Fellow simmers, I am thinking about a hardware upgrade.While the step from 2GB to 4GB RAM is certain, I also want to upgrade my video card.I am currently running FSX in 1680x1050x32 on a E8500 (stock speed), GeForce 8800 GTS 640 and a Windows XP Pro System patched to SP3.My first attempt for the video upgrade was a Radeon 4870 512MB OC which was at least counterproductive. Apart from actually lower framerates compared to the 8800, I ran into serious issues with other applications.I am now thinking about a GTX 260 to retain my framerates in FSX and boost then in other apps. The GTX is not an option since I refuse to shell out the $$$ for that card.What are your experiences? Any input is appreciated.Thanks in advance...:)

I'd keep the 8800 GTS 640 for nowThe GTX260 is not that much better (if at all)And later, if you find out otherwise, it may be cheaper in price by then

I just swapped my BFG 8800GTS o/c for a 9800GTX+ since it was less than $200...a good deal right now IMHO...now despite what everyone says about FSX being mainly CPU bound, surely this upgrade will yield some better FPS in FSX.

Don't count on it. I went from a 8800GTS(640) to a 9800GTX(512) and saw very little difference. You have to couple the GPU and the OC'd CPU to the same capabilites. It's a balancing act to get everything in sync. The only thing I'm wondering now is, if I upgrade to a 1GB GPU because I run 1920x1280, if that'll help, especially with distant textures. Such as the 280(1GB) cards.

I went from a 8800 GTS SSC to a GTX280...As far as FSX I would not do it again,just makes little difference.For Crysis it makes a big diff, but for FSX alone just keep what you have.For FSX overclock your 8500 CPU as far as you can,that will be the key and its free :)

I just bought a Palit 9800GTX+ too to replace my 8600GT but will not be able to test the installation until next week. I have heard there are two things to watch with the 9800GTX+,1) You need a new motherboard because the 9800GTX+ has an extra power connector, is this true? What does this additional connector look like? I have a P35 Neo Intel775 motherboard, will this need to change?2) The Palit card has a huge fan on the card which is apparently bigger than the normal fan, but what I hear is that the card is noisy. True?Would be good if someone could comment on this.ThanksShez

I went from an HD3870 to the GTX260 OC 896Megs mainly for the extra video ram. AND I made a new partition and installed the 64-bit version of my Windows Home Premium and this too allows me to better accomodate the increased video ram...and my 4G system ram.And it does make a "smoothness" differenceThe fps are only up slightly but it is in the quality of the performance where the improvement is appreciated,

>The fps are only up slightly but it is in the quality of the>performance where the improvement is appreciated,Not sure I follow that...would you expand upon that please?