I'm considering switching from my current computer for FSX, which is a 2 core quad system and 4 GB RAM (Windows XP Pro, 32 bit) to putting FSX on my new machine which is an Intel i7 920 with 8GB RAM, Windows 7 Pro 64 bit. I would change out my video card from a Quadro to another NVidia (likely the GTX 250?). Does anyone have experience with FSX on both machines that would allow them to make a comparison as to how much more fluid or what the effect of bumping up the sliders in FSX would be in such a move? I run addon's that include ASA, UTX, GEX and FSGenesis (and will likely add REX2). Currently the main "cutbacks" I have are the autogen is set to Normal and occasionally Dense (when not in heavy weather) and the terrain detail is set one notch down from the top. Most other sliders are maxed, but that said, there are times (again in heavy weather) when even with that, things are a bit less than smooth. I tend to fly low and fairly slow using the Beaver, Twin Otter and DC3, and often am not far off the trees.Any ideas on whether I would gain enough by this move would be most helpful. If I won't, I'll leave things as they are. If it is, I'll make the move.Many thanks for the help.

What exactly is your old system? A Q9550? Or something like a q8200?The new system would probably be better (without knowing your old specs), but don't get a GTS 250 - get a GTX285, and try to overclock the i7 920 using an aftermarket cooler. that will help FSX the most.

"dual core quad" "2 core quad"Do you mean Core 2 Quad? If so, which model and are you overclocking currently?

Intel i7 920 with 8GB RAM

The i7 920 uses triple channel memory vice dual channel. Although it is possible to run 8GB it would not be recommended. Your optimal setup would be 6GB in Triple Channel mode.Jeremy

Ohh, sorry folks, I didn't mean to "ask and run" :( . I got called away unexpectedly right after I posted my question and wasn't in reach of the internet. Sorry about that.My current system is a Core 2 Quad, Q6600 @ 2.4 GHz, 4 GB DDRn RAM (not sure if it's DDR2 or 3 - the machine is about a year old), Windows XP Pro - 32 bit (SP3). I have a GeForce 9800 GTX+ video card. My new machine, which was not originally going to run FSX (it's really set up as a graphics/business computer) doesn't sound (from what's been said here) like the best bet. I would have to change out the video card for sure (it's a Quadro and isn't meant for gaming), and the 8 Megs RAM is pretty much set at this point. From what you folks are saying, it would probably make more sense for me to eventually replace my current FS machine with a new i7 version with specs more in line with what FSX needs and keep the business and pleasure separated.If anyone has further comments based on what I wrote here, I would be most grateful, but otherwise I'll watch and learn in this forum and work on something for the summer. Thanks very much to you folks for helping me out here, and again sorry for running away right after posting a question. Your time is much appreciated!

Q6600->i7 920 would yield an FPS increase given all else ~equal. I do recommend overclocking though, especially if you want to run high settings with add-ons.