I'm in the process of putting together my 'ultimate' FSX system. I'll be using E6600 or E6700, 2Gb fast memory, 10k Raptors, and a Striker Extreme Mobo. Although I realize that FSX is not as challenging to the graphics card as some other games, I want to make sure I don't skimp on performance. Then again, $$$ has a consideration. Does anyone have a recommendation on what graphics configuration would be best to consider: an 8800GTX, Sli'd lower performance GTX or GTS cards, or mortgage my house and go with Sli'd 8800GTX's? Real life performance experience would be helpful.

I have the following:MB: Asus P5N32-E SliCPU: Intel X6800RAM: 2GB OCZ PC2-8500PSU: OCZ ProXStreamHDD: 2x 500MB WD 16MB databurstGPU: 2 x 8800GTXOK... the CPU is still the limiting factor..don't bother getting 2xGPU unless you're running 4 hi-res monitors. You can still get by with one GPU and a TH2Go if you want to run 3 x 19" monitors (or 1024x768 projectors) This will still leave you another channel for a 4th hi-res monitor! If you're running only one monitor then SLi mode will not make enough difference to warrant the cost!I'd like to have the Raptors to see how much difference they make!How quickly do you want this system?? What graphics card do you have now? I'd be inclined to build the system around your existing graphics card and see what the next few months brings with new graphics cards.. otherwise the 8800GTX is the one to buy now.RegardsJim

Thanks for your input, Jim. I already have a TH2Go and it works well with my current system. Just a slower FPS than with a single monitor.My graphics card now is just a 7600GS AGP card. My Mobo doesn't support any PCIe slots. I'm hoping that the Raptors, in a RAID 0 implementation, will make a big difference.I gather that the CPU and disc specs will have a much much greater impact on FSX performance than the graphics card. Your comment "...SLi mode will not make enough difference to warrant the cost!", answers one of the big questions I had. But, the 8800GTX is the way to go. Needing only one saves a few $$$ for sure. Thanks again,Jim

hii too have a TH2go set up spanned across 3 screens, i think my AGP 7900 card along with the current CPU i have is the bottleneck and want to upgrade to a 6600CPU and 8800GT do you think i will get acceptable performance if upgrade for FS2004 and FSX?

Probably the "ultimate" FSX system is one that will be available mid-2008. Or at least a Penryn-class cpu available later this year. But at the present time, E6700 seems to be one of the top dogs.I can tell you firsthand about Raptors and FS.FSX on 7200 rpm drive = loadtime for EGLL = 65 seconds.FSX on 10000 rpm drive = loadtime for EGLL = 53 seconds.Yes it is faster; but not THAT much faster. However if you're looking for the ultimate, no question I'd RAID some Raptors. Then backup to a larger capacity slower drive.Of course "ultimate" are some 15,000 rpm SCSI drives RAIDed out. :)Talk about mortgaging your house. :)You could stick with the 7600 card for now, but you may feel as I do, that I would feel slighted to not put an 8800 in that brand new rig. Which 8800? Read other users reports here, about 8800GTS vs. 8800GTX. Some of them say the difference is not worth the extra cost. Others say it most certainly is worth it.Another consideration for us is that once the DX10 update for FSX is out, that may change the "buying criteria" we use for FS. But who knows what the DX10 update will bring?One thing I would repeat, because it was said by ACES, is that the amount of video memory is far, far more important in FSX than raw video card speed. So keep that in mind. Get lot's o' vid mem.And do not use SLI mode. If you do get two cards, the only reason I'd do that is if I wanted to run many many monitors. Otherwise 1 card is fine.RhettAMD 3700+ (@2585 mhz), eVGA 7800GT 256 (Guru3D 93.71), ASUS A8N-E, PC Power 510 SLI, 2gb Corsair XMS 3-3-3-8 (1T), WD 150 gig 10000rpm Raptor, WD 250gig 7200rpm SATA2, Seagate 120gb 5400 rpm external HD, CoolerMaster Praetorian

thanks Macei think i should be right with an 8800GT and C2D6600, i dont plan to use FSX for a while yet till some nice addons come on the market for it.

My specs are below. My approach was to buy the MoBo, CPU and drives now, with a relatively inexpensive 7950GT graphics card to tide me over until we have a better idea of relative performance of the new DX10 cards. This means I sacrifice maybe 3-5 fps now, but if a better DX10 card is released by the time the DX10 version of FSX is released, I still have the option of upgrading. In the meantime, I haven't had to face the problems with Vista or graphics drivers that others have suffered.Cheers,Noel.

Just completed my build with specs below. I'm taking the wait and see position regarding DX10. The main goal for me was to get a case that would enclose a system that was easy to access and have enough room for excellent cable management. With FSX still in the provings runs, there will be enough time to let the bugs get worked out before I plunge dollars into the upgrades.Capt TedSiverstone TJ09 Case-Very roomy with slide out Mobo tray.Intel E6600 CPUBadAx 2 MoboZalman CNP 9500 CPU Cooler2 Gb G. Skill PC6400 Mem sticksHIS ATI Radeon X1950 Pro Video CardPC Power and Cooling 750W PSU2 WD 2500 Caviar HD

>Just completed my build with specs below. I'm taking the>wait and see position regarding DX10. The main goal for me>was to get a case that would enclose a system that was easy to>access and have enough room for excellent cable management. >With FSX still in the provings runs, there will be enough time>to let the bugs get worked out before I plunge dollars into>the upgrades.>>Capt Ted>>Siverstone TJ09 Case-Very roomy with slide out Mobo tray.>Intel E6600 CPU>BadAx 2 Mobo>Zalman CNP 9500 CPU Cooler>2 Gb G. Skill PC6400 Mem sticks>HIS ATI Radeon X1950 Pro Video Card>PC Power and Cooling 750W PSU>2 WD 2500 Caviar HD>Thanks for the case info. I will have to look at the Silverstone one.I like my Coolermaster Praetorian case, but it *could* be a little bit larger. I think next build the FSX monster rig is going to need a full size tower.RhettAMD 3700+ (@2585 mhz), eVGA 7800GT 256 (Guru3D 93.71), ASUS A8N-E, PC Power 510 SLI, 2gb Corsair XMS 3-3-3-8 (1T), WD 150 gig 10000rpm Raptor, WD 250gig 7200rpm SATA2, Seagate 120gb 5400 rpm external HD, CoolerMaster Praetorian