@2Beastmode4u
I'm a huge computer enthusiast. If you'd like, I'll help you upgrade your computer. In fact, I actually build and sell computers as part of a small business I run. So, to begin, you have two options:
-Upgrade your current computer configuration
-Purchase a new computer configuration
Before you make a decision, I'll provide you with some information on the matter. I'll try to keep it simple and un-techie so everyone can follow.
So, first, let's look at your specs:
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium, 64-bit
You're running Windows Vista, which is the successor to Windows XP, and the predecessor to Windows 7. All three of those operating systems are fine, and the most supported as of 2011. You also have the 64-bit version of the software, which is currently the best available, as it allows you to use more of the computer's short-term memory, or RAM. Unless you're a big fan of Windows 7's interface and marginal improvements over Windows Vista, you don't need to upgrade here.
CPU: AMD Phenom X4 9750, @ 2.4 GHz
You have a first generation AMD Phenom CPU, which is certainly out of date, but it contains 4 physical cores running at a decent clock speed. For FPSC, this CPU will certainly handle the job, especially in the editor, but in the future, you will need a new computer with a newer-generation CPU to keep up with growing demands from games and other applications.
Memory (RAM): 8 GB
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is like the short term memory of your computer. 8 Gigabytes of RAM is an excellent ammount, as daily use in a 64-bit Operating system never peaks out at more than 2 or 3. This leaves plenty of room for FPSC's editor and test games. The reason computers crash is simply because they run out of RAM, so the OS sort of runs out of "thinking space" so it stops moving altogether. As far as RAM is concerned, you're well off and won't need to think about upgrading here.
Video Graphics: nVidia Geforce GT 9100
This is the single factor that is causing your poor performance in FPSC. The GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit, is the part of your computer that does all the graphics rendering and video output work that allows you to see everything that appears on your screen. The more power your GPU has, the faster it can do these operations, resulting in higher picture quality and faster framerates. The GPU you have is called an IGP, or Integrated Graphics Processor. This means that the GPU is located on the motherboard itself, instead of on a separate Graphics Card that slots in to your motherboard. IGP's are extremely low-end, low performance, cheap solutions that computer companies use for their computers. They are not meant for gaming, and that includes FPSC. Rather, they are intended for light web browsing, small Flash Apps like Farmville (and barely at that!), and other non-GPU intensive things. 4 generations out of date, the Geforce 9000 series has been replaced by the 200 series, 400 series, and 500 series of nVidia GPU's.
A simple upgrade of your Integrated GPU to a Dedicated GPU will increase your FPSC performance substantially. We're talking about 500% or more. I recommend for your computer an nVidia GTS 450, AMD Radeon HD 6450, or, if you really wanna upgrade, a GTX 560 Ti. If you have any further questions, just ask, or email me. If you need help with the upgrade, or would like a custom built computer, I'm here to help!
Good luck with whatever you end up doing!
My Computer Specifications: Intel i7 980x OC @ 4.2 GHz |3x GTX 580's in SLI | 12 GB, 2000 MHz RAM (Corsair) |2x 1 TB HDD | 1.2 KW PSU |ASUS Rampage III Extreme Motherboard
