Hello,Can someone tell me what the performance impact is on autogen on a newer system, either a Core2 extreme, i7 or or one of the new 9xxx Quads.I'm looking for a realistic indication, which I know each system will be different, but at least a ballpark reference.I see posts with people saying sliders almost or maxed out getting solid, smooth locked 24 to 30 fps, over large airports, is that with NO tree or autogen tweaks applied.I'm thinking of getting a new i7 920 (will upgrade chip when prices come down), and I'm wondering if I'll get similar performance with setting my autogen on Dense with no tweaks.Thanks for your time and consideration.ed

Extreme processors are not about better perf per clock they are about having access to the multiplier. Their GHz speed delivers the same clock for clock per in processors of their own class and design.A case where the multiplier is of value would be where someone does not have a motherboard or memory which will run higher FSB to hit the highest point the processor can run. I always suggest the better components so buying the extreme is not needed.. or in the case where an extreme is needed the parts will run stable with the ability.. therefore there is savings in my suggestions which people may not understand. It comes down to what one wishes to accomplish and have open to them in options later.A good example would be in the case of a DDR3 system where the choice is a Q9650 processor and DDR3 1600/1800 memoryIn the case where a Q9650 (multiplier locked) is involved, its top end is just over 4GHz stable and in order to run that CPU speed one must purchase a motherboard which is stable at 450MHZ (450x9) and one must ALSO use DDR3 1800 memory because DDR3 1600 is not available @ 450MHz for the Q9650OK, now take the QX9770 which has the multiplier available. This processor will also run the same as the Q9650 or just over 4GHz however in order to hit that the multiplier will allow one to run 400MHz instead and DDR3 1600. One can also use the same approach with DDR2.Having the multiplier allows one to make many, many different choices in combinations of FSB and memory speed. In that one can max out the processor without ever pushing the motherboard or memory, or find a stable point at very high memory speed. The multiplier opens the door to a huge list of options in clocking which is why they get a premium for that access. I am not posting info about i7 to tell everyone to abandon their system and replace.. I am simply passing on information about what I have seen while working with the platform and running FSX.I can run 100% autogen slider on a Q9650 @ 450MHz DDR3 1800 or a QX9770 @ DDR3 1600/1800/2000+I was able to run autogen at 100% most of the time with a QX6700 @ 450MHz DDR3 1440 or DDR3 1600 (3.6GHz) with a few places where I had to drop it to 3/4 but never lower and in all cases I never ever use the config file tweaks as they throw the priority system balance off. You are MUCH better off tweaking using the sliders than making any FSX config edits for autogenits a balance between MORE than just the autogen slider that helps perf.. those who run things out of whack in sliders use the config tweaks which is really not needed unless the system is very old

Thanks Nick for your valued input, I guess I have a few choices, I normally do not overclock a system, but I guess I'll have to learn.Regards,ed