RAM, processor and Graphics Card update.

[rastis]

G'day guys! :wave:

I am thinking about getting a RAM, processor and a video card update. I have 4 gigs of RAM but Trainz lags with that even with a tiny bit of detail. What is the maximum RAM you can get on a desktop PC? And what is the best video card for Trainz? If I get my video card changed, will that affect Trainz at all? Also, what is the best PROCESSER for Trainz, as you can see, I have a Celeron, which I've been told is the worst kind to run Trainz on. Also will that affect Trainz? I thought of this because my PC is going to be serviced anyway, so I thought I could get it updated then. I am unsure what graphics card I have. Where could I find the name of it? And I have just recenlty found out, Trainz is taking up 53 gigs of C Drive. Is that normal?

Cheers!

Jake.

 

[fran1]

Your going to get loads of replies so here goes,
With a 32bit o/s trainz can only use 2g ram so there's no point having more than 4 gig. But make sure it matches what you get below.
CPU. May as well get a quad core and future proof your system a bit.
GPU. How deeps your pocket ? 400 or 500 series n/vid card with 1-1.5 gig memory.
Dont forget your mobo may need replacing to take the CPU.
Make sure the PSU has enough output to cope.
There, I'd say thats £500 quid to start with
Lewisner has a post going at the moment, have a look at his specs.

 

[djt]

The question is what’s your budget?

 

[johnwhelan]

I'd probably start over. It sounds like a system built to a budget but just in case what is your motherboard?

Thanks John

 

[lewisner]

(OP) based on my experience I would say get rid of your PC and buy a pre-assembled one with decent specs - something like dual or quad core CPU , 4GB of RAM and a 1GB Graphics Card.

 

[rastis]

G'day! :wave:

I saw an Alienware computer yesterday. Bloody oath they're expensive. Are they any good for running Trainz? I've been told they're not worth the money. That was from a computer expert.

Cheers!

Jake.

 

[RRSignal]

I don't have any recent experience with Alienware, but, sure, you can build the same or better for less. The real worry is that Dell (like other pre-built vendors) loves to install tons of useless junk that just ganks up the system.

They probably play Trainz well, just not as well as a DIY that costs less.

 

[SnakeLight64]

I'm running a budget build right now for trainz

Spec:
Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5200 2.50Ghz
2GB RAM (I should have 4GB but i'm using that in another computer)
256MB Nvidia GeForce 8600GT
(This cost me about 400, I got a good motherboard..)
EDIT: I'm running Windows 7 64bit

It runs really smooth on my computer even with the graphics card I have. Although i haven't messed about with my settings and I have run trainz on my TV (Full HD)

I'm upgrading to a heavy rig next.
This is what I'm aiming for..:

Asus Maximus III Gene
Intel i5 760
4GB RAM
ATI HD 5770
with water cooling... (Corsair H70)

Keep in mind that this is a performance build and is gonna cost me at least 700 or more...
Gives you an idea on what you could upgrade on or build a new one for about £300-£400
I could help you with what to get and stuff if you like?

Snake

 

[shadowarrior]

G'day! :wave:

I saw an Alienware computer yesterday. Bloody oath they're expensive. Are they any good for running Trainz? I've been told they're not worth the money. That was from a computer expert.

Cheers!

Jake.

He is right. With an Alienware, you are paying more for the brand name and looks.

Getting a rig assembled is gonna be cheaper for you.
Go for an AMD 64bit x4 (I love the 965BE on mine), a motherboard for it...pref. something which has an onboard graphics chip...so in case your graphics card goes bad for any reason, you can still run your comp. The ATI 5850 is a good budget value for money card. I use a 5870 and it runs every game in the market smooth with max settings at 1920X1080.

A good PSU and a decent chasis is the core of your build. The PSU would depend on whats your final config. A decent chasis with enough fans to keep the components cool, and enough room for a big graphics card and the PSU unit.

You can start off with a 2gig stick of DDR3 1333 ram, if you feel like you need more you can always upgrade them.

 

[rebel57]

Hi I had best Asus mb with AMD t1090 6 core, 8gb ram and Nvidia 9800gt 1gb videocard plus Win 7 64bits I use ts2006, fps high and no lag on driver! but wait to buy ts2010 ?? I have pay off computer debit !!:'(
John

 

[rastis]

G'day! :wave:

I have made up my mind. I *might* purchase the Alienware Aurora Desktop. http://www.dell.com/au/p/alienware-aurora-r3/pd Could someone please check if these specs are good enough for Trainz before I buy?

Cheers!

Jake.

 

[lewisner]

That PC equates to £1,505 UK which is a hell of a price! I think you only get the tower so you have to shell out for peripherals too? I agree with the comments re brand name above.

 

[mcguirel]

G'day! :wave:

I have made up my mind. I *might* purchase the Alienware Aurora Desktop. http://www.dell.com/au/p/alienware-aurora-r3/pd Could someone please check if these specs are good enough for Trainz before I buy?

Cheers!

Jake.

Extremely Overpriced but got horsepower..........................
Could build for 65% the cost mnus the great case...............


http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.575820
This SuperCombo includes:

• Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor (Model:BX80623I52500K)
• GIGABYTE ATX Intel Motherboard LGA 1155 (Model: GA-P67A-UD4)
• GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card (Model:GV-N460OC-1GI)
• CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM 1333 Desktop Memory (Model:CMX8GX3M2A1333C9)
• Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive (Model:ST31000528AS)
• Antec Six Hundred Black Computer Case
• Antec EarthWatts EA750 750W Continuous Power ATX12V version 2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7/Core i5" Power Supply
• $822.99 after $40.00
  

 

[lewisner]

I don't think the case looks particularly great? It is quite "stylish" but after looking at all the cases available I settled on the HAF 922. I ordered it online but got a phone call next day from the supplier who said "it's out of stock would you accept a HAF 932 instead?". I said I would but obviously (the 932 being £20 more) I wouldn't pay any more for it! She went away and her boss said "yes" and I got it for like £100 before shipping.
Many people say the HAF 932 is "brutish" but it's certainly impressive and oh so easy to work with....

 

[johnwhelan]

G'day! :wave:

I have made up my mind. I *might* purchase the Alienware Aurora Desktop. http://www.dell.com/au/p/alienware-aurora-r3/pd Could someone please check if these specs are good enough for Trainz before I buy?

Cheers!

Jake.

Overclocking isn't good it shortens the life of the cpu, liquid cooling is OK until it leaks, corrodes etc. Both are expensive ways to gain not that much performance.

newegg.com is good but not available except in the US.

If the system will give you 30 fps I don't think you'd notice any difference if it was faster. If you can lay your hands on a 120hz monitor rather than a 60 hz refresh rate screen that figure would drop to 24 fps since it fits as a multiple of 120. So I'd look for a 120hz monitor first then sufficient power to get 24 fps on a demanding layout.

However this is a bit bleeding edge and may need a bit of study to sort out.

Cheerio John

 

[RRSignal]

@rastis - of course, it will run TS2010 very well. Even my E6700 runs TS2010 great and you'll have more memory and a 64-bit OS (presumably). Personally, I think you could get a better machine for less. Also, no doubt Dell will install a lot of useless crap on it that you'll have to disable like most prebuilt OEMs do and it is my observation that OEMs don't perform as well for the same hardware has DIYs do everything being about equal. A lot of this to due to preinstallation of the aforementioned junkware.

Putting it another way, Alienware is okay if you feel you absolutely cannot build your own and don't mind spending substantially more than you need to.

 

[djt]

Overclocking isn't good it shortens the life of the cpu

As long as you are not exceeding the stock voltage range of the CPU, overclocking will not harm the CPU or shorten its life span in any noticeable way.

liquid cooling is OK until it leaks, corrodes etc.

Depends on what liquid cooling we’re talking about. Simple liquid cooling like Corsairs H50/H70 CPU liquid coolers are very reliable/trouble free solutions and do offer superior cooling.

Both are expensive ways to gain not that much performance.

Both together are inexpensive ways to gain a considerable amount of performance in CPU dependent games.

If the system will give you 30 fps I don't think you'd notice any difference if it was faster.

If you have a system that is capable of running games at a consistent 60 fps the difference compared to 30 fps is more than just noticeable, 24 fps is obviously even worse.

 

[shadowarrior]

Liquid cooling and overclocking (within limits of your cpu, motherboard, and PSU) can sometimes get you amazing results. There have been various articles of how a cheap CPU/GPU could out perform its expensive counterparts.

Leaking and Corroding Liquid cooling systems are a thing of the past. The new LCS are easy to setup and maintain, and 100% leak proof. (That is if you follow the manufacturers instructions)

As for fps, enable Vsync with a good monitor with 60/120 fps capabilities and you will notice a huge difference (and your eyes will thank you for it).

@OP. I would still prefer a custom build pc over the alienware, but end of the day its your decision and choice

 

[johnwhelan]

Leaking and Corroding Liquid cooling systems are a thing of the past. The new LCS are easy to setup and maintain, and 100% leak proof. (That is if you follow the manufacturers instructions)

Trouble is if they didn't get it right its your motherboard and cpu that is toasted.

The heat pipe idea where the liquid is contained in one piece isn't too bad. My concerns on overclocking are purely on heat and reliability. Basically practically all chemical reactions such as aging of silicon etc accelerate with heat.

Heat has always been a limiting factor in computer design which is why they went to multiple core cpus to spread the heat out a bit.

Cheerio John

 

[djt]

My concerns on overclocking are purely on heat and reliability.

That’s why you choice a decent/quality heat sink and like I said earlier, don’t go beyond the stock voltage range.


As an example I’ve had i7 9xx series CPU’s hit a stable 4.2-4.4GHz on default voltage on a quality air cooler. With something like Corsairs H50 in a push/pull fan configuration or a H70 this is even easier to do. You also have to be using a decent case with good air of course.