Here`s some hard numbers (fps) with the GTX285 1gig (XFX). That is in case you`re wandering if it worth it.1. here`s my setup: c2d e8500 3.16 stock but can be o`c easy at 4.2. Mobo Asus P5q pro. Ram 2x2gig 1066. video card 8800gts 640meg (now on the bench)and the new XFX GTX285.2. here`s the situation: B737 at O`Hare end of rwy (night). No AI. No road tfc, no boat, no ferries, clear skies.3. AA is at multi X4, AF X16, etc... BW Mult at 70. Rez 1900x1200x32 (DVI)First numbers with above settingswith the 8800GTSCPU 3.16 - 8800gts - fps 45-47 fpsCPU 4.16 - 8800gts - fps 45-47 fps (video card is limiting factor)with the GTX285 1gigCPU 3.16 - gtx285 - fps 55-57 fpsCPU 4.16 - gtx285 - fps 65-67 fpsnote: remember the FPS results are for this particular static situation. It is the reference flight I used for o`c the cpu and ram. In other words, do not expect +20 extra FPS in heavy 3d situations (lots of AI, rich cloud environments) . However, it shows what a balanced system can do (cpu,ram & video)I will do further testing (after I enjoy some flights) with another reference flight I have : F18 at 1600 ft at 400k from O`Hare to downtown (2min flight)First thing I did after this initial test, I cranked up Scenery complexity and autogen to Very Dense. Nice results. Oups I forgot, the system with the 8800gts was smooth, no stutter and remains so with the gTx 285. What a video card!!!See the diff. The 8800gts bandwidth at 64GB/s and the GTX285 at 159GB/s.Well worht the money (425 CA)Pierre

Part II Same setup. This time using one dynamic test flight: F18 at 1400ft speed 400K from O`Hare to Meigs.Duration of the test: 120 sec. Scenery and Autogen at DENSE. No ai, No cars, no ferries, no boats, no cloudsCPU 4.0ghz, 8800gts 640meg, DDR2 1066 = avg fps 45CPU 4.0ghz, GTX285 1gig, DDR2 1066 = avg fps 55Flight is fluid/smooth (from the 3d cockpit) on both test runs.The video driver for the 8800GTS was 169.25 and for the gtx285 it is the 181.20.Frames are unlocked.Tried TNCM with scenery and autogen at dense, am getting 35fps (cockpit view end of 27).Tried heavy cloud settings, this baby is eating clouds for breakfast ( fps were not going lower than 35). Magic number for me:CPU 4.0ghz, DDR2 1066 and GTX285 . FSX fliesnote: again this is only meant to be useful for people wanting to improve their FSX experience.Pierre

Part II Same setup. This time using one dynamic test flight: F18 at 1400ft speed 400K from O`Hare to Meigs.Duration of the test: 120 sec. Scenery and Autogen at DENSE. No ai, No cars, no ferries, no boats, no cloudsCPU 4.0ghz, 8800gts 640meg, DDR2 1066 = avg fps 45CPU 4.0ghz, GTX285 1gig, DDR2 1066 = avg fps 55Flight is fluid/smooth (from the 3d cockpit) on both test runs.The video driver for the 8800GTS was 169.25 and for the gtx285 it is the 181.20.Frames are unlocked.Tried TNCM with scenery and autogen at dense, am getting 35fps (cockpit view end of 27).Tried heavy cloud settings, this baby is eating clouds for breakfast ( fps were not going lower than 35). Magic number for me:CPU 4.0ghz, DDR2 1066 and GTX285 . FSX fliesnote: again this is only meant to be useful for people wanting to improve their FSX experience.Pierre

Very interesting info Pierre. I am contemplating replacement of my 8800GTX. I don't think the perfromance increase will be as large, particularly as the driver change will have give some of that improvement. I'll see if anyone else risks it.

Hi,I've got the same performance increase when replacing my 8800GTX with a GTX285 oc:ed. I posted my simple benchmark comparison over here http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=29276 Scroll down to the last posts in the thread. Very impressive performance with the GTX285 on a X58 based platform.

Hi,I've got the same performance increase when replacing my 8800GTX with a GTX285 oc:ed. I posted my simple benchmark comparison over here http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=29276 Scroll down to the last posts in the thread. Very impressive performance with the GTX285 on a X58 based platform.

Looked at your results. That is very interesting Ulf.I would have expected a lower increase since you had a 8800GTX. But that GTX285 is impressive particularly when u have the right CPU speed 3.6+ & mem+.Still testing. (test more than flying).Will provide more numbers particularly at the FPS level and the scaling with scenery & autogen complexity.Pierrenote: just noted you had your GTX285 o'c so that explains the difference. Tks