Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

I want to put together a system to run rFactor and other racing sims,
but don't want the latest most expensive hardware. I want to main
system to cost >$1000, but want it to be able to drive a TripleHead2Go
display.

Please suggest CPU/Mobo/GPU combo that will be suitable. I plan to
mail order and assemble it myself.

Also, any tips on setting up the TH2Go system are appreciated!

Thanks,
Pat Dotson

Re: Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

I'm thinking about buying this and then slapping in a ~$250-$300 video
card:

http :// www .bestbuy,com /site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8007453&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat103700050068&id=1155848825300

Comments?

Thanks,
Pat Dotson


pdotson@mindspring,com wrote:
> I want to put together a system to run rFactor and other racing sims,
> but don't want the latest most expensive hardware. I want to main
> system to cost >$1000, but want it to be able to drive a TripleHead2Go
> display.
>
> Please suggest CPU/Mobo/GPU combo that will be suitable. I plan to
> mail order and assemble it myself.
>
> Also, any tips on setting up the TH2Go system are appreciated!
>
> Thanks,
> Pat Dotson

Re: Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

If I may;

The Intel Core2Duo's are outperforming the x2 xxxx series cpu's
( not to mention the Core2Quad's!!)

Good Luck with your decision
==--==


<pdotson@mindspring,com > wrote in message
news:1166668798.348477.107000@a3g2000cwd.googlegroups,com ...
> I'm thinking about buying this and then slapping in a ~$250-$300 video
> card:
>
> http :// www .bestbuy,com /site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8007453&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat103700050068&id=1155848825300
>
> Comments?
>
> Thanks,
> Pat Dotson
>
>
> pdotson@mindspring,com wrote:
>> I want to put together a system to run rFactor and other racing sims,
>> but don't want the latest most expensive hardware. I want to main
>> system to cost >$1000, but want it to be able to drive a TripleHead2Go
>> display.
>>
>> Please suggest CPU/Mobo/GPU combo that will be suitable. I plan to
>> mail order and assemble it myself.
>>
>> Also, any tips on setting up the TH2Go system are appreciated!
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Pat Dotson
>

Re: Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

What you have now? that is the easiest way to figure out how much you'd
wanna spend.

Look, this is why...

You See, I had an aging (over 4 years old) p4 2.4ghz 400fsb motherboard ram
and 6600 AGP vid card. Very recently, I thought hell this would be enough"
so I ventured out and replaced the vid card with 7800gs (again AGP)...
then realized how crippled & slow my old machine was...

So then the hunt was on... knowing I cant spend even 500 more bucks on this
dang thing, I did this.
I bought a motherboard though, that supports the Core2 duo, and AGP & PCIe
and happened to run same ddr Memory. So I bought the Asrock Dual VSTA
board, one more stick (1gig ddr1, 400mhz) ram {making it 2} and migrating
into a newer slightly bigger harddrive for this new machine and gained a
shitload of performance (no not cutting edge, but I can see it from here at
least).

I cheaped out on the chip (got the 6400)

all priced if I recall as I dont have reciept handy (this way I had
plausible deny-a-bility with the wife) on how much EXACTLY I spent...
225 for the chip
125 for the memory
75 for the motherboard,
and lastly
just under 75 for the IDE harddrive that in my opinion I needed anyhow.
(320 gig hitachi I believe it is.) up from my just under 200 gig'r

I should have done SATA, but right now, I like the idea of swapping the HD
with my removable bay, and the USB Hd enclosure when things go wrong or if I
want to test...

anyhow P, if you wanna be closer to cutting edge, or arent held back with
AGP vid card you dont want to replace you could get a helluva lot for 1000,
in fact I would think you could actually "get some onya" or be close enough
to smell it <VBG>.

pdotson@mindspring,com enlightened us with:
> I'm thinking about buying this and then slapping in a ~$250-$300 video
> card:
>
> http :// www .bestbuy,com /site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8007453&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat103700050068&id=1155848825300
>
> Comments?
>
> Thanks,
> Pat Dotson
>
>
> pdotson@mindspring,com wrote:
>> I want to put together a system to run rFactor and other racing sims,
>> but don't want the latest most expensive hardware. I want to main
>> system to cost >$1000, but want it to be able to drive a
>> TripleHead2Go display.
>>
>> Please suggest CPU/Mobo/GPU combo that will be suitable. I plan to
>> mail order and assemble it myself.
>>
>> Also, any tips on setting up the TH2Go system are appreciated!
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Pat Dotson

Re: Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

Plowboy wrote:
> You See, I had an aging (over 4 years old) p4 2.4ghz 400fsb motherboard ram
> and 6600 AGP vid card.

That's bleeding edge for me! :) I'm running a 1.6GHz Duron with 384MB
RAM. Thing is, I'm fairly satisfied with it. The last upgrade I did
was a Radeon 9550 card about 2 years ago. But I'm not replacing this
machine yet. I'll keep using it for office work, seat software
development and stuff.

The new computer till go in a racing cockpit I'm putting together to
demo my GS-1 seat. TH2Go with three LCD's and everything. This
cockpit will be traveling to trade shows and races - anyplace it makes
sense for a racing sim demo.

The last Intel CPU I had as far as I can remember was a 486 DX/100.
It's been AMD all the way since then. So change is hard...

I'm leaning toward an X2 4600+ on a Gigabyte SLI mobo. The Gateway I
was considering doesn't support SLI, so I had to dump those plans and
build something. Going to add 2GB ram and a SATA hard drive.

The only thing I'm a little unsure about is the video cards. I'm
leaning toward a high end nVidia card, but don't want to spend more
than about $250 on it. I'll wait to buy another for SLI until I see
how one card performs.

Can anyone explain the difference between the 79XX series of nVidia
cards? What is it - the GS, GX, GT...? I'll have to do some research,
but if anyone is familiar with using these cards with a TH2Go please
let me know what to expect with just one GPU.

Thanks,
Pat Dotson
http :// www .ultraforcesim,com



> Very recently, I thought hell this would be enough"
> so I ventured out and replaced the vid card with 7800gs (again AGP)...
> then realized how crippled & slow my old machine was...
>
> So then the hunt was on... knowing I cant spend even 500 more bucks on this
> dang thing, I did this.
> I bought a motherboard though, that supports the Core2 duo, and AGP & PCIe
> and happened to run same ddr Memory. So I bought the Asrock Dual VSTA
> board, one more stick (1gig ddr1, 400mhz) ram {making it 2} and migrating
> into a newer slightly bigger harddrive for this new machine and gained a
> shitload of performance (no not cutting edge, but I can see it from here at
> least).
>
> I cheaped out on the chip (got the 6400)
>
> all priced if I recall as I dont have reciept handy (this way I had
> plausible deny-a-bility with the wife) on how much EXACTLY I spent...
> 225 for the chip
> 125 for the memory
> 75 for the motherboard,
> and lastly
> just under 75 for the IDE harddrive that in my opinion I needed anyhow.
> (320 gig hitachi I believe it is.) up from my just under 200 gig'r
>
> I should have done SATA, but right now, I like the idea of swapping the HD
> with my removable bay, and the USB Hd enclosure when things go wrong or if I
> want to test...
>
> anyhow P, if you wanna be closer to cutting edge, or arent held back with
> AGP vid card you dont want to replace you could get a helluva lot for 1000,
> in fact I would think you could actually "get some onya" or be close enough
> to smell it <VBG>.
>
> pdotson@mindspring,com enlightened us with:
> > I'm thinking about buying this and then slapping in a ~$250-$300 video
> > card:
> >
> > http :// www .bestbuy,com /site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8007453&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat103700050068&id=1155848825300
> >
> > Comments?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Pat Dotson
> >
> >
> > pdotson@mindspring,com wrote:
> >> I want to put together a system to run rFactor and other racing sims,
> >> but don't want the latest most expensive hardware. I want to main
> >> system to cost >$1000, but want it to be able to drive a
> >> TripleHead2Go display.
> >>
> >> Please suggest CPU/Mobo/GPU combo that will be suitable. I plan to
> >> mail order and assemble it myself.
> >>
> >> Also, any tips on setting up the TH2Go system are appreciated!
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >> Pat Dotson

Re: Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

pdotson@mindspring,com wrote:

> Can anyone explain the difference between the 79XX series of nVidia
> cards? What is it - the GS, GX, GT...? I'll have to do some research,
> but if anyone is familiar with using these cards with a TH2Go please
> let me know what to expect with just one GPU.

nVidia is the only real option currently for TH2Go as ATI is capped at
2400x600 unless something changes with drivers.

SLI is very variable for performance gain depending upon the
application. For instance GTL has virtually no gain with a second card
added. So you may be better off with a single GTX than 2 GTs. So it is
possibly best to spend the big bucks from the outset.

Let me know when are you scheduled to come over to the South West UK to
demo your system and seat !!

Cheers
Tony

Re: Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

Tony,

You have TH2Go, right? What video card are you using? Will a 7950 GT
cut it with TH2Go?

You'll be the first to know when I come over there for a visit :)

Thanks,
Pat Dotson



Tony Rickard wrote:
> pdotson@mindspring,com wrote:
>
> > Can anyone explain the difference between the 79XX series of nVidia
> > cards? What is it - the GS, GX, GT...? I'll have to do some research,
> > but if anyone is familiar with using these cards with a TH2Go please
> > let me know what to expect with just one GPU.
>
> nVidia is the only real option currently for TH2Go as ATI is capped at
> 2400x600 unless something changes with drivers.
>
> SLI is very variable for performance gain depending upon the
> application. For instance GTL has virtually no gain with a second card
> added. So you may be better off with a single GTX than 2 GTs. So it is
> possibly best to spend the big bucks from the outset.
>
> Let me know when are you scheduled to come over to the South West UK to
> demo your system and seat !!
>
> Cheers
> Tony

Re: Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

pdotson@mindspring,com wrote:
> Tony,
>
> You have TH2Go, right? What video card are you using? Will a 7950 GT
> cut it with TH2Go?

Yes. I did have 2x 7800GTs and SLI but I got frustrated with the poor
quality in titles like GT Legends (blurry lines etc.) and as stated SLI
just didn't do anything much for most racing sims.

In the end I sold one and reused the other in another machine and
replaced it with an ATI X1900XTX getting improved quality and performance.

I run with 3 19" CRTs at 2400x600. Cranked up to 6x AA and 16x AF this
looks better than you might think.

However, with 3 TFTs you will want to be running at their native
resolutions in which case nvidia is the only current option that can run
at 3x 1280x1024. It will need to be a top end card though to run at
that resolution. I don't know how a 7950GT compares with a 7800GT but
the 7800 struggles at 3 x 1024x768 with GTR2

> You'll be the first to know when I come over there for a visit :)

Look forward to it!

Cheers
Tony

Re: Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

OK, I think I did it up right. This is what I ordered:

AMD 4600+ X2
2 GB RAM
7950 GX2 w/1 GB VRAM (decided to go all out the video card, but stick
with the 7XXX series)
3 - 19" Hanns LCD's with 2 ms response time.

Now all I need is the TH2Go.

Hey, does anyone have an opinion on using widescreen LCD's with the
TH2Go? I decided to stick with the non-widescreen format opting for
the greater vertical size. Hope that was the right thing to do.

Thanks,
Pat Dotson

Re: Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

pdotson@mindspring,com wrote:
> OK, I think I did it up right. This is what I ordered:
>
> AMD 4600+ X2
> 2 GB RAM
> 7950 GX2 w/1 GB VRAM (decided to go all out the video card, but stick
> with the 7XXX series)
> 3 - 19" Hanns LCD's with 2 ms response time.
>
> Now all I need is the TH2Go.
>
> Hey, does anyone have an opinion on using widescreen LCD's with the
> TH2Go? I decided to stick with the non-widescreen format opting for
> the greater vertical size. Hope that was the right thing to do.

I would say that is the right choice for video card, any lower and you
risk being disappointed at the high resolution running 3 LCDs.

In my view 3 non-widescreens format monitors gives you a plenty wide
enough view.

The only thing I would have added is to choose monitors with the
thinnest bezels possible. Hopefully the Hanns are good for this.

Having said that the 3 CRTs I use have very wide bezels but with careful
placing I just deal with them like pillars in a real car.

Note that the TH2Go is analogue only so your monitors will need analogue
inputs. The models I have seen have dual inputs but you might want to
check if you haven't already.

Good luck with building your racing cockpit.

Cheers
Tony

Re: Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

> I want to main system to cost >$1000,

Spend as little as you want, I've got a $100 mbo/CPU combo a $75 hard
drive a $20 power supply, and a 3 year old ATI9800pro and a $100 wheel
it works just fine. Spending a $1000 ain't going to improve your lap
times

Re: Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

Sure it will. That'll buy about 3 minutes of Shumachers time and you can
have him run a fast lap for you :)

-Larry

"mcewena" <art.mcewen@moh.gov.on.ca> wrote in message
news:1166735046.008989.253780@48g2000cwx.googlegroups,com ...
>> I want to main system to cost >$1000,
>
> Spend as little as you want, I've got a $100 mbo/CPU combo a $75 hard
> drive a $20 power supply, and a 3 year old ATI9800pro and a $100 wheel
> it works just fine. Spending a $1000 ain't going to improve your lap
> times
>

Re: Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

Wew! Mine showed up yesterday, hooked it up last night... Well once again
I happy, but now I am thinking, damn I wish I had paid attention when people
were talking about settings... Loaded up NR03 at what is 1680x1050 I still
get 80 fps (down from 115 plus) so that is usable but now (not sure it
matters) my cockpit view is as if I was 4ft tall person (seat all the way
forward).

But here's what I wondering, GTL, & my machine, well it would load it, but I
wont run it at 1680x1050, as you may know you have to have high world detail
to get to see all the cones at to many tracks, that puts me back in the
sub30 fps just in practice, in my cup challenge (in d with 21 cars) so right
now Im running 1024x768 like I was, but it must be doing something because
it is full screen, and am I losing frames all over the place?

later. Love this monitor I hope my refurb'd one lasts a while, I didnt even
see a scratch on the bezel and I looked pretty hard, hopefully I got one
that was returned due to buyer/cash remorse, instead of actual problem.

==--== enlightened us with:
> Hi PB
>
> Mine's as follow's;
>
> C2Duo e64 (775 Dual VSTA)
> ATi x800xl (agp) still quite a good card - 400/1000 gddr3
> 2 Gb (2x1) OCZ Dual Channel PC2-6400 (800mHz capable - running at
> 667) Sata2 250 gig / coupl'a' 80 gig
>
> I compared the onboard sound (5.1) vs. my SB Audigy2 ZS (7.1). I
> use 5.1 speaker setup and found the onboard to be equal to the
> Audigy. Whether my ears suck - or mainboard sound chips are finally
> starting to be decent - but I left the Aud out and am quite happily
> using the surround function of the onboard RealTek - it sounds really
> good to me. FWIW
> Per the GATEWAY fpd2185w
> Well... I ~love~ the monitor, but sadly am looking at returning mine
> for service. It had been working perfectly in DVI mode and the image
> was fabulous! Just in the last month or so, I have been having some
> problems with it and now the DVI does not seem to work and I am
> forced to run in VGA mode :( It has also had a few (4 or 5)
> episodes of turning yellow - ala old monitor failure. Not good. Anyway...
> I hope that it is something unique to my unit and that I
> will get it repaired or replaced. P.S. - I did get an extended
> warranty (whew! - 4 yrs) by purchasing it through Futureshop (Canada).
>
> Cheers
> ==--==
>
>
> "Plowboy" <Plow@boy,com > wrote in message
> news:NoRmh.6827$hr3.3308@newsfe24.lga...
>> I Think I sent that last post too quick.
>>
>> Lets compare all that our PC's have. you might have listed what you
>> got altogether, and I probably have at one time... But here it is
>>
>> C2Duo e6400 chip
>> BFG Tech 7800gs-oc 256 (dang I forget to double check this, might
>> been the 512 card, I wanted to go all out)
>> 2 gig Corsair value select ddr1 400 ram
>> 320 gig Hitachi HD as main, 100 gig as backup drive and D.
>>
>> I was contemplating getting the New soundblaster X card at one
>> point, just because I keep hearing that the onboard sound (what is
>> it, ALC888) on almost all boards suck... but Im slowly being less
>> than picky. might get one of the
>> ==--== enlightened us with:
>>> lol - ironic? I have the fpd2185w also ;)
>>> cheers
>>> ==--==
>>>
>>>
>>> "Plowboy" <Plow@boy,com > wrote in message
>>> news:ZZxmh.28949$_44.10808@newsfe23.lga...
>>>> Thanks! I might get some soon, but I ended up buying my Gateway
>>>> fpd218w at this time... anyone want me old faded 17 inch viewsonic
>>>> LOL! ==--== enlightened us with:
>>>>> OCZ Gold XTC PC2-6400 2GB 2X1GB DDR2-800 CL5-5-5-12 240PIN DIMM
>>>>> Dual Channel Memory Kit
>>>>>
>>>>> my mistake before, I said pc2-5300 and what I actually have is
>>>>> PC2-6400 (as above)
>>>>>
>>>>> Cheers
>>>>> ==--==
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "Plowboy" <Plow@boy,com > wrote in message
>>>>> news:4g9lh.25890$a14.16871@newsfe24.lga...
>>>>>> Ya know, I could have went half a year without hearing that...
>>>>>> dang. I guess I will be pricin some 800 or better ram, SO what
>>>>>> did you buy? ((suggestions)).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> forsale 2 matched corsair value select, ddr400... <G>.
>>>>>> ==--== enlightened us with:
>>>>>>> yes, Plowboy pc3200 is ddr400 - I have pc2-5300 (800mHz -
>>>>>>> running at 667) now
>>>>>>> yes, I had dual channel setups in both cases
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Consider the difference in memory bandwidth between ddr 400 and
>>>>>>> ddr2 667 +60 % - roughly - in throughput
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Cheers
>>>>>>> ==--==
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "Plowboy" <Plow@boy,com > wrote in message
>>>>>>> news:9aWkh.12040$6h7.5668@newsfe16.lga...
>>>>>>>> 3200, is that ddr 400? that is what I have dual channel 2x 1
>>>>>>>> gig sticks... I didnt think that memory would do that much,
>>>>>>>> did you go from equal dual 3200 to ddr2 800?
>>>>>>>> ==--== enlightened us with:
>>>>>>>>> P.S. - the DDR400 was not crappy ram either - GEIL DualChannel
>>>>>>>>> PC3200 "Plowboy" <Plow@boy,com > wrote in message
>>>>>>>>> news:IHdkh.27972$Rj.22487@newsfe19.lga...
>>>>>>>>>> HEY.. ==__==,
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> YOu got one of these boards too then? I been trying to
>>>>>>>>>> google any information, didnt see where the ddr2 made that
>>>>>>>>>> much difference, maybe it does though. but my next purchase
>>>>>>>>>> is gonna be a LCD monitor. So I have room on the desk for
>>>>>>>>>> the wheel, lol. plus my old 17 inch monitor is dying.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> ==--== enlightened us with:
>>>>>>>>>>> Hey PB
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Break down and buy some (2x1g) DDR2 667 (
>>>>>>>>>>> Jam that in your Dual board and remove the DDR400 (ebay
>>>>>>>>>>> sale?) You'll be thrilled with the difference ;)
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Did I hear - Boxing Day Sale????
>>>>>>>>>>> heh heh
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> *(Don't forget to set the speed in BIOS - it will prolly
>>>>>>>>>>> default to 533 if you don't set 667)
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Season's Best
>>>>>>>>>>> ==--==
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> "Plowboy" <Plow@boy,com > wrote in message
>>>>>>>>>>> news:biDih.12846$RR4.10915@newsfe22.lga...
>>>>>>>>>>>> What you have now? that is the easiest way to figure out
>>>>>>>>>>>> how much you'd wanna spend.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Look, this is why...
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> You See, I had an aging (over 4 years old) p4 2.4ghz 400fsb
>>>>>>>>>>>> motherboard ram and 6600 AGP vid card. Very recently, I
>>>>>>>>>>>> thought hell this would be enough" so I ventured out and
>>>>>>>>>>>> replaced the vid card with 7800gs (again AGP)... then
>>>>>>>>>>>> realized how crippled & slow my old machine was... So then
>>>>>>>>>>>> the hunt was on... knowing I cant spend even 500 more
>>>>>>>>>>>> bucks on this dang thing, I did this.
>>>>>>>>>>>> I bought a motherboard though, that supports the Core2 duo,
>>>>>>>>>>>> and AGP & PCIe and happened to run same ddr Memory. So I
>>>>>>>>>>>> bought the Asrock Dual VSTA board, one more stick (1gig
>>>>>>>>>>>> ddr1, 400mhz) ram {making it 2} and migrating into a newer
>>>>>>>>>>>> slightly bigger harddrive for this new machine and gained a
>>>>>>>>>>>> shitload of performance (no not cutting edge, but I can see
>>>>>>>>>>>> it from here at least). I cheaped out on the chip (got the
>>>>>>>>>>>> 6400) all priced if I recall as I dont have reciept handy
>>>>>>>>>>>> (this way I had plausible deny-a-bility with the wife) on
>>>>>>>>>>>> how much EXACTLY I spent... 225 for the chip
>>>>>>>>>>>> 125 for the memory
>>>>>>>>>>>> 75 for the motherboard,
>>>>>>>>>>>> and lastly
>>>>>>>>>>>> just under 75 for the IDE harddrive that in my opinion I
>>>>>>>>>>>> needed anyhow. (320 gig hitachi I believe it is.) up from
>>>>>>>>>>>> my just under 200 gig'r I should have done SATA, but right
>>>>>>>>>>>> now, I like the idea of swapping
>>>>>>>>>>>> the HD with my removable bay, and the USB Hd enclosure when
>>>>>>>>>>>> things go wrong or if I want to test...
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> anyhow P, if you wanna be closer to cutting edge, or arent
>>>>>>>>>>>> held back with AGP vid card you dont want to replace you
>>>>>>>>>>>> could get a helluva lot for 1000, in fact I would think you
>>>>>>>>>>>> could actually "get some
>>>>>>>>>>>> onya" or be close enough to smell it <VBG>.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> pdotson@mindspring,com enlightened us with:
>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm thinking about buying this and then slapping in a
>>>>>>>>>>>>> ~$250-$300 video card:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> http :// www .bestbuy,com /site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8007453&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat103700050068&id=1155848825300
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Comments?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Pat Dotson
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> pdotson@mindspring,com wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I want to put together a system to run rFactor and other
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> racing sims, but don't want the latest most expensive
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> hardware. I want to main system to cost >$1000, but want
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> it to be able to drive a TripleHead2Go display.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Please suggest CPU/Mobo/GPU combo that will be suitable.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I plan to mail order and assemble it myself.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Also, any tips on setting up the TH2Go system are
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> appreciated! Thanks,
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Pat Dotson

Re: Sub-$1000 Sim Rig Suggestions?

NR2003 widescreen; it has native support :)

==Method==
Run the config utility and select your resolution there. You may see an FOV
setting in the video menu. You do not need to touch this to make the game
hor +.

**( you might want to play with the HORIZONTAL setting a bit to suit your
taste )

==Supported resolutions==
Confirmed: 1280x720, 1280x768, 1280x800, 1440x900, 1680x1050
Unconfirmed: 1920x1080, and 1920x1200.


Check that Vsync is off. You may also find that you get the same or even
more fps when you run in the native res of the monitor ie: 1680x1050 ---
You might try 1440x900 for GTL

The fpd2185w supports 1680x1050 (native)
but also supports 1440x900, 1280x1024, 1152x864 and 1024x768

http :// www .widescreengamingforum,com /

This is a great resource for those older games - gives you information about
ini changes etc. to get widescreen from non-native supported games.

Cheers
==--==

"Plowboy" <Plow@boy,com > wrote in message
news:FRsnh.52514$Pv5.17683@newsfe17.lga...
> Wew! Mine showed up yesterday, hooked it up last night... Well once
> again I happy, but now I am thinking, damn I wish I had paid attention
> when people were talking about settings... Loaded up NR03 at what is
> 1680x1050 I still get 80 fps (down from 115 plus) so that is usable but
> now (not sure it matters) my cockpit view is as if I was 4ft tall person
> (seat all the way forward).
>
> But here's what I wondering, GTL, & my machine, well it would load it, but
> I wont run it at 1680x1050, as you may know you have to have high world
> detail to get to see all the cones at to many tracks, that puts me back in
> the sub30 fps just in practice, in my cup challenge (in d with 21 cars) so
> right now Im running 1024x768 like I was, but it must be doing something
> because it is full screen, and am I losing frames all over the place?
>
> later. Love this monitor I hope my refurb'd one lasts a while, I didnt
> even see a scratch on the bezel and I looked pretty hard, hopefully I got
> one that was returned due to buyer/cash remorse, instead of actual
> problem.
>
> ==--== enlightened us with:
>> Hi PB
>>
>> Mine's as follow's;
>>
>> C2Duo e64 (775 Dual VSTA)
>> ATi x800xl (agp) still quite a good card - 400/1000 gddr3
>> 2 Gb (2x1) OCZ Dual Channel PC2-6400 (800mHz capable - running at
>> 667) Sata2 250 gig / coupl'a' 80 gig
>>
>> I compared the onboard sound (5.1) vs. my SB Audigy2 ZS (7.1). I
>> use 5.1 speaker setup and found the onboard to be equal to the
>> Audigy. Whether my ears suck - or mainboard sound chips are finally
>> starting to be decent - but I left the Aud out and am quite happily
>> using the surround function of the onboard RealTek - it sounds really
>> good to me. FWIW
>> Per the GATEWAY fpd2185w
>> Well... I ~love~ the monitor, but sadly am looking at returning mine
>> for service. It had been working perfectly in DVI mode and the image
>> was fabulous! Just in the last month or so, I have been having some
>> problems with it and now the DVI does not seem to work and I am
>> forced to run in VGA mode :( It has also had a few (4 or 5)
>> episodes of turning yellow - ala old monitor failure. Not good.
>> Anyway... I hope that it is something unique to my unit and that I
>> will get it repaired or replaced. P.S. - I did get an extended
>> warranty (whew! - 4 yrs) by purchasing it through Futureshop (Canada).
>>
>> Cheers
>> ==--==
>>
>>
>> "Plowboy" <Plow@boy,com > wrote in message
>> news:NoRmh.6827$hr3.3308@newsfe24.lga...
>>> I Think I sent that last post too quick.
>>>
>>> Lets compare all that our PC's have. you might have listed what you
>>> got altogether, and I probably have at one time... But here it is
>>>
>>> C2Duo e6400 chip
>>> BFG Tech 7800gs-oc 256 (dang I forget to double check this, might
>>> been the 512 card, I wanted to go all out)
>>> 2 gig Corsair value select ddr1 400 ram
>>> 320 gig Hitachi HD as main, 100 gig as backup drive and D.
>>>
>>> I was contemplating getting the New soundblaster X card at one
>>> point, just because I keep hearing that the onboard sound (what is
>>> it, ALC888) on almost all boards suck... but Im slowly being less
>>> than picky. might get one of the
>>> ==--== enlightened us with:
>>>> lol - ironic? I have the fpd2185w also ;)
>>>> cheers
>>>> ==--==
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Plowboy" <Plow@boy,com > wrote in message
>>>> news:ZZxmh.28949$_44.10808@newsfe23.lga...
>>>>> Thanks! I might get some soon, but I ended up buying my Gateway
>>>>> fpd218w at this time... anyone want me old faded 17 inch viewsonic
>>>>> LOL! ==--== enlightened us with:
>>>>>> OCZ Gold XTC PC2-6400 2GB 2X1GB DDR2-800 CL5-5-5-12 240PIN DIMM
>>>>>> Dual Channel Memory Kit
>>>>>>
>>>>>> my mistake before, I said pc2-5300 and what I actually have is
>>>>>> PC2-6400 (as above)
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Cheers
>>>>>> ==--==
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Plowboy" <Plow@boy,com > wrote in message
>>>>>> news:4g9lh.25890$a14.16871@newsfe24.lga...
>>>>>>> Ya know, I could have went half a year without hearing that...
>>>>>>> dang. I guess I will be pricin some 800 or better ram, SO what
>>>>>>> did you buy? ((suggestions)).
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> forsale 2 matched corsair value select, ddr400... <G>.
>>>>>>> ==--== enlightened us with:
>>>>>>>> yes, Plowboy pc3200 is ddr400 - I have pc2-5300 (800mHz -
>>>>>>>> running at 667) now
>>>>>>>> yes, I had dual channel setups in both cases
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Consider the difference in memory bandwidth between ddr 400 and
>>>>>>>> ddr2 667 +60 % - roughly - in throughput
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Cheers
>>>>>>>> ==--==
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "Plowboy" <Plow@boy,com > wrote in message
>>>>>>>> news:9aWkh.12040$6h7.5668@newsfe16.lga...
>>>>>>>>> 3200, is that ddr 400? that is what I have dual channel 2x 1
>>>>>>>>> gig sticks... I didnt think that memory would do that much,
>>>>>>>>> did you go from equal dual 3200 to ddr2 800?
>>>>>>>>> ==--== enlightened us with:
>>>>>>>>>> P.S. - the DDR400 was not crappy ram either - GEIL DualChannel
>>>>>>>>>> PC3200 "Plowboy" <Plow@boy,com > wrote in message
>>>>>>>>>> news:IHdkh.27972$Rj.22487@newsfe19.lga...
>>>>>>>>>>> HEY.. ==__==,
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> YOu got one of these boards too then? I been trying to
>>>>>>>>>>> google any information, didnt see where the ddr2 made that
>>>>>>>>>>> much difference, maybe it does though. but my next purchase
>>>>>>>>>>> is gonna be a LCD monitor. So I have room on the desk for
>>>>>>>>>>> the wheel, lol. plus my old 17 inch monitor is dying.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> ==--== enlightened us with:
>>>>>>>>>>>> Hey PB
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Break down and buy some (2x1g) DDR2 667 (
>>>>>>>>>>>> Jam that in your Dual board and remove the DDR400 (ebay
>>>>>>>>>>>> sale?) You'll be thrilled with the difference ;)
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Did I hear - Boxing Day Sale????
>>>>>>>>>>>> heh heh
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> *(Don't forget to set the speed in BIOS - it will prolly
>>>>>>>>>>>> default to 533 if you don't set 667)
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Season's Best
>>>>>>>>>>>> ==--==
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> "Plowboy" <Plow@boy,com > wrote in message
>>>>>>>>>>>> news:biDih.12846$RR4.10915@newsfe22.lga...
>>>>>>>>>>>>> What you have now? that is the easiest way to figure out
>>>>>>>>>>>>> how much you'd wanna spend.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Look, this is why...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> You See, I had an aging (over 4 years old) p4 2.4ghz 400fsb
>>>>>>>>>>>>> motherboard ram and 6600 AGP vid card. Very recently, I
>>>>>>>>>>>>> thought hell this would be enough" so I ventured out and
>>>>>>>>>>>>> replaced the vid card with 7800gs (again AGP)... then
>>>>>>>>>>>>> realized how crippled & slow my old machine was... So then
>>>>>>>>>>>>> the hunt was on... knowing I cant spend even 500 more
>>>>>>>>>>>>> bucks on this dang thing, I did this.
>>>>>>>>>>>>> I bought a motherboard though, that supports the Core2 duo,
>>>>>>>>>>>>> and AGP & PCIe and happened to run same ddr Memory. So I
>>>>>>>>>>>>> bought the Asrock Dual VSTA board, one more stick (1gig
>>>>>>>>>>>>> ddr1, 400mhz) ram {making it 2} and migrating into a newer
>>>>>>>>>>>>> slightly bigger harddrive for this new machine and gained a
>>>>>>>>>>>>> shitload of performance (no not cutting edge, but I can see
>>>>>>>>>>>>> it from here at least). I cheaped out on the chip (got the
>>>>>>>>>>>>> 6400) all priced if I recall as I dont have reciept handy
>>>>>>>>>>>>> (this way I had plausible deny-a-bility with the wife) on
>>>>>>>>>>>>> how much EXACTLY I spent... 225 for the chip
>>>>>>>>>>>>> 125 for the memory
>>>>>>>>>>>>> 75 for the motherboard,
>>>>>>>>>>>>> and lastly
>>>>>>>>>>>>> just under 75 for the IDE harddrive that in my opinion I
>>>>>>>>>>>>> needed anyhow. (320 gig hitachi I believe it is.) up from
>>>>>>>>>>>>> my just under 200 gig'r I should have done SATA, but right
>>>>>>>>>>>>> now, I like the idea of swapping
>>>>>>>>>>>>> the HD with my removable bay, and the USB Hd enclosure when
>>>>>>>>>>>>> things go wrong or if I want to test...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> anyhow P, if you wanna be closer to cutting edge, or arent
>>>>>>>>>>>>> held back with AGP vid card you dont want to replace you
>>>>>>>>>>>>> could get a helluva lot for 1000, in fact I would think you
>>>>>>>>>>>>> could actually "get some
>>>>>>>>>>>>> onya" or be close enough to smell it <VBG>.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> pdotson@mindspring,com enlightened us with:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm thinking about buying this and then slapping in a
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ~$250-$300 video card:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> http :// www .bestbuy,com /site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8007453&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat103700050068&id=1155848825300
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Comments?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Pat Dotson
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> pdotson@mindspring,com wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I want to put together a system to run rFactor and other
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> racing sims, but don't want the latest most expensive
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> hardware. I want to main system to cost >$1000, but want
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> it to be able to drive a TripleHead2Go display.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Please suggest CPU/Mobo/GPU combo that will be suitable.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I plan to mail order and assemble it myself.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Also, any tips on setting up the TH2Go system are
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> appreciated! Thanks,
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Pat Dotson
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