I built a computer using an Intel 965 chipset motherboard (Gateway) for use with Microsoft flight simulator FSX. Even with a good video card, the frame rate was low and caused jerky motion. My research found that this motherboard was used in a “Multimedia” computer setup. A few weeks ago I found a seller on ebay with Intel 975 chipset motherboards (also Gateway) for $5. Some research indicated that this board was used in Gateway FX530 gaming computer. An article reviewing the FX530 with two other contemporary brands indicated that the FX530 did best on Microsoft flight simulator FSX, just what I was looking for.
I purchased the $5 motherboard, bid on an Intel dual core quad processor Q6700 for $12, and used four sticks of 1 gig memory from my junk box. Had to buy a BTX heat sink which I found on ebay for $10 (shipping cost a little more than the heat sink!). Using a SATA hard drive I already had, and a power supply I repaired. So, cost for this experimental upgrade was very small. To my joy, frame rates were now in the 20 to 30 range, good enough for flight simulator motion.
My budget does not allow me to be a big spender. To my surprise, when the FX530 was new, the price was in the four thousand dollar range. I realize this is now an older computer, but the price was right for my usage. For those who like to tinker – as I do – there are more of these motherboards available. Just do a search on ebay for “Intel 975 motherboard” and set the price range as zero to ten dollars.
I purchased the $5 motherboard, bid on an Intel dual core quad processor Q6700 for $12, and used four sticks of 1 gig memory from my junk box. Had to buy a BTX heat sink which I found on ebay for $10 (shipping cost a little more than the heat sink!). Using a SATA hard drive I already had, and a power supply I repaired. So, cost for this experimental upgrade was very small. To my joy, frame rates were now in the 20 to 30 range, good enough for flight simulator motion.
My budget does not allow me to be a big spender. To my surprise, when the FX530 was new, the price was in the four thousand dollar range. I realize this is now an older computer, but the price was right for my usage. For those who like to tinker – as I do – there are more of these motherboards available. Just do a search on ebay for “Intel 975 motherboard” and set the price range as zero to ten dollars.
Comment