TODO: list recommended hardware specs for FlightGear

For example x86 PC:

  • 0.8-2 GHZ
  • 512-1024 MB RAM
  • 3D hardware accelerator, 128-256 MB, OpenGL 1.2 capable (2.0 even better!)
  • 100 MB free HD space (1 GB for compilations recommended)
  • Soundblaster compatible soundcard (optional?) - preferably with EAX support
  • Gameport or USB (HID compatible) joystick/yoke and/or pedals (optional)


3D graphic cards that are known to work properly for FlightGear

  • NVIDIA GeForce MX420/440 (64Mb) FX5200, 5500, 6200, 6600, 6800
  • ATI RADEON 9000,9200,9250,9600,9800/PRO

Basically, you should be fine with any NVIDIA or ATI card that is not older than 12-18 months; however, you need to take into account that some of the newer features in FlightGear may not work as expected or may not even work altogether with older hardware. In general, 3D cards that make use of shared memory should be avoided. Also, if you intend to use FlightGear under Linux you may first want to check whether the driver for your card is fully supported under Linux (and your X version) or not.

Currently, you can basically forget about using any Matrox cards as FlightGear is very heavy on textures, but only the high-end matrox cards will have sufficient capabilities to deal with FlightGear's requirements.

TODO: explain PCI vs. AGP (2x,4x,8x) vs. PCI-E

Input Hardware (Joysticks, Pedals & Yokes) known to work

(Please check $FG_ROOT/Input/Joysticks)

  • CH PRODUCTS PRO PEDALS (USB/GAMEPORT)
  • CH PRODUCTS PRO YOKE (USB/GAMEPORT)