I'm just an average computer user . . . like many of us. I have an average newer computer.
Dell desktop with Intel Core 2 Duo 1.68Mhz - 2 Gig ram - ATI Radeon X1400 card - 100 Gig HD. An average off the shelf unit.
To upgrade for better Trainz performance . . . what first ??
My guess is in the order of priority is :
#1 Video Card with 512M memory or more (I'm thinking GeForce 8800GTX)
#2 RAM - Is more the better ? OR if you get a video card with lots of memory, then the system RAM amount of 2 Gig is enough ?
#3 Faster CPU - Upgrading for another CPU like up to 2.4Mhz or more that is compatible with existing Mother Board . . . will that make a noticable difference ? Will Trainz take advantage of Quad Core processor and Mother Board Upgrade (64 bit computing)?
Like many of us, our work computer is the latest and greatest laptop/desktop . . . if we use a computer for work. In my case, its a laptop that I use for Cad drafting (2D only for construction documents, no 3D stuff). I've decided to get Trainz off my laptop and move it to my desktop with the above specs.
I like details . . . lots of trees and trackside objects like grass, shrubs and textures which contribute to eating up processing time. I've learned to create "within viewing range" of Driver mode . . . no sense creating a part of the world that never gets seen while in Driver Mode.
Unfortunately . . . computers has short lifespan when running graphic intensive software . . . new and better is always around the next corner.
I just want to upgrade my desktop to a point where it would be enjoyable (smooth looks on screen when in motion - 24 fps or better I guess) for the next 2 or 3 years without losing an arm and a leg. $400 to $800 in investment (about a price of a nice brass engine) for a nice Trainz platform system good for 2 to 3 years is what I'm thinking. I don't want to buy another computer . . . just for Trainz.
So, any inputs or suggestions for us computer DUMMIES would be much appreciated !!
Thank you all in advance
Dell desktop with Intel Core 2 Duo 1.68Mhz - 2 Gig ram - ATI Radeon X1400 card - 100 Gig HD. An average off the shelf unit.
To upgrade for better Trainz performance . . . what first ??
My guess is in the order of priority is :
#1 Video Card with 512M memory or more (I'm thinking GeForce 8800GTX)
#2 RAM - Is more the better ? OR if you get a video card with lots of memory, then the system RAM amount of 2 Gig is enough ?
#3 Faster CPU - Upgrading for another CPU like up to 2.4Mhz or more that is compatible with existing Mother Board . . . will that make a noticable difference ? Will Trainz take advantage of Quad Core processor and Mother Board Upgrade (64 bit computing)?
Like many of us, our work computer is the latest and greatest laptop/desktop . . . if we use a computer for work. In my case, its a laptop that I use for Cad drafting (2D only for construction documents, no 3D stuff). I've decided to get Trainz off my laptop and move it to my desktop with the above specs.
I like details . . . lots of trees and trackside objects like grass, shrubs and textures which contribute to eating up processing time. I've learned to create "within viewing range" of Driver mode . . . no sense creating a part of the world that never gets seen while in Driver Mode.
Unfortunately . . . computers has short lifespan when running graphic intensive software . . . new and better is always around the next corner.
I just want to upgrade my desktop to a point where it would be enjoyable (smooth looks on screen when in motion - 24 fps or better I guess) for the next 2 or 3 years without losing an arm and a leg. $400 to $800 in investment (about a price of a nice brass engine) for a nice Trainz platform system good for 2 to 3 years is what I'm thinking. I don't want to buy another computer . . . just for Trainz.
So, any inputs or suggestions for us computer DUMMIES would be much appreciated !!
Thank you all in advance