Forum: F-16 Simulators

I've been enjoying F4:AF for more than a year now, but I want something better, so I got the original Falcon 4.0 with the intent of upgrading it with Free Falcon, BMS, what have you. Where do I start? Shrug

I don't have a clue what I'm doing, as I've always been a loyalist to the original version of my sims.

What software should I download? Do I require a rediculous computer to run this stuff? Please advise.

Regards, expedite

EDIT: I should mention that my PC cannot run Flaming Cliffs 2 or BMS well, not even with settings turned all the way down. I just want a sim with better graphics, while still retaining the detail of falcon. Also, why does my computer run FC2 and BMS so badly? Is it my processor? Do I require RAM?

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First of all post the spec of your system. 2nd BMS is 100000% better then the original Falcon 4. I run BMS and FC2 pretty good on my computer which is a 6600 at 2.4, 4 gigs of ram and a 8800GT. If your sysem is worse then mine.....sorry. I'm building a new system in a few weeks and can't wait!

^ Be warned, these are embarrisingly bad specs Embarassed

: win7, E5500 processor, GMA X4500 graphics, and 6GB DDR3 (what the heck is that?). So, IF something can be done to run the higher-end sims, what is it? If all else fails, where can I download Open Falcon? I've seen it isn't as demanding graphics wise as the other choices, yet even on the official website, there isn't one working download link. And also, good luck with your new system!

Regards, expedite

Your system is not that bad - more than enough RAM anyway

Whats lacking is a decent Graphics card.- the GMA X4500 looks like an on board low level chipset that is no use - I would say you need a mid or high end Graphics card if you want to run BMS - a good GPU makes a big difference!!

flighthawk wrote:

Your system is not that bad - more than enough RAM anyway

Whats lacking is a decent Graphics card.- the GMA X4500 looks like an on board low level chipset that is no use - I would say you need a mid or high end Graphics card if you want to run BMS - a good GPU makes a big difference!!

Just to make sure a new graphics card is what's needed, I'll tell you what happens when I run these sims:

FC2: low FPS, distorted graphics, unenjoyable even at lowest settings
BSM: Same story as FC2, but even worse FPS
FF: Doesn't even load, crashes immediatley
OF: loads to main screen, crashes

F4:AF runs flawlessly

Are these the symptoms of a bad graphics card, or something else?

Hmmmm, any chance you can get a few upgrades? Is that a laptop your playing on? I got my 8800GT off of craigslist about 3 years back and it cost $80 dollars and it still runs like a champ.

Cali wrote:

Hmmmm, any chance you can get a few upgrades? Is that a laptop your playing on? I got my 8800GT off of craigslist about 3 years back and it cost $80 dollars and it still runs like a champ.

Yes, I want to upgrade my computer to run BMS or FF at an enjoyable level. And no, I'm not on a laptop. Do you know what I should upgrade? Memory? Graphics? Anything?

F4:AF was a DX7 graphics engine - ancient needing less resources - the others have later DX9 or similar engines - has to be the graphics set - just not good enough. Only thing you could try is to obtain later drivers from the laptop manufacturer - they seldom upgrade bespoke chipsets though.

OF and FF might be crashing for other reasons - you would need to search their forums.

Forum: F-16 Simulators

Falcon 4.0 - Where do I start the upgrade?