Computer suggestions question.

[Daren]

Hello fellow builders.

I would appreciate any help regarding a computer selection. In my introductory message, I explained that I was the proud owner of a 727-200 forward fuselage section. As I have been poking around the site for a few weeks now, I have come to realize that I have put the cart before the horse a bit. I used to have a flight sim program years ago but have been away from it for some time now.
Anyways, I would like to purchase a computer that would serve me well and that could be added to as I progress. I'm quite sure additional computers will be purchased as monitors and systems come together, but a best stab at it to start would be helpful.

Sincerely,
Daren

[FredK]

Hi Daren....and welcome to our website!

Yes....I agree with your assessment that it seems that you have put the cart before the horse on this.

To put it a bit bluntly, your question of what computer to purchase is impossible to answer because.....

What exactly is it that you want to do with your computer(s)?  Once you have defined such it can then be determined what level of computing power you need...including potentially expensive components like CPUs and video cards etc.

So you really need to understand what you are dealing with and then map things out accordingly.  It would appear that you are somewhat of a novice regarding cockpitbuilding....that's fine since you can get plenty of help here and elsewhere.  The thing that you need to realize though is that you have bitten off an extremely complex project.  Conversion of an existing cockpit is not for the faint-heated and requires a very good understanding of electronics, particularly if you plan to convert existing panels to simulator use.  If you plan only to use the shell and will refit purchased simulator panels to it the job becomes a bit easier, but still will be a challenge. 

Another very big issue that you have is avionics software and simulated panels for purchase for a 727....such is not commonly available as far as I know.  So if you are interested in having all your various systems working as a 727 you will need to get involved in custom program writing.  Or perhaps you could fit your sim out as a 737 as a consideration.

No one here would ever want to discourage anyone but you do need to first come to a clear understanding and conclusion of what you want to do.  This and other websites offer a wealth of information that you will need to research and study...that is what you need to tackle first!

Fred K

[Daren]

I guess my question was way to open ended or not specific enough. thanks for the input!

[Trevor Hale]

Daren.

Welcome to the group. We are happy to have you here. Do you know what you want to do? If you are loving the 727 then you will likely be looking at a single computer with multiple and I mean multiple head video cards.

To do that you need lots and lots and lots and lots of horsepower.

Undocked views and instrument panels use a lot of frame rates.

There was a user that use to be on this site but he disappeared named boeing skunk works. Do a search here in the forum or Google him.

He has done some amazing things with a 727.

Good luck and we are here to help

Trev