Author Topic: My Quest For An Aces High Ii Capable Computer (Read 1736 times)

Krusty · « **Reply #15 on:** November 14, 2006, 01:37:47 AM »

Not so. When it came out, RDRAM was the answer to the problems DDR hadn't overcome yet. It was, however, far more expensive to make. However, DDR soon hit its stride and surpassed RDRAM. So modern DDR (400MHz and up) out performs RDRAM. DDR2 is even better.

You won't find RDRAM hardly anywhere, because they stopped making it years ago. I know. I tried to find some for my sister's PC. Ended up just buying her a new motherboard instead.

As for how well it'll run...

P4 2.66.
768MB of pc800 RDRAM (booo).
nVidia Ti4600 card w/ 128MB

It just so happens I upgraded from a Ti4400 not long ago. My CPU is about the same, but I've got DDR ram (and more of it). I used to have just 512MB, then got a stick of 1024 (1.5GB total) then donated the 512 stick to a good cause (1GB total). You will have to stick to low texture resolutions. Default might be good for you (256x256). You need to run AH at least at 1024 resolution, but it's possible on that card. Keep your detail sliders at default ranges, or even reduce them. You should have a steady 30-40fps (in best conditions), dropping to 20fps or less in heavy smoke/fire and large furballs near CVs.

It's playable. That's for sure. I won't go back to that hardware setup, but it ran. It should be enough to get you addicted to the game

OOZ662 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 14, 2006, 08:46:08 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Krusty
Not so. When it came out, RDRAM was the answer to the problems DDR hadn't overcome yet. It was, however, far more expensive to make. However, DDR soon hit its stride and surpassed RDRAM. So modern DDR (400MHz and up) out performs RDRAM. DDR2 is even better.

Goes to show what out of date textbooks will do to a Computer Construction/Technology class.

Malachi · « **Reply #17 on:** November 14, 2006, 04:09:58 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Krusty

It just so happens I upgraded from a Ti4400 not long ago. My CPU is about the same, but I've got DDR ram (and more of it). I used to have just 512MB, then got a stick of 1024 (1.5GB total) then donated the 512 stick to a good cause (1GB total). You will have to stick to low texture resolutions. Default might be good for you (256x256). You need to run AH at least at 1024 resolution, but it's possible on that card. Keep your detail sliders at default ranges, or even reduce them. You should have a steady 30-40fps (in best conditions), dropping to 20fps or less in heavy smoke/fire and large furballs near CVs.

It's playable. That's for sure. I won't go back to that hardware setup, but it ran. It should be enough to get you addicted to the game

Krusty,

Thanks for the point of reference. I'm sure I'll have fun with the game, but sounds like I'll be saving for upgrades

Krusty · « **Reply #18 on:** November 14, 2006, 04:55:12 PM »

It was at the point that I could and would fly it okay, but I had FPS issues sometimes. I imagine you'll find out yourself

Tigger29 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 14, 2006, 09:56:00 PM »

Masherbrum, I was laid off by Ford too a year or so ago.. although it wasn't FORD per say, but a local dealership where I was a technician. Then I was out of work for a few weeks, but had some AWESOME AHII time!

I'm well aware of the computer technology out there now, but for now I'm just wanting to go up to the latest AGP technology... later on when money's still not "tight" (having a wife is expensive) I might go current, but in all reality all I do is web browsing, Starcraft (which doesn't take much CPU power), and AHII. For now I just want a system that can handle 30+fps on AH.

I may just find a motherboard for now... then when I go new.. I will REALLY go new.. although I'll probably hold off for the new AMD coming out. I never was a big Intel fan, and although I've heard nothing but great things about the core-duo, well.. I dunno... we'll see...

I just heard an ad on the radio for helicopter pilot training.. anyone ever hear of Silver Star Helicopters? They are offering it here locally in St. Louis... I'm downloading their promotional DVD right now. Good news is you don't pay for it until you start work as a pilot... Bad news is it's $70,000...

Tigger29 · « **Reply #20 on:** November 14, 2006, 11:17:28 PM »

Sorry that's Silver State Helicopters...

and about hardware.. my computer was an Athlon XP 2200 (~1.7ghz)
768MB Ram (First Generation DDR - PC2100)
Nvidia 6200 256MB 4xAGP
Onboard Video
Cheap, generic, Wireless card
Win XP Home
Saitec X45

I pulled 40+ FPS consistantly at 512 textures...
25-30 FPS at 1024 (Low Res) (would drop 50% in traffic)
and 15-20 FPS at 1024 (High Res) (would drop down to about 6-7 in traffic)

I typically ran it at 512 textures... but gameplay was perfectly acceptable

I think on your system you could probably expect about the same... little faster processor, but little bit slower video...

Golfer · « **Reply #21 on:** November 14, 2006, 11:25:18 PM »

Tigger I wouldn't really try to bust into the helicopter as a career. There are LOTS of military guys with heavy turbine equipment time. Simply fighting for jobs with those guys while using your out of pocket expense time in light helicopters really doesn't measure up.

Not to say it can't be done...it's a long hard road compared to them being paid to learn to fly them.

I plan on getting my rotorcraft certificate. I'd like to have a Rotorway Exec helicopter as a toy...but that's a few years down the road.

Tigger29 · « **Reply #22 on:** November 16, 2006, 09:41:19 PM »

Yeah I know it's a dog-eat-dog career.

They had advertised a "seminar" about their helicopter training program... doesn't sound like a bad deal.. $70k for a 2 year program... a few nights and one day a week.. get you certified in private, commercial, training, and load carrying, then afterwards they either hire you, or place you in a job as an instructor until you can build up enough flight time to find an actual pilot job.
You don't pay start paying on the load until six months into the job (probably a typical school loan kind of thing)

Went to go to the seminar tonight just to see what it's all bout, but there was about a two mile long line of cars just trying to get into the airport! I didn't expect to see that kind of a turnout but I ended up turning around and heading back home.

Just seems like one of those "dream-chasing" things... I just can't fathom the idea of actually doing something I love as I grew up in a family where work was something you didn't like, but had to do anyway.

But then again making a luxury car payment each month for the next twenty years doesn't exactly sound like fun either

Maybe I'll apply anyway.. just to see what happens

x0847Marine · « **Reply #23 on:** November 19, 2006, 11:38:55 AM »

I picked up an AMD 3200+, 9800Pro set up with a 19" CRT on Craigslist for $120

1/2 the time people have new stuff are just glad if you'll come get rid of the old stuff.

http://www.craigslist.org