Hi all,First off, my apologies if this is a a question that has been flogged to death in the past. I've researched so many websites and forums each with an overwhelming amount of well educated suggestions. Sadly, the way the computer industry advances in short periods of time, much of the information and suggestions are outdated. This information overload has left me dumbfounded to say the least.I am new to the FSX family, but very excited about making the most out of the experience and enjoying it to the max. I respect that much of the enjoyment comes from skill and the actual flying, but no one can deny that a fluid and rich textured flying environment only enhances the experience. With that in mind, I'm in the process of researching the building of a new desktop computer focused on optimization for FSX.Now certianly with thousands of dollars at my disposal, a "perfect" box would be easy to rig up with the finest of high quality and super performing components, but, like many, thousands of dollars aren't at my disposal. If we did, many of us would opt for real flying perhaps as an ultimate flight experience? You guys are the pros having flying simulation aircraft for much longer than I. You all have experiences and boxes that you use that have been successful. I turn to you now ... guide me with your experiences, share your suggestions and observations.What I have decided on thus far.Asus P5G41C-M Socket 775 MotherboardIntel Core 2 Quad Q9650 Quad-Core Socket LGA775. 3.0 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB, 12MB L2 Cache, 45 nm4GB - Corsair XMS3 Classic DDR3 1333MHz CL9 DIMM (Optimized for Core i5, i7, Core 2 and AMD Phenom II)The remaining critical component I have NO idea!!! You guessed it ... graphic card(s).I wish to receive a decent framerate ... 27-30fps? (a guess), a moderate to high detail settings on FSX at a resolution of 1920x1080 (min?). I also wish to spread this application out amongst 3 lcd monitors - how - (2 of which I am already using). I am looking for any suggestions/advice in what you feel would be the best arrangement of current graphic card(s) needed in my proposed system to achieve the minimum results (or better ie future higher resolution consideration) at a "respectable" price level.I look forward to your replies. Thank you all!Jenn

Good looking system so far. Powerful CPU, are you keeping and old motherboard or getting a new one?For the Graphics card, the best for the money is definetly the GTX 460 for roughly 250 USD$ It will perfom great and will overclock too. Even then if you have a bit more money to spend the GTX 470 is a beast, I got mine on sale for 300 USD which is a good deal. And can't tell you how they compete but the GTX 470 is faster by far.

Thank you luckyman for your input ...

Good looking system so far. Powerful CPU, are you keeping and old motherboard or getting a new one?

It will be a new MB .... an Asus P5G41C-M Socket 775 Motherboard

For the Graphics card, the best for the money is definetly the GTX 460 ... if you have a bit more money to spend the GTX 470 is a beast,

Well worth considering. Do these support multiple monitors? That is a big question also. What configuration of card or cards would I need to support multiple monitors ... a minimum of 3. I know most cards have two outputs, an analogue and digital perhaps which would allow a dual monitor setup. But for 3 or 4? Two cards?Jenn

Thank you luckyman for your input ...It will be a new MB .... an Asus P5G41C-M Socket 775 MotherboardWell worth considering. Do these support multiple monitors? That is a big question also. What configuration of card or cards would I need to support multiple monitors ... a minimum of 3. I know most cards have two outputs, an analogue and digital perhaps which would allow a dual monitor setup. But for 3 or 4? Two cards?Jenn

First off you might consider an i7 if your changing your motherboard anyway?And secondly I dont know anyhting about 3 monitor setups

After some reaserchAditional reading http://forums.overcl...howtopic=177739So you would need 2 GTX 460 for a 3 monitor setup. But another alternative which is to buy just one card but get this http://www.matrox.co...ucts/gxm/th2go/ which will let you run 3 monitors with one card. The last possiblity is to get an Ati 5850 for around 300$ which supports eyefinity i.e. 3 monitor setups, You'll only need one card but also this gear http://www.overclock...ot-support.html. Personally I think explore all the options but 2 Nvidia cards seems the best option because Triple Head 2 is around 300$