Hello,I'll be pretty clear, I know very little about computer specs. Going through the posts in this section is a little daunting for me because of my lack of computer knowledge.So, I would like to get a new system. Anything will be better than what I currently have...a 4 year old laptop. I have become used to the way it runs FS9, so, just about anything I buy will probably be an improvement.I'm desperately needing advice on how to proceed on a new system. My expectations are to run FS9 (no other gaming) and run PMDG 747, which I currently cannot do on my laptop. Of course I would love to be able to run Flytampa scenery's (Kai Tak) and other add ons.My budget is very limited at this time, $700-1000 (US). Can I get a descent system for this? I realize it won't be high-end gaming system, but I'm okay with that. Like I've said, anything will be an improvement from what I have. what should I look for when it comes to specs. I do know a good graphics card is essential.I glanced in the paper today and looked at a major store's ad's. This is what I foundDesktop HPAMD Phenom X4 Quad-Processor 950021.6 " LCD6GB DDR2 Memory640 GB hard drive$600Would that be worth it? How would that run FS9? I'm just using the above as example.Would it be better to go to a private store and have them build a computer for me? I don't have the skills or knowledge to do it myselfI do appreciate all advice and thanks for your time and help with this.

Rule of thumb when building a PC for FS9/FSX....buy the FASTEST CPU you can afford even if it means using a cheaper video card.There are lots of Intel CPUs that overclock 5%-10% easily.If you're looking at saving money think about using a Dual core rather than a Quad core. The savings will allow you to buy a faster CPU.On tests I've seen Nvidia cards still run FS9/FSX faster than ATI cards.The sweet spot seems to be the 8800GT....great FS bang for the buck.K

Here's a parts list. At least it's a place to start> http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWi...tNumber=7159746Here's the altenative: http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.aspConfigure the "Talon" with the i7/940 CPU and the newegg parts list. It will come out to about $5,000. Check out Dell's Alienware too. They have an i7/940 box for about $3K. The new Intel i7/940 was selected for comparison because it will provide the Identical performance of the $850 newegg box with its Q6600 CPU overclocked to 3.6Ghz.Your only real hope (for $1000) is to build the newegg-list box, then overclock the Q6600 CPU to 3.6Ghz.

Desktop HPAMD Phenom X4 Quad-Processor 950021.6 " LCD6GB DDR2 Memory640 GB hard drive$600Would that be worth it? How would that run FS9? I'm just using the above as example.

1. It certainly seems worth the listed price.2. A video card (nVidia 8800 series or better) would need to be purchased and installed to effectively run FS9.3. It appears to me that the best performing bargain computers have an Intel Q6600 CPU, which outperforms nearly all of the AMD quad-core CPUs. The Intel Core Duo 8500-8600 CPUs are very good with FS.4. Custom builders can certainly give you the most bang for your buck at this performance level. Continue your research, and you will find something under $1000 that will not only run FS9 superbly, but will run FSX acceptably. If you are going from a 4 year old laptop to a desktop with newer components, it should knock your socks off even without the best components.5. You can do an internet search for "gaming computers". Those I have checked are CyberPower, ABS, Alienware, Velocity Micro, WYDAN, AVA Direct, PCUSA and iBuyPower. I can't vouch for any of them, because I find the best option is to buy the parts and assemble them myself.Art

Hello,I'll be pretty clear, I know very little about computer specs. Going through the posts in this section is a little daunting for me because of my lack of computer knowledge.So, I would like to get a new system. Anything will be better than what I currently have...a 4 year old laptop. I have become used to the way it runs FS9, so, just about anything I buy will probably be an improvement.

Wowsa! I feel your pain. Gaming on a laptop is not a fun experience.

I'm desperately needing advice on how to proceed on a new system. My expectations are to run FS9 (no other gaming) and run PMDG 747, which I currently cannot do on my laptop. Of course I would love to be able to run Flytampa scenery's (Kai Tak) and other add ons.

This should be no problem!

My budget is very limited at this time, $700-1000 (US). Can I get a descent system for this? I realize it won't be high-end gaming system, but I'm okay with that. Like I've said, anything will be an improvement from what I have. what should I look for when it comes to specs. I do know a good graphics card is essential.

Actually, the graphics card barely matters for FS, especially FS9. A $100 8800 GT will get the job done just as well as a $500 GTX 280.

I glanced in the paper today and looked at a major store's ad's. This is what I foundDesktop HPAMD Phenom X4 Quad-Processor 950021.6 " LCD6GB DDR2 Memory640 GB hard drive$600Would that be worth it? How would that run FS9? I'm just using the above as example.Would it be better to go to a private store and have them build a computer for me? I don't have the skills or knowledge to do it myselfI do appreciate all advice and thanks for your time and help with this.

Do not buy this system. The Phenom processor model they've chosen is among the slowest quad core processors on the market and will not benefit your FS9 gaming experience at all. Also that 6GB RAM is a red herring, they're trying to make the system look more competitive than it actually is by giving it the same amount of memory as a high-end Core i7 system. Last but certainly not least, it is very likely that this system contains no video card but instead uses integrated graphics. This is not adequate, even for FS9. You may want to look at a fast dual-core system instead. An Intel E8600 is the fastest dual-core processor money can buy currently, and is also the highest-clocked processor on the market. This will help it deliver the highest frame rates and the smoothest gameplay possible.