I am running an AMD 2ghz (real speed) 2600. My memory is PC3200 400mhz. If I were to go to a dual core 6320 Intel cpu (1.8ghz) would I see $160 worth of improvement (CPU cost only)? This is based on FSX using only one core after it has loaded and is running. It ignores (for now) dual core code changes upcoming for DX10/Vista. Or, given my memory speed would I be better off using an older 2 core Pentium such as the Pentium 4 D 935 at 3.2 ghz. It is 65nm technology so it should be ok on heat. Also it uses the 775 socket which allows a later upgrade to the latest dual core cpu's.The new motherboard would be the ASrock VSTA 775 which has both AGP (current video is ATI 9800SE 128mb) and PCIe (slower speed version). It also supports DDR and DDRII memory.The goal is to upgrade in a modest fashion to gain the use of autogen and AI aircraft, cars, boats, etc... Regards,Dick BoleyA PC, an LCD, speakers, CH yoke

I'd say yeah, but why no go for the 4300 and overclock it?Don't worry about the "speed," that intel C2D would be faster than your old one.What do you mean that PCIe is slower than AGP? PCIe is faster than AGP, do you mean PCI? Or possible that it only has PCIe 4x or 1x?

RE: PCIe speed - the board only supports 4x not 16x. That may be an issue in the future but by then it may be time to change boards and move into the FSX/DX10 world with new video, new CPU, new board, new power supply - yuk $$$$$$My present CPU (AMD 2600-2ghz) runs between 52C and 56C depending upon room temperature - FSX running 100% CPU. If I over clock the 4300 what is an expected speed without getting beyond stock or minor heat sinking changes? Then, is the 400mhz memory limiting me anyhow and minimizing the benefits of a faster CPU speed? I do not know if there is any way to determine if CPU or memory xfer is the next lid on the process.Regards,Dick BoleyA PC, an LCD, speakers, CH yoke

If that AMD is a dual core, it will run side by side with a 1.8ghz Intel (If not, consider option #1). The real value of the E6320 is in its overclocking potential. But if you are just going to run it, the 6320 will provide NO advantage over a 2.0 dual core AMD chip.Video: AGP and PCI and PCI-e are just busses, the "race tracks." The Vcards are the cars. An 88.00 mph car (a $1000, 8800GTXYZ) will run fine on a track that could handle a 100 mph car (5 year old AGP buss). The only problem is they changed the rail gauge so the 8800's wheels won't fit anymore. Now why would they do that?!!!Ram: The speed difference between DDR400 and DDR533 will not provide a feel-able difference. Don't upgrade just for this. 1) Full upgrade: Frys has a $120 E4300/mobo deal from time to time. The ASRock/E6320 combo is A-OK too. That, plus $75 for 2 gigs of DDR2 ram + a $100 PCI-e 7900GS. You spend a bit more, but have an upgrade path. 2) Or keep your rig: Spend $75 on 1 more gig of PC3200 (Gotta have 2 Gigs), $150 for an AGP 7600GT and keep your old CPU/Mobo. Less $$, but end of the line. Either will run FSX/SP1'd just fine.