Q62227: Optimum Hardware for Running Flight Simulator

Article: Q62227
Product(s): Microsoft Home Games
Version(s): 
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 30-JUL-2001

SUMMARY
=======

The following information pertains to the selection of optimum hardware for
running Flight Simulator version 4.00:

A 12 MHz, 80286 computer with 640 RAM and a 16-bit VGA adapter and shadow RAM
(most EGA cards utilize only 8 bits) will allow utilization of the 16-bit bus.
This bus width may improve screen refresh screens by a factor of 4 as compared
to an 8088 system with EGA.

A 16 MHz, 80386 computer is slightly slower than a 20 MHz 80286. Although it is
more expensive, the 80386 will allow for future growth.

On 80386 systems, the CPU clock rate is a significant factor up to about 33 MHz.
Use the medium setting on active scenery. Refresh speed will be improved by
turning off active scenery and random weather on 8088-based systems.

LCD displays generally will refresh at very slow rates. Using a disk cache of 64K
or greater will make scenery switches faster.

A math coprocessor does not improve the performance of Flight Simulator.

Additional query words:

======================================================================
Keywords          :  

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1986-2002.