Hello there,I'm looking on how to upgrade my system.Actual configuration is:- Core2 E6600 - 3x1GB DDR2-800 (originally were 4GB, but 1 stick went bad just after the end of the warranty...)- Asus P5K mainboard (P35 chipset)- Nvidia GeForce 8800GTS 640MB- 22" LCD monitor running at 1680x1050- 250GB maxtor system HD - HD WD Raptor for sims - 1 partition for FS9 + 1 partition for FSX sp2- WinXP32bitI don't know how to overclock, so everything is running at their nominal frequencies. Performance is ok in FS9.My goal is to improve FSX performance, which is about 20 fps average, but under 10fps at times. I whish to mantain the mainboard, so what should I change? CPU or GPU?Thanks in advanceStefano

What's your budget and how much time are you willing to invest? Going to a core i7 rig and overclocking it significantly will give you a huge boost over your core 2 duo, but also involves time and money.

Seems to me that you should be able to run FSX OK with the system you have. Many people with less power than you , do well. Your computer and FSX need to be properly tuned. Do a little searching about overclocking and give it a try. I had a E6750 with a 8800GT with a mild OC and most settings maxed and did alright fps wise. That said, You might look into the fastest dual or Quad you can afford first, then a better GPU.Bob

@TechguyMaxC:at this time I'm not planning a complete system makeover, so I have some budget for cpu OR gpu upgrade only. Just 200 EUR max@bobbyjackI'm playing whith NickN's tuning suggestions in FSX right now, but so far I were not able to obtain good results. I'm still trying, though.OC is a good idea, but I clearly need an "Overclocking for dummies" guide. Can you suggest me some good gides/pdfs/pages around?Thank youStefano

If the only goal of your upgrade is to increase FSX performance your only logical choice is to pickup a cheap quadcore and overclock it. Perhaps a Q8 or low-end Q9 series chip would fall within your budget.

What's your budget and how much time are you willing to invest? Going to a core i7 rig and overclocking it significantly will give you a huge boost over your core 2 duo, but also involves time and money.

Sorry Tech Guy...I have yet to see an i7 system thats sweet for FSX with out lots of piddeling....Its more about the relationship of bandwidths that is needed for FSX...And an OC of at least 3.2 on a good Dual core CPU....Quad if you must...I built a $410.00 rig last month to see how well I could get FSX to run.....Thats total cost minus a PSU I had on hand...Add 50 more bucks for that to the cost...Did it fly FSX...You bet it did...Better than my big rig did with piles of cash inside....I Have FEX..GEX..UTX installed and lock at 35 and it holds all day..Inweather too...With med to high settings, and traffic at 40% and GA at 75...Its a E5200 OCed to 3.39 on a Gigabyte Mobo with a 3850 Vid card...NO TWEAKING was done...It flys right out the box briallently too.... I have been selling a lot of them too ....

Sorry Tech Guy...I have yet to see an i7 system thats sweet for FSX with out lots of piddeling....Its more about the relationship of bandwidths that is needed for FSX...And an OC of at least 3.2 on a good Dual core CPU....Quad if you must...

If you want the best you have to pay for it. I never said nor even implied that lesser platforms than I7 were incapable of delivering decent FSX performance.

I built a $410.00 rig last month to see how well I could get FSX to run.....Thats total cost minus a PSU I had on hand...Add 50 more bucks for that to the cost...Did it fly FSX...You bet it did...Better than my big rig did with piles of cash inside....I Have FEX..GEX..UTX installed and lock at 35 and it holds all day..Inweather too...With med to high settings, and traffic at 40% and GA at 75...Its a E5200 OCed to 3.39 on a Gigabyte Mobo with a 3850 Vid card...

Yeah, I've seen your comments WRT the aforementioned system in other threads here. Suffice it to say I take your claims with a grain of salt, especially given the following comment:

NO TWEAKING was done...It flys right out the box briallently too....

Let alone this one:

I have been selling a lot of them too ....

You are a funny person..But its all so true.....No tweaks..Just load and fly...So...I am to assume that you feel FSX has to be tweaked to fly ?Surely not....Believe it or not....

You are a funny person..But its all so true.....No tweaks..Just load and fly...So...I am to assume that you feel FSX has to be tweaked to fly ?Surely not....Believe it or not....

FSX needs to be tweaked to get the most out of it, and to experience smooth flight with high settings. Do *you* deny this?