I've recently been flying FSX and have had FS9 for over a year. I'd like to increase the performance of both, but I don't want to throw money away on a lost cause. I'm currently running a Dell Dimension E521 (AMD 64x2 3800+ dual core, 4 gb of 533 RAM (Crucial), XFX 8600GT 256mb video, 150 gb HD w/ 50% available, and have an OCZ 470W PSU.Would upgrading the CPU to maybe a dual 5600+ get me anything, or is the MB going to be the limiting factor? Also, the 8600GT is new, but I think the ATI 3870 might fit. I have some heat sink/shroud size issues, so I can't get just any board in there. It's PCI-E. I'll also add that I'm a bit of a computer nube, I handled changing the video card and PSU, the CPU kinda scares me, but I'll do it if it'll buy me some performance. Or, is it just the typical low-end Dell (which I never planned to sim with) and thereby limited to what I can squeeze out of it? BTW, running WinXP home, SP2, FSX SP1.As a second question, I've seen some talk of overclocking, etc and would like to know where in the computer I can access that type of info. Not that I want to change anything yet, but might be nice to know which hole it's hidden in.Thanks for all opinions!

As one nube to another, I can certainly undertstand where you are coming from. FSX has taught me alot about my rig. You are limited but all is not lost. As I understand it, your rig should run FS9 well. There are plenty of folks with a box similar to yours that are running FSX well, also. Don't know for sure, but you may not be able to OC your "low end" MB. You may be able to put a more powerful CPU on it (or not). I was able to shoehorn a 8800gt into my microATX case, so don't give up on a better card. 667 ram seems to be average now. If you can read instructions, and think a little, you should be able to upgrade CPU and MB as long as you are careful. I had to re-register windows(phone call to India) after changing my MB. Last year I bought a $350 Compaq and upgraded it to the system below for less than $1000 (including the computer). GOOD LUCK.Bob

Thanks. I was able to put a 5600+ AMD in there, and use the OEM sink and fan as they are greatly larger than the stuff that came with the new CPU. Early tests show it is running FSX about as good as it'll get given the rest of the machine, so I'm off for more testing, tweaking, etc. Wouldn't even know where to begin re: overclocking, can't even find that part of the machine that will allow me to change things!