Hi everyone! I have a I5-2500 CPU with 8 GB Ram and A GTX 650, can it run the 32 BIT version of Train sim classic? Please let me know! Would be very appreciated
I think the answer depends on what sort of compromises you are prepared to make. I got started in TS (2016) using an i3 laptop with only the integrated HD graphics and found it acceptable with some caveats. You're system probably has the edge on it but I suspect you'd still need to to dial down the graphics settings and stick to older less detailed routes. That's not so bad- there are some really good older routes (and they're cheap too!) but if your heart is set on driving high speed trains through cities I fear you would be in for a frustrating experience. Unfortunately for you TS Classic does not come with old routes- naturally the bundle is intended to be something of a showcase so they're all likely to work an older system hard. I'd suggest if you want to try TS you find a Steam key for an older edition from a key seller. They're often to be had for pocket money prices and, because they install through Steam, you'd get the core program updated to the current version so you needn't be concerned about compatibility with any newer DLC you get.
Usually it's better to run the 64-bit version anyway so that's the one you should run, but yes it should be able to run it but you'll need to turn some settings down. However, according to Passmark, the i5-2500 has a benchmark score of ~4,000 while my CPU has ~19,000 (an i5-12400F, which is a modern low/mid-range CPU - these Intel CPUs are quite good overall but a higher-end AMD CPU is desirable). My CPU runs TS at max settings (except for draw distance which is one down from the highest value) at 59fps* on most routes, but more modern routes have dips to ~40fps and even as far down as 25fps in busier areas, but this will be an issue for all setups because of TS' dreadful optimisation even on the 64-bit version. You will need to run it on very low settings, although how far down I do not know. Assuming your PC is a standard desktop PC, a low/mid-range CPU like my own would work wonders assuming it's compatible with your motherboard. For context, my CPU costs a fair £165 on CeX, assuming you're in the UK. The GTX650 is also a bottleneck but considering TS is largely CPU-based it won't be anywhere near as much of a problem as the CPU. For context, my GPU (RTX 3060 Ti) gets a score on PassMark of 20511, and yours gets 1755, but that comparison is far less important for the previously mentioned reasons and the fact that in my setup the real issue is the CPU and not the GPU, and the former is something I want to upgrade soon. I don't think Metra is in TS, but the NJT route(s?) is quite intensive so you may struggle to run it, but it could be playable. Then again, I played on terrible laptops for most of my time in TS (my gaming PC is only a recent development - it isn't even a year old) and enjoyed it loads. *I have limited my game to 59fps in the launch options to have a more consistent frame rate and to prevent dropped frames as my monitor is 59Hz.
