PC upgrade soon

[deathletter]

Will Simulator 12 work on this system?

Sorry to jump in on the discussion out of nowhere but I am thinking of getting Simulator 12 but I want to make sure it will operate on my computer. Here is the system:

Dell Studio 540
Intel Core2 Quad CPU Q8200 @ 2.33GHz 2.34 GHz
Memory (RAM): 8.00 GB
System Type: 64-bit Operating System

Cheers,
DLB

 

[RRSignal]

What type of video card? The rest looks fine.

 

[deathletter]

What type of video card? The rest looks fine.

Oops.. I did leave out something important..

Chip type: Intel G45/G43 Express Chipset.
Adapter String: Intel GMA X4500HD
Total Available Graphics Memory: 1759 MB

Cheers,
DLB

 

[RRSignal]

It won't do well with that. The good news is that a decent card isn't that much, but you may have to upgrade the power supply as well. Can you tell what wattage is on it? Better yet, what is the +12V voltage if it's listed? It would be on the power supply itself. OEMs like Dell, HP etc. tend to use the smallest power supply they can get away with.

I saw a GT240 on Tigerdirect recently for around $40. I've seen great prices on GT220 and GT430 cards as well. These are low-power cards. All should give decent performance in Trainz. I wouldn't consider anything more powerful without being certain your PSU can handle it, and even the aforementioned cards might be cutting it tight depending on it's strength and any other stuff (spare drives, etc.) you may have installed.

 

[deathletter]

Better yet, what is the +12V voltage if it's listed? It would be on the power supply itself. OEMs like Dell, HP etc. tend to use the smallest power supply they can get away with.

I checked the documentation and it says 300W/350W. If it is a 'energy star' it is 300W. I can't remember if it is energy star compliant or not but I don't see anything in the documentation about energy star. Before I forget, I do want to thank you for responding.


Cheers,
DLB

 

[RRSignal]

You're welcome, glad to help. That's about what I thought for the power supply unit. I would say the best card you could safely use with the PSU is a GT430. Even a GT240 is cutting it too tight. There are a few people around here running that card with decent results. I believe you can pick up a GT430 on rebate from Tigerdirect for somewhere around $40.

If you want to put money into upgrading your PSU and getting a better card than I've suggested, Tigerdirect does have some good sale/rebate prices, such as a 650 watt PSU for $70, then figure around $70-$100 for a better card.

 

[deathletter]

If you want to put money into upgrading your PSU and getting a better card than I've suggested, Tigerdirect does have some good sale/rebate prices, such as a 650 watt PSU for $70, then figure around $70-$100 for a better card.

Thanks again for the info. I may do the above as I would rather not cut it close. I am going to think about it because money in these times is hard to get and harder to hang onto. I actually just re-installed the 2004 version of Trainz. I had it on an old PC and decided I would try it on my current one. I can't even figure out some things about it.


Cheers,
DLB

 

[SuperFudd]

My Dell (see below) came with a GT220 and a 300 watt PS. I am happy with it.