Hello all!About a year and a half ago I would say I built the following systemAMD 64 3500+EPOX Motherboard (I forget what model)ATI X800XT1GB Dual Channel Ramand it runs quite well but can get somewhat jerky in heavy clouds and stuff (I run 4x AA and 4x AF so I could jack those up for a better picture) and not full settings.I am thinking about upgrading to an FX-55 processor. Since the prices came down (about 350 on ebay) but still dont want to spend that much lightly. What do you guys think? Worth it? Would I be better off upgrading another part?Thanks!

I have a feeling..its going drop further.BTW..What about Athlon 64 FX-57 or FX-60? How much do those cost? manny

A substantial amount more, another 150-200 bucks, and newegg people say that the 55 is basically the samething as the 57 especially if you overclock.

I assume that you have a Socket 939 motherboard.You might consider a 4600+ (I saw that on sale for $199!!) or a 4800+ (should be in the $350 range now or very soon).It all depends on how long you are going to keep your current system...the dual-core cpus will help you more in FSX. Whereas the FX55, FX57 are very nice, but single core. Also if you run add-ons like ActiveSky or the ATC client programs, you might consider a dual-core cpu.Either one (FX series or dual-core) will rock FS9 or FSX though.I wouldn't even consider an FX53, or FX55. Get at least the FX57 if you are going FX. That 4600+ is pretty tempting too. The 4800+ is the fastest AFFORDABLE dual-core cpu you can use with Socket 939 at this time. There is an FX series that is dual core (FX60??) but it is still expensive and will probably remain at a premium price.On the other hand the 4600+ and 4800+ will fall (have fallen) rapidly in price of late.Sorry for rambling on...Rhett

I dont run activesky or SB3 or anything on my FS comp (I have a networked comp for that)If I were to upgrade to an FX, it would be an FX55 because people say its basically the samething as the 57 especially if you overclock, and its a good 150-200 cheaper.Now dual core, is it confirmed that FSX WILL take advantage of dual core and will it still help FS9?Thanks for any help!

Here is some food for thought if you want to go single core...4000+ for $139...I have a 4000+ system..It's sweet...Performance difference between that and my FX-57 is minimal...A good overclocker also...I've had mine running at 2.8(FX-57 speeds) for a while...2.6(FX-55) would be cake...If you want to go dual core the prices are looking sweet on those too...I just picked up a 4800x2 myself...I've actually just now finished putting her together...I'm typing this during a break before bringing her upstairs to get up and running...Actually put it in the 4000+ Rig...I wanted to get a true Head to Head comparison..Single vs Dual core...I know the performance of the 4000+ well...It has been my Main FS rig for a while now...I really rarly fly the FX-57..I like the 4000...So I should get a good "feel" if there is a difference...The 4800x2 is 2.4ghz same as the 4000+...I had a 3500+ prior to the 4000+...It was a pretty sweet upgrade...I'm having a tough time seeing how you could loose now that it's $139..Assuming you have a 939mb...I think I paid $430+ for mine..he heLink to newegg:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16819103529My Gut feeling would be to agree with the others reguarding FX prices...I just feel like their sales are going to basically Halt...I'd expect they will be Really Affordable...Which is nice too if you want to hold out for an FX...Good luck with your decisions!!

I am very interested in your tests and experiences with the AMD 64 line (you seem like you have had a lot of these top of the line, lucky dog)Would you mind emailing me? I would like to talk to you further if you have time, if not just say so!Aim or skype works too!P.S If you dont want your FX57 you can send it to me! :(

You'd be better off forgetting about an FX, sell the mobo and use it against a Core 2 Duo and suitable motherboard. Far better option.

I agree, but you do realize that to go Core 2 Duo, he would have to get new RAM also. For some that is not an option...hence the desire to stay AMD.Rhett

If you are staying with 939 AMD, then go for the fastest X2 you can afford. With the price drops that should mean any of them!!An upgrade using a single core CPU is a waste of money in my mind at this time. (A month ago I wouldn't have said that) The price drops have pretty much given everyone the chance to go dual core at a great price.FX series aren't worth the extra premium unless you really want the unlocked multiplier for some easy overclocking.Glenn

OP didn't say what video resolution he is running. For example, at 1600x1200 it could be that the only thing that will have measurable impact in FS9/FSX is the vid card. But at 1024x768 just the opposite.I have to agree it's hard to see how to get the return on $ for FX. Don't know how good a clocker that Epox board is, but maybe that 3500+ system could just be clocked up a bit.scott s..