of getting this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187054

in hopes that it would process texture loads better than the 512mb vid card I currently have. Does anyone have any experience with this? :help:

I am running to Frys in a couple hrs so any help would be appreciated.

 

[Kiwikat]

Might want to look at the EVGA GTS250 1 GB ram version. It is the newer version of the 9800GTX. The 4870 seems to be dropping in price more now too. I recommend Nvidia cards for FSX but I know many happy 4870 and FSX users.

 

[Panther_99FS]

As I understand it, having a good amound of RAM on the video is definitely a good thing

 

[Kiwikat]

As I understand it, having a good amound of RAM on the video is definitely a good thing

RAM amount only matters when dealing with huge quantities of huge resolution textures. 2 GB ram is unlikely to make any difference compared to a 1 GB ram version of the card unless you are running your computer at some ungodly resolution in the 2000 x 3000 range. In his case he would be better off getting a 1 GB version of a faster card like the GTS250 I recommended.

 

[Panther_99FS]

RAM amount only matters when dealing with huge quantities of huge resolution textures..

It sure should help in the loading times of some of the AlphaSim virtual cockpits - should it not?

 

[Major_Spittle]

I run at 1920X1200 resolution.

 

[Kiwikat]

It sure should help in the loading times of some of the AlphaSim virtual cockpits - should it not?

Yes. My GTX280 cranks out the blackhawk VC in under a second. It has 1 GB vram. No reason to buy anything with more than that right now.

 

[harleyman]

I think you would be better off with a 512 card thats DDR3 or 5




At least this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133246



Or....http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102801








You said....in hopes that it would process texture loads better than the 512mb vid card I currently have....Your CPU does that



Or......http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150330

 

[Kiwikat]

I run at 1920X1200 resolution.

Definitely get a higher speed 1 GB card then. I don't know if a store would have the GTS250 yet. If they have the GTX260 core 216 consider that one. A 1 GB 4870 would be a good alternate choice.

(looks like harleyman covered most of my suggestions with those links lol)

 

[kilo delta]

What is the best video card for FSX in the $150 range? Does more video ram help? I am running Vista64, 8800gt, 6 gig ram, Q9450 @ 3.6.

With textures and such I was kinda thinking of getting this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187054

in hopes that it would process texture loads better than the 512mb vid card I currently have. Does anyone have any experience with this? :help:

I am running to Frys in a couple hrs so any help would be appreciated.

It's a crap card.....to be totally blunt. It's basically a rebadged 8600GT with more memory slapped on.
The old 8800GTX card is still a very formidable card for fsx and could probably be picked up second hand for buttons. If you want a new card look at the ATi HD4870 or Nvidia 9800GTX.....probably will be over your budget though.