Hi all,I have a pretty good system and I'm using Flight Simulator X. At the moment I'm using GeForce 7900GS 256MB with the settings 8x, 8x and image setting set to High Quality. All the sliders in FSX are pretty much set to 50% except for the AI traffic that are set to 100%. I don't use any of the default AI traffic since I download and use the AI aircrafts and flightplans that are freeware from www.world-of-ai.com. When I'm in the default B737-800, 2D cockpit and sitting on runway 9R at Heathrow, EGLL, I get the framerates 14-15 fps. I counted the AI aircrafts parked at the airport and it was 128 of them. So, I realize the framerates I'm getting are pretty good. But now I'm planning on buying a new graphics card, the GeForce 8800GTS, 640MB. Does anyone have experience from this card and could someone tell me what framerates I can expect to get compared to above. Is it gonna be like 2-3 fps increase or maybe 7-8? Is it worth upgrading to this new card?Thank you,Tomas

Simple answer: NoMore detailed answer: I had a Dell E6600 system with a 7950GX2 and tried an 8800GTX and only saw a slight increase in FPS (about 5)I would imagine the difference between the 7900GS and the 8800GTS would be comparable. I don't know what FSB speed your motherboard is capable of but you'd probably see a greater frame increase by getting faster RAM (if it's supported) and as you're on XP you'd only need 2GB.Wait until DX10 is firmly established and then you'll have a greater variety of DX10 cards to choose from...and they'll be considerably cheaper by then.RegardsJim

Thanks for your reply, Jim. I have 4 GB RAM and can't get more. When DX10 is released, do I also need to upgrade to Vista in order to use it together with a new graphic card?ThanksTomas

From what I've read about DX10 you will need Vista in order to utilize the DX10 enhancements..ie Vista and DX10 are designed to work together.The point I was making about your memory was not that you can ADD more memory but if you took out your 4GB of 533MHz RAM and replaced it with 2GB of 800MHz or 1066MHz RAM you would get a bigger performance boost (in FSX) than replacing your Graphics Card. (Providing your Motherboard supported it) However, DELL are very poor at describing their Motherboard specifications so it is very difficult to know what RAM is compatible. The bottom line is that FSX is CPU intensive and ..your Graphics card is good enough and not worth the expense of an 8800 upgrade at this time..hang on until there is more choiceRegardsJim

Its not worth buying the 8800GTS crap.Read my post "8800GTS total meltdown"Its the biggest waste of money re MSFS I've ever made!

>When I'm in the default B737-800, 2D cockpit and sitting on>runway 9R at Heathrow, EGLL, I get the framerates 14-15 fps. I>counted the AI aircrafts parked at the airport and it was 128>of them. In my FS experience, this is exactly the scenario where GPU doesn't make a cracker of difference, as you are nearly entirely CPU-bound at such times.You can prove this to yourself for free by halving the resolution and see whether you get more FPS with less of a workload on the GPU at this specific location. Also try AA / AF either completely off or at max settings. If your FPS is about the same, then don't bother upgrading to an 8800.GaryPS. The only time I get an FPS boost when reducing resolution is when there are lots of clouds in the sky, otherwise the 7900 I have powers through through anything I thow at it, even up to 3360x1050.