I just wanted to thank you all for the help you gave me in selecting a decent system for FS.....for sure FS9, and hopefully at least a pleasant experience in FSX!I went back and forth on whether to try a first build, or not, or have someone build one for me. Well, I finally "chickened" out and am having one built for me by AVADirect. They had such great reviews from past cutomers, and, I'll have to admit that I had a very good experience talking with their sales rep, Matt, and ordering my computer. Here's the specs of the final run:CUSTOM COMPUTER, Core

>Should I install the DX10 that comes with FSX Gold on my Vista>64bit, or not? My guess is do it, but just want to be sure.>If I remember correctly DX10 is installed automatically (if it's not already present on the system) by FSX's installer. So there is really nothing you need to do. And you can enable or disable DX10 easily in FSX using a checkbox.>Also, I plan to eventually attempt an overclock on this chip. >I've looked through the "overclocking guide" that someone>referenced in one of the posts I was reading. With this set>up, especially the P5Q Pro MB and a 750W, single 12v rail PSU,>shouldn't it be easy? heh, yes it should be "easy". You should be able to do a mid-to-high 3's overclock (that's 3.4 to 3.6 ghz) pretty easily, and with stock voltages.>Thanks again! I love the flight sim world and great the folks>on this forum that are so willing to help each other>experience it as best as possible!!!>tell us how it works out with FS. It's always good to hear how people's hardware performs in the sim. That setup you are getting sounds like a winner.RhettFS box: E8500 (@ 3.80 ghz), AC Freezer 7 Pro, ASUS P5E3 Premium, BFG 8800GTX 756 (nVidia 169 WHQL), 4gb DDR3 1600 Patriot Cas7 7-7-7-20 (2T), PC Power 750, WD 150gb 10000rpm Raptor, Seagate 500gb, Silverstone TJ09 case, Vista Ultimate 64ASX Client: AMD 3700+ (@ 2.6 ghz), 7800GT

Thanks Rhett. It'll probably be about 3 weeks before I get the computer, but I'll let folks know how this setup works.I guess I really meant to ask about adding the "acceleration" package that comes with gold, but, I think I've read enough to see it's not for performace, just some added "perks" in the sim. So, I'll probably add it.I like how you put "easy".....I'm sure it will take me a little figuring out. But, if I should OC futher and need to raise above stock voltages, I think, I hope, having a PSU with the single 12v rail, might make that easier also??? We'll see. I wouldn't mind getting her up to 4.0 at some point. I've got a pretty good CPU cooler, as best I could read, and the case is full of fans!Lobo :)

>>Should I install the DX10 that comes with FSX Gold on my Vista>64bit, or not? My guess is do it, but just want to be sure.>Hi,DX10 is part of the Vista OS. If you install Vista you will allways get DX10 installed as well.FSX SP2 has support for DX10, but it's only a preview mode. If you run FSX SP2 on a Vista computer and have a graphics card that supports DX10, you'll have access to a check box in FSX Display settings to turn DX10 preview mode on or off. It's off by default.Ulf BCore2Duo X6800 3.3GHz4GB RAM Corsair XMS2-8500C5BFG 8800GTX, Creative SB X-FiFSX Acc/SP2, Vista 32

Congratulations Lobo. It looks like you have everything you need for a really good FSX experience. It appears that FSX Deluxe Gold merely combines FSX Deluxe and Acceleration. DX10 mode was included in FSX only as a preview, which can be turned off. It has some display problems, and I am not using it until I hear that display drivers or another update makes it work right.Be sure to install the SDK that comes with FSX Deluxe, download a free utility such as ADE, and upgrade your home airport and surrounding area.ArtBiostar TF560-A2+ | Athlon 64X2-6000+ | 4GB PC2-6400 RAM | Geforce 8800GTS-320MB | 500W PSU | 250GB HD | FSX(SP1-Acceleration) | UTX | Audigy SE sound | Vista Home Premium 32 bit | CH Yoke & Pedals | Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick | 22" WS LCD monitor

Build or buy, the goal is to start understanding what's going on in there. Sounds like you are well on your way. Congrats! Let us know when you're ready to rock and roll.

Thanks guys! I appreciate the support and encouragement. I'll be back around when I get the machine and start setting it up. I'm sure I'll have questions. In the meantime, I'll be reading and learning.Lobo :)