I am getting a computer built for me, and am clueless on a couple of components, hopefully some of you can shed some light on what the smart choices would be:1. I am trying to choose between A WD caviar SE 7200 RPM (various sizes)16MB cache SATA II, or a WD raptor enterprise 10K RPM 150GB 16MB cache SATA ....the second is rather expensive, in terms of FSX performance, would the raptor provide any performance enhancements? Does SATA vs SATA II matter? Should I do two 10Ks in RAID? (RAID 0,1, or none are the only available options from my builder)-or would that cause too much heat?2. OS - Is there any particular version of Vista that affords better performance or benefits for FSX users?Thank you for shedding some light on these confusing (to me at least) issues.-Josh

I use the WD caviar SE16 7200 RPM - one for the OS and a RAID 0 array for FSX. Works well for me. You would do well with either of those drives IMHO. I looked at both and opted for the WD caviar as it was cheeper and performed better in some reviews I read (I wanted 4 in all for the rig so cost came into it). But I wouldn't sneer my nose up if some wanted to give me a couple of 10K raptors either ;0. My advice on this one, let your pocket decide, you won't go far wrong with either choice.

1. Well, that's the question now I guess. When the Raptors came out they were the obvious choice, perhaps even with value in mind. But now the other drives are catching up, so it isn't clear the cost of the Raptors is worth it, esp. for FSX. As far as SATA, I think anything you find these days is SATAII, aka SATA 3.0. They will adjust to SATA1.5 in older MBs. My understanding is that SATA3.0 doesn't really give much throughput difference in current hardware/controller setups. I've been running a dual Raptor RAID 0 array since Nov 2004 without a hickup, but it is more difficult to make hardware changes since they are built with the NVRaid and IIUC won't work on, say, Intel RAID without a format.2. Other than the "starter" version, probably not a big diff for FSX itself. x64 versions are probably "bleeding edge" still at this point. Personally, I have not bought Vista yet, but am leaning towards x86 Business, the question being OEM or upgrade SKUs. ISTM that Vista Biz = Win XP Pro and Vista Premium = Win XP MCE.scott s..