Extra HDD For Graphics Apps.

A little more information would be helpful. What model Inspiron do you have? If it's still under warranty, I would assume it's a fairly new one. As long as it has a Core2Duo processor and at least a 2 gigs of RAM, it probably has adequate horsepower to run your flight simulator app.

As for the extra drive, my best suggestion is to get a suitable external drive enclosure for it, and use it that way. As for as using a hard drive for swap-space RAM, this is a bad idea, as it tends to be very slow. Far better to increase your on-board RAM. BTW, what the heck is a scada drive? I'm guessing that what you mean is serial ATA, or SATA.

Hello,

sata, that what i meant, anyway I just got he computer back today and had to reinstall everything, the model is 1545, I installed fsim, with very minimal on the hard drive, its still pretty jerky with all effects and realism turned up to max, all my specs meet recom or better, but it is just one of those deals where it will function one way, but you really need considerably more to really get the most out of it. A friend told me that I probably need to add another video card, that it was probably trying to steal ram from the hard drive an that was creating the jerky movement, if I turn down some of the more unnecessary effects it runs a little more smoothly, but Im like everyone else want the best i can get

As for the other hard drive, what are the best uses for it, storage, back up, anything i could use for to more power or calculation speed, what do i need to hook it to my computer, and I would assume the same operating system for both

thanks

Dr. moose

Thanks for the info. All of the above is correct except it has 4gb of ram, all the hdd are 5400, I thought i would try to upgrad the directx, other than that and tweaking the settings to max what i am working on and lessen the extras that is what i am stuck with. when i do get ready to upgrade, i'll give you a heads up and see what you think(didn't think you were getting in that deep)

I can connect the old hdd to externally and use it as storage, though, right? I know I can buy storage ready to connect, I'm just not quite sure how to go about it with a hdd in this manner

thanks

Feel free to contact me any time, I just love giving free advice. *Chuckle*

As for the external drive enclosure, it couldn't be more simple. Simply open the enclosure, slip the drive into place, and close it back up again. Usually takes just two screws. Then all you do is plug it into your machine with the included USB cable. Piece of cake.

As for upgrading the directX, if you are already using Windows 7, it's part of the OS. But I seriously recommend getting rid of Vista, if that's what you've got. It's a bloated, needlessly complicated resource hog. And I most highly recommend a 64 bit OS, as they are much, much faster when working with really big files, which almost everything is anymore.

dr moose,

the vista i have is the 64 bit version, but im goin to check in to the 7 upgrade.

With Vista you can plug in a USB memory stick & the OS treats it as extra RAM, useful if you need a temporary boost.

And your typing goes as fast as well. Nothing to add anymore. GA

Buy a external HD housing with the right interface connector and a USB cable. Connect to your dell and you'll have a extra HD. Maybe $20.00 to spend. 2nd question: Better put more Ram if possible, your HD access speed is a lot slower. Also check your processor and clocking frequency. Video need fast processors and a good card with lots of memory.

thanks to all who gave me a little input on this flight sim and hdd problem. I 'm think i'm going to call it a night. It makes a man healthy and wise, as far wealthy, well, it seems to me the bankers get work AFTER everyone else.

thanks

j. floyd