I'm happy with FS2004, but it is time that I get a new PC. My current box has been going strong for 3+ years, and it runs fs2004 fairly well, but it is starting to seriously lag with many other applications now.Normally, this would be where I would be asking about what hardware, etc. However, my initial problem is one of compatibility. I want a PC with 4 gb of RAM or more, so that means a 64 bit OS. Unfortunately some of my favorite add-ons simply don't work in a 64-bit environment according to the documentation. I'm not sure how many, but I know of a few big add-ons (ones that are the single reason I run fs2004) won't work. So, essentially the new PC I want to buy will run better but do less... :)I've thought of a few options to this and wanted some opinions (I don't think I'm the only one in this position)-Dual boot XP 32 bit and Vista 64 bit (and eventually Win7 64). I will have an XP32 OS just to run FS2004 and that's it. My big question is about how that will handle more than 4gb of RAM? Will the XP OS just ignore the extra RAM? I really don't want to maintain two operating systems-Separate PCs for Flightsim and everything else. I really don't have the deskspace (or the budget) for this.-Move to FSX and stick with 64 bit compatible add-ons. I don't want to have another FSX vs FS2004 discussion, but just from a hardware perspective, moving to FSX might just be the thing to do right now. Any opinions or other options would be welcome! :)

Hmm Im in the same boat/plane as you, also do I wait for Win 7 or go with the rc version? never easy is it.Tony

As I understand it, 64 bit is the way to go. You may just have to bite the bullet.However, 32 bit Vista may not use all 4 GBs, but uses over three. Worth it to me. I believe you can never have too much ram, but unless you are cranking mosnter programs, does one need 6 or 12 GBs?That being said, When I get a 64 bit system, I'll go for more ram also. Computers are a sickness.Bob

Which ones won't work? If you are talking about the Dreamfleet Dakota you can get the FSX version, mod the panel to use another freeware gauge (or the Reality XP GNS units if you have them). I run Vista x64 and recently configured the Dakota to run just fine, using the RXP GNS430W. The rest of the RXP gauges work fine in a 64 bit environment.See this thread for the Dakota in 64bithttp://forums.flightsim.com/vbfs/showthread.php?t=196117I'd just bite the bullet and switch to Vista x64, or Win 7 x64 for that matter. XP Pro x64 is another alternative, though I've had problems with drivers in the past.

Yes, that's pretty much it. I'm just going to have to deal with the compatibility issues. I hear about a lot of issues with the 16bit trainer for the RXP stuff. There just seems to be so few quality GA aircraft for fs2004, and few coming. I don't want to cause any more to possibly not work. Just a weird place to be with flightsim right now. Usually my only problem is affording a new rig to get the sim to run better. I've got to upgrade though. I'll probably just wait until fall and Windows 7.

Yes, that's pretty much it. I'm just going to have to deal with the compatibility issues. I hear about a lot of issues with the 16bit trainer for the RXP stuff. I've got to upgrade though. I'll probably just wait until fall and Windows 7.

1) The newer RXP units use the 32bit trainers so you're good to go if you purchase any of the new ones2) You should still be able to get into the Windows 7 RChttp://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspxAlso Newegg has a promotion going on where you can buy Vista and get Win7 when its released for free:http://promotions.newegg.com/Microsoft/Win..._OEM/index.html

XP SP 3 all the way for me..FSx has low ram usage....Most games do...although in XP it will not report all your ram, its still using it.I have a XP and Vista 64 machine...Same amount of ram in both..(2X2)One machine cost 2,200 or so to buildOne machine cast 500 to buildBoth run FSX flawless