Just installed another 1024 RAM in my DELL XPS Gen 4 and noticed subtle improvements in loading times, spot view texture fill, and possibly a few frames too. Now getting 35-50 fps in the PMDG 744 in default FS9 Fair Wx with 3/8 clouds at 10,000'. Not bad, I think. Set cap back to 24 fps and it's at the cap almost all the time, and it's close to the cap in the VC, except for approach into super dense airports with UT AI traffic.At the same time, I moved the Audigy sound card way down the mobo to prepare for the giant proposed nVidia 7900 card. Either GTX or GTO--depends on Gary's report (!) among other things. Got 4 more inches of breathing space now.I love DELL PCs, I really do. They are excellent workhorses for MSFS for me since 1997. Every time I add and upgrade it goes better than expected (I always turn slightly blue when cracking the case to do anything inside) and I can move stuff around without messing up drivers and IRQs or whatever as well. DELLs just....work.JS

JS,what kind of upgrades can you do with the Dell.I have a Dell XPS Gen2 that I want to upgrade.. Just the MB and the CPU. I looked at the MB. Its not even ATX. so I cannot get a MB and change it even.Manny

Manny:I've always been able to do the following with each of my 4 DELLs over the years:1. Increase RAM. I eventually doubled it it on every machine I ever had.2. Upgrade the video card substantially or add a second card (however, my XPS Gen 4 will not permit more than a single video card to be run at any one time but it will accept any of the entire nVidia 7900 range. I actually just ordered the 512MB video RAM 7900 GTO having suddenly caved in after days of research and excitement.)3. Upgrade the processor. I don't think I can or need to do so as mine is an Intel 570, 3.80Ghz, and if that ain't good enough for Fs2004 (and FSX), then the heck with it!The DELL forums are absolutely outstanding. I always visit them before doing any upgrades. There are two geniuses called Audiopho and VCraig who cruise them frequently dispensing help and wisdom to PC techno morons such as me. The DELL moderators also have FAQ's and stickies on what you typically can do to upgrade your machine. I have found the forums to be a fantastic source of information, knowledge, guidance, and expertise. Go to the "Upgrade Hardware" sub-forum for the Dell Dimension XPS range and ask about the mobo and CPU.The DELL online chat system also works very well. They basically validated everything I learned on the forums for my latest proposed upgrades and my warranty remains intact with DELL too.Hope this helps.JS