I have a Fairly new computer its a Gateway product 506GR. 3.2 Ghz P4 HT1 MB DDR ramDVD Dbl layer BurnerWindows XPDigital Media MgrOn board sound and video.And a spot for 16 pin or pipe line PCI express slot on an Intel MB.The on board sound has got to go cause of crackles, and new video card is needed 18-19 FPS is the best until 3D clouds then to 8 FPS.I was looking at the GeForce 7800 GTX 256 MB PCI Express. or Radeon X800 XL 512 MB PCI Express or perhaps the Radeon X850 XL 256 MB PCI Express.I want to run all the bars at max including the weather and get a good performance, what would you pick and why.Scot, 850 hours of FS and 100 IFR, 150 in real aircraft.

Yes, the on-board sound usually has to go, if you plan to run FS high-end. I am not an expert, but from what I have read the GeForce is the way to go. I have seen a few disappointing comments about the X800 series in here.

Be careful..with what you read about these video cards.In my experience..the difference between $150 card and the $600 video card is insignificant in terms of what you are going to see on your monitor.The Million this and the millon that...on video card manufactureres website is all BS.I have fallen for that and have wasted my money.so.. take it with a pinch of salt.

So what do you run, My on the board seems fine except in 3D cloud mode. then the FPS drops from 20 to 6-8.