Hi all-Is it possible to buy/build a system that will run FS9 -well- for $600 or less, not including monitor/keyboard/peripherals?Naturally it would be great if FSX had a fighting chance on the system as well. I'd like to eventually run a large monitor, but suppose I could upgrade the video card later.[edit] Oh, I should mention that one add-on I will definitely be using in FS9 is USA Roads. I would love to be able to use Flight Environment, too!Any tips appreciated-thxAndrew

Not really sub 6, but not that much more expensive either, just two examples from newegg.Lower CPU, High Class MOBO, with High Performance 2GB RAM and Lower VidcardAMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice $152DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D SLI $122OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin Dual-Channel $190eVGA 256-P2-N386-AX Geforce 6800GS 256MB $179 <-- (getting a higher vidcard based on this cpu would not be wise since cpu would be the bottleneck)Total: around $643or,Higher CPU, Mid Class MOBO, with Value 1GB RAM and Higher VidcardAMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ $295Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro-SLI $98GeIL Value 1GB (2 x 512MB) Dual Channel $65eVGA 256-P2-N555-AX Geforce 7600GT 256MB $209 <-- (Higher possible, but will greatly increase costs)Total: around $667Just some examples, (excl. shipping etc...) mostly the videocard and CPU will lower/raise the price quickly, Didn't incl. hard drives, but youll be able to find some 80GB for FS around 50 bucks. hope this helps you on your way. Happy price hunting ;)

Thanks!Yes, that's very helpful.Any recommendation for HD minimum specs for "flawless" performance? ;)BTW - of the two samples you post above, which would your choice be? I'm guessing the second since upgrading the video card based on your bottleneck note above might not be an issue.Cheers!Andrew

Yeah, The reason with the first one is that the memory, and mobo make up for the slower cpu.The second would be the nicest option, considering its the dual-core cpu, very nice for FSX. And that even putting in a 7800GPU or higher would be equally nice with no bottleneck issues.Hard drive well, you basicly have two options, either go for one 10.000rpm raptor or a RAID0 setup with two 7200rpm drives, I'd go for the latter (considering cost vs performance) and sizewise well it depends for what u use it for, by that i mean extra add-ons, or anything else for that matter seeing how add-ons do get nicer but also bigger in size. A bigger drive(s) is always better BUT bigger is also more expensive. All in all it'll come down to your max budget.

Thanks. This is great info.Andrew