Interesting benchmarks on memory performance in sims
 

This thread on SimHQ makes for some very interesting reading regarding memory performance in simulations in terms of memory size and memory speed:

http://www.simhq.com/simhq3/sims/boa...;f=15;t=008477

1GB of RAM seems to be the bang for buck sweet spot. However I am guessing that with Windows Vista, 2GB of memory might be the better option.

1GB is the minimum for a gamer. 1.5GB provides some leeway.
2GB about the right amount for new systems.

I have 2GB in both of my windows computers, but only 1GB in my main Linux computer (it's meant to be a low-power system).

Right now, 6GB is overkill. 4GB is on the high side, but if you run a lot of Photoshop-like programs at the same time (Maya, Autocad, Photoshop, Premiere), you can end up getting some use out of dual-channel 4GB, especially with a Core 2 Duo.

Some sims or games will allow for more. The sweet spot for MS Flight SIm X is 4 GB on the memory and 1 GB on the video card (Do they make em this high yet? I haven't seen it). Oblivion can use 2 GB just fine. Older sims probably do fine at 1 GB to 1.5 GB.

-S

I disagree about MSFS X.

I am getting very smooth FPS with Ultra High Detail Settings at 1280X1024 resolution with MSFS X. It only tends to drop if I manually edit the settings to be above Ultra High Settings. I'm not sure why they have "Ultra" high as the top of the graphical settings when users can easily edit the settings to be MUCH higher? Ultra High settings is only like 1/3 of the graphical selection bar from left to right in each category.

There is a VERY noticeable difference in quality from this version over their last version. This one wins hands down. I would recommend 2gb of RAM and an Intel Core 2 Duo (mid level or higher) and at least a 512MB graphics card or better for the best experience.


The system I use...

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4Ghz (E6600) <---Mid Level but better than ANY AMD chipset currently available. Your system will perform like a high end and THAT'S NO BS!

2GB DDR2 800Mhz XtremeRAM <---2GB is Standard for most games these days. Higher clock levels and low latency are best for reduced game lag and stutter.

A single 7900GT 512MB GDDR3 Nvidia graphics <-----Mid Level to Upper Mid Level (Obviously two of these cards in SLI mode for games that support SLI mode will achieve better results)

Soundblaster X-fi xtreme soundcard - The best sound card out there right now!

The only reason you are getting OK frame rates is that you forgot about the slider that is automatically detuning your graphics in the name of FPS (it does it on the fly). Crank that thing down to 10 FPS and let the engine use its full power and you are guranteed to only get 10 FPS on this game because there is no machine that can run this game at max detail yet at a decent clip. I have an even faster card than you and I can still make my system bog.

-S