Hi. My new system will be based around an i7 965 w/6GB of DDR3 RAM and a GTX 280 video card. 1. I've gotten the impression that I have to use Vista 64 to properly run this setup with FSX. Is this correct or can XP32 be used successfully? I was kinda hoping I could put XP32 on a second drive so that I could run FS9, CFS 2/3, and some other fighter jet combat programs that I have and utilize the speed of this newer machine. 2. DirectX 9 or DirectX 10? It seems that somewhere I read where FSX was having problems with DirectX 10. Or maybe that was just with some add-on. Thanks,

What other combat sims do you have that you want to use on XP 32?? If your are talking about Falcon, Lockon or BlackShark, I can tell they work just fine under Vista 64.If you still think you need XP 32, I would install XP 32 onn its own drive/partition and then install Vista 64 on its own drive/partition and dual boot the computer. However, I do not beleive that you will need to dual boot.The DirectX 10 implementation in FSX is not 100% complete. That is why it is called DX10 Preview. It has its issues.

A 32bit OS will also leave you with 4GB less the RAM on the GTX280 = 3GB odd of useable RAM, which is half of what you plan to install. Bit of a waste! FSX is not going to benefit much (if at all) between 3 and 6 GB RAM, however, your system sure will, as will other apps.Unless you have a very specific reason for staying with XP32bit then Vista64 is definitely the way to go with your new rig. Dual boot as mentioned is a very good option to get "best" of both.Enjoy it - am green with envy!!!

>What other combat sims do you have that you want to use on XP>32?? If your are talking about Falcon, Lockon or BlackShark, I>can tell they work just fine under Vista 64.>>If you still think you need XP 32, I would install XP 32 onn>its own drive/partition and then install Vista 64 on its own>drive/partition and dual boot the computer. However, I do not>beleive that you will need to dual boot.I second this recommendation, as this is what I already do. Run XP if you must, but don't skip Vista's DX10 and 64-bit goodness, your hardware will thank you :(

Thanks, to all for the info.Sargeski, which version of Falcon do you have? I've seen several programs out there mentioning Falcon this or that so I'm not sure. Falcon is one I'm definitely interested in.Thanks,

Falcon 4.0 Allied Forcehttp://www.lead-pursuit.com

Thanks, Sargeski. That's the one I was planning on getting. Might be all I need to satisfy my occasional desire to fly combat jets.Jeff