I'd like to ask the fellow FSimers for your expert opinion on this system hardware to run FS2004 -- I am looking for great visual quality and specially smooth fluid frame rates -- as you can see, it is not the best system out there but it certainly is what I can afford at this time:+ SOYO P4VGA Via Socket 478 barebone system with Intel P4 3.06Ghz CPU with SOYO case, 350 Watt power supply (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=685419&Sku=S450-3090%20A).+ 1024 MB Ultra PC2700 DDR 333 Mhz memory.+ Seagate 120GB, 7200 RPM, 2MB cache, 8.5, ATA-100 EIDE drive.+ XFX nVidia GeForce FX 5600 V, 256 MB DDR, AGP 8X video card (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=608888&Sku=P450-8510).+ Creative SI SoundBlaster Audigy X-Gamer sound card (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=286989&Sku=C44-5025&CatId=107).+ Windows XP Professional.Your opinion and suggestions (specially on the video card) will be greatly appreciated.Also, what 3D joystick would you recommend (for a reasonable cost), should I get a force-feedback stick for FS9? I mostly like flying the heavies.Thank you in advance.

That system should run FS9 very nicely. As to a stick, do you fly almost exclusively Airbuses? If not, then forget about a stick completely, and get a yoke - Anything you fly will use a yoke, not a stick. And most certainly, get pedals - nothing makes a bigger difference. You can pick up a pair of pedals on eBay for only about $30 - $40, or you can make your own for peanuts.Richard

I'll say this, there is no "one" system that is a guarantee, plenty here with top of the line rigs that can't get it running for some reason.I would try another vendor, nothing against Tiger, but the system in the link is pretty basic. Try this place, I got my barebones here and added my vid card and drives, saved me $150 over building it from scratch based on internet prices, and it rocks http://www.cyberpowersystem.com/I would suggest a better vid card, that one isn't that capable as well as a bigger power supply. I second the yoke and pedals. Best of luckRegards, MichaelKDFWhttp://www.calvirair.com/mcpics/PBTMCa.jpgCalVirAir International VACougar Mountain Helicopters & Aviation[link:www.cgrmthelos.com]Cougar Mountain Helicopters

I agree with Mike... the system isn't that good. For a few dollars more you can go to an 800Mhz FSB and PC3200 memory. Also, the motherboard uses a VIA chipset... I'd certainly stay with an Intel chipset (the 865 series offers great performance at a good price). And, yes, the video card wouldn't be my first choice. It's rather weak compared to what's available at good prices.I too would look elsewhere.

I would avoid that FX5600 and for for an ATI 9800. But thats just me :)

Imtrestingly enough I'm looking at getting a new system as well and I did look at Cyber Power Systems. Indeed they were hundreds cheaper than a couple other manufacturers I looked at. On the video card issue, what would you recommend, outside the FX5900 Ultra 256 MB, since that will add a good $200 to my pricetag. Is the 5900 Ultra 128 MB any good (I would assume its the same, just with less onboard memeory)? Also, I'm a diehard NVidia supporter, so ATIs are out of the question for me.ThanksJoe Wagner

Okay you definiatly need a better video card. Don

About joystick if you only fly heavies don