Hello all!I'm pricing out a new FSX system. I'd like to stay under $3K. I think I've nailed down most everything except the two main components, CPU & video card. One thing to add is that I'm not a serious hardware tweaker/overclocker/etc type. Being a software developer, I generally leave the hardware alone. :-)For CPU I'm trying to choose between:- i7 950 3.06GHz- i7 975 Extreme 3.33GHzIs the 'better' one really worth the ~$500 increase in price?For video card (running single display): nVidia GTS 240 1GBnVidia GTX 260 1.8GBHere again, is the 'better' really worth it? From threads I've read in these hardware forums, it seems a single GPU card ultimately produces better performance in FSX?Appreciate any advice suggestions...thanks!Joe

Hello all!I'm pricing out a new FSX system. I'd like to stay under $3K. I think I've nailed down most everything except the two main components, CPU & video card. One thing to add is that I'm not a serious hardware tweaker/overclocker/etc type. Being a software developer, I generally leave the hardware alone. :-)For CPU I'm trying to choose between:- i7 950 3.06GHz- i7 975 Extreme 3.33GHzIs the 'better' one really worth the ~$500 increase in price?For video card (running single display): nVidia GTS 240 1GBnVidia GTX 260 1.8GBHere again, is the 'better' really worth it? From threads I've read in these hardware forums, it seems a single GPU card ultimately produces better performance in FSX?Appreciate any advice suggestions...thanks!Joe

I use an i7 975. The extra expense was worth it to me. Experienced overclockers can get many of the 950s to comparable speeds, but the unlocked multipliers in the 975 make the overclock pretty easy, often just a matter of a few voltage tweaks and changing the CPU mult in the BIOS--all without pushing the mobo and supporting chipset at all. You also have a much better chance of squeezing out all the rated perf on your RAM because of the added flexibility in base clock speeds that unlocked mults give you. There are other differences as well, hotly debated, but still real. I have not come across anyone who was not able to get the 975 up over 4 GHz...for most the limitation is cooling, and not the CPU itself. I have mine running at 4.4GHz at under 50 deg C on water, with pretty conservative voltage margins. If I push the voltages I can get it to 4.52 GHz stable with temps in the low 50s, and I stopped there to avoid exceeding Intel's published max operating voltages.As for the video, I think you'd be better off with a 1GB nVidia GTX285 or even an 896MB GTX275 than either of those cards, but between those two I'd go with the 260.And on a build with either of those i7 CPUs, don't compromise with skunky memory--fast RAM with high CAS latency isn't really fast. I think 1600 MHz at CAS 6 is optimum right now...lots of people having problems with the 2000 MHz CAS 7 stuff, it's really hit or miss.RegardsBob ScottColonel, USAF (ret)ATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-VColorado Springs, CO

Hello all!I'm pricing out a new FSX system. I'd like to stay under $3K. I think I've nailed down most everything except the two main components, CPU & video card. One thing to add is that I'm not a serious hardware tweaker/overclocker/etc type. Being a software developer, I generally leave the hardware alone. :-)For CPU I'm trying to choose between:- i7 950 3.06GHz- i7 975 Extreme 3.33GHzIs the 'better' one really worth the ~$500 increase in price?For video card (running single display): nVidia GTS 240 1GBnVidia GTX 260 1.8GBHere again, is the 'better' really worth it? From threads I've read in these hardware forums, it seems a single GPU card ultimately produces better performance in FSX?Appreciate any advice suggestions...thanks!Joe

Joe, if the extra $500 isn't a big hit to your bank account, go for the 975. Otherwise, get the 950. Either way, I would recommend keeping an open mind to overclocking.FYI, until a few months ago, I didn't even know what overclocking was. Seriously. Long story short, I learned how to overclock by getting advice from folks on the forums and a little independent research. It wasn't an unreasonable time investment. I am very happy with the results.Bottom line: don't dismiss overclocking as an option. For a moderate overclock, it is really not a massive effort. Video card:I have heard that the 260 is a great value.

Joe, if the extra $500 isn't a big hit to your bank account, go for the 975. Otherwise, get the 950. Either way, I would recommend keeping an open mind to overclocking.FYI, until a few months ago, I didn't even know what overclocking was. Seriously. Long story short, I learned how to overclock by getting advice from folks on the forums and a little independent research. It wasn't an unreasonable time investment. I am very happy with the results.Bottom line: don't dismiss overclocking as an option. For a moderate overclock, it is really not a massive effort. Video card:I have heard that the 260 is a great value.

Get the 275, it is a BETTER value. Trust me, you will thank yourself if you do especially if you go with the extreme 920.

Thanks to all who replied for the excellent advice. Seems clear that going with the 'Extreme' CPU line is worth the $. Since I'm looking at Alienware Aurora, seems I'm stuck with the 240, 260, or 295 as video card options :( I've seen in the Video forum that the 295 isn't really that better for FS performance than the 285 - particularly with a single display configuration (which I'll have since I'll be using my previous PC to run addons via WideFS). So, seems best option for now is the 260 and then upgrade to the 285 (or something better) later. I'm presuming my configuration will make FS9 quite happy should I not get the performance I'm hoping for out of FSX?Joe

Thanks to all who replied for the excellent advice. Seems clear that going with the 'Extreme' CPU line is worth the $. Since I'm looking at Alienware Aurora, seems I'm stuck with the 240, 260, or 295 as video card options :( I've seen in the Video forum that the 295 isn't really that better for FS performance than the 285 - particularly with a single display configuration (which I'll have since I'll be using my previous PC to run addons via WideFS). So, seems best option for now is the 260 and then upgrade to the 285 (or something better) later. I'm presuming my configuration will make FS9 quite happy should I not get the performance I'm hoping for out of FSX?Joe

I've got to say that those video card options are pretty bizarre for a PC built with an EE processor. Are you sure that there's no way they could get a 285 into the build? Truly, it makes me wonder what other arbitrary limitations you're going to find in that system. A special level of caveat emptor applies to any OEM mass-produced system. I'd really recommend you check some of the custom system builders if you haven't already.CheersBob ScottColonel, USAF (ret)ATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-VColorado Springs, CO

I've got to say that those video card options are pretty bizarre for a PC built with an EE processor. Are you sure that there's no way they could get a 285 into the build? Truly, it makes me wonder what other arbitrary limitations you're going to find in that system. A special level of caveat emptor applies to any OEM mass-produced system. I'd really recommend you check some of the custom system builders if you haven't already.CheersBob ScottColonel, USAF (ret)ATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-VColorado Springs, CO

I sure do agree with you on the crazy options. Yeah, I called to verify...no 285. I'd rather build as well, however let's just say "my current employment offers enough incentive from a budgetary perspective" to consider OEM (Dell/Alienware) over custom. Ah well...such is the doom of us simmers, the delicate balance of PC power and the wallet. "Real Life" intentionally left out of the balancing act - who among us has such a thing LOLJoe

from a budgetary perspective" to consider OEM (Dell/Alienware) over custom. Joe

Instead of pricy Alienware, etc,. you may want to consider custom flightsim system built by (they overclock too):http://www.jetlinesystems.com/yes, they built them specifically with flightsimming in mind. Some people from these forums were ecstatic about the results.

I sure do agree with you on the crazy options. Yeah, I called to verify...no 285. I'd rather build as well, however let's just say "my current employment offers enough incentive from a budgetary perspective" to consider OEM (Dell/Alienware) over custom. Ah well...such is the doom of us simmers, the delicate balance of PC power and the wallet. "Real Life" intentionally left out of the balancing act - who among us has such a thing LOLJoe

------------------------------------You are not stuck with Alienware! If you go to the www.dell.ca (the Canadian site, and look under the XPS line, you can still find XPS 730x gaming rigs. They (Dell) have dropped them from their lineup in the 'States, and a lot of people are trying to order them from Canada and have them shipped back home. The 730x is a fantastic rig (I own one...) and you can still get a GTX285 (if you call Canadian Dell up by phone and speak with someone live, rather than just spec out from online). Dell have really shot themselves in the foot by trying to force everybody looking for a high-end gaming rig to their purchased Alienware lineup. The XPS 730x was their finest and 'built-like-a-brick xxxxxx' model.If this interests you...don't loiter...for I hear tell that they are selling like hotcakes...and the choice for CPU/GPU is starting to get tight. I also suggest that you try to order one with the laser-cut X side panel. With their Alienware system lights...it is quite a thing of beauty to see your inner workings doing their 'thang.If this interests you....the key word is HURRY before they are all gone! Again, call, rather than just spec from online..and most likely you will be able to get an i7-975/GTX285 combo.

Instead of pricy Alienware, etc,. you may want to consider custom flightsim system built by (they overclock too):http://www.jetlinesystems.com/yes, they built them specifically with flightsimming in mind. Some people from these forums were ecstatic about the results.

Thanks for pointing out this vendor - viewing their rigs ended up raising another question. I notice that the systems they have which rate top performance for FSX, rate at low performance for FS9, and of course, vice versa. That surprised me... So, here's a question for you experts...my plan had been to get what I could within my budget and hope for the best with FSX (I haven't made the leap yet from FS9 - scared of performance and having to buy all new versions of my addons). If I couldn't get past the performance , I was going to revert to FS9 (my FS9 runs silk smooth on my XPS laptop with sliders maxed out and the usual addons (UT, ASA, etc). However, it now seems I could end up shooting myself in the foot by getting something FS9 doesn't like? What I've decided on so far is (only the important components listed):i7 975 Extreme8GB DDR3 @ 1066MHzGeForce GTX 260 1.8G (I can't get a straight answer from Dell or Alienware if this is a single GPU version or a dual GPU with SLI :( , but hopefully will replace it in a few months with a GTX285 anyway)X-Fi Titanium1TB Raid 0 (2x500GB @ 7200rpm)The question: Is FS9 going to be happy with this setup if I end up staying there for a while?Thanks!Joe

I notice that the systems they have which rate top performance for FSX, rate at low performance for FS9, and of course, vice versa. That surprised me...

Yeah, it may be confusing. I also spotted this and assumed that it meant the rig was simply an overkill for FS9, in other words not very cost-effective.You may want to call them up and find out what exactly they meant. It simply makes no sense that a 'better' system would perform worse in FS9.

Why do people here recommend (let alone buy) the severely over-priced PCs jetline offers? Twice the cost of other brands just because they claim to know how to build PCs "for flight sim". There's no magic pixie dust in these systems folks. An i7 975 in one system is the same as an i7 975 in another, minor variances in overclocking capability aside, of course.

Twice the cost of other brands just because they claim to know how to build PCs "for flight sim".

No, not 'twice' the cost of other systems. If you compare components and compare apples to apples it won't be nowhere near your 'twice'. I know, writing hyperbole is in style on these forums. Actually if you start comparing with some of those Dell XPS 730x systems from your website all of a sudden Dell sounds "twice" expensive too.

Thanks for pointing out this vendor - viewing their rigs ended up raising another question. I notice that the systems they have which rate top performance for FSX, rate at low performance for FS9, and of course, vice versa. That surprised me... So, here's a question for you experts...my plan had been to get what I could within my budget and hope for the best with FSX (I haven't made the leap yet from FS9 - scared of performance and having to buy all new versions of my addons). If I couldn't get past the performance , I was going to revert to FS9 (my FS9 runs silk smooth on my XPS laptop with sliders maxed out and the usual addons (UT, ASA, etc). However, it now seems I could end up shooting myself in the foot by getting something FS9 doesn't like? What I've decided on so far is (only the important components listed):i7 975 Extreme8GB DDR3 @ 1066MHzGeForce GTX 260 1.8G (I can't get a straight answer from Dell or Alienware if this is a single GPU version or a dual GPU with SLI :( , but hopefully will replace it in a few months with a GTX285 anyway)X-Fi Titanium1TB Raid 0 (2x500GB @ 7200rpm)The question: Is FS9 going to be happy with this setup if I end up staying there for a while?Thanks!Joe

I'd bet FS9 will still rock the house on this PC.That said, something is amiss with any i7 975 config sporting 8GB of RAM. This tells me that they are using RAM in dual-channel config, when the X58 chipset and i7 are both designed to use triple-channel DDR3 RAM.Caveat EmptorBob ScottColonel, USAF (ret)ATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-VColorado Springs, CO

No, not 'twice' the cost of other systems. If you compare components and compare apples to apples it won't be nowhere near your 'twice'. I know, writing hyperbole is in style on these forums. Actually if you start comparing with some of those Dell XPS 730x systems from your website all of a sudden Dell sounds "twice" expensive too.

Yes, twice the cost.