I am seeing some feedback on a proposed new computer system. The specs are as follows:Intel I7-950 3.0 GHz, 8MB 4.8 GT/s LGA 1360 (Bloomfield core)Gigabtye X58 LGA 1366 US 3.0 ATX Motherboard8 GB DDR3 1600 PC3-12800 RAM950W SLI Crossfire PSUWindows 7 Home 64 bitOther components of the computer will be scavanged from my existing system including a NIVIDA GTX 460 1GB video card. At this time, I intend to forego a SSD I've read many of the post on this forum concerning the Sandybridge process, but the store that I'm working with does not build with this processer. With some of the other concerns about the SB MB's, I'm considering this processor at this time.I'm builing this sytem for FSX performance. In FSX, I run Level D, Maddog, and PMDG add-on products. I'm building this system in preparation for PMDG's soon-to-be-released NG737X. I also use include Active Sky Evolution and Track IR. I would like to begin using Radar Contact and few other add-on's as well as airport enhancements.My current system is an older Pentium 3, 3.1 GHz, so I know that I will see an increase in performance. I am a hard IFR flyer who uses these products to maintain flight proficiency. Will this proposed system allow decent frame rates for IFR flying with detailed weather, perhaps with some AI traffic and detailed airports added into the mix? Any suggestions for other components or different processors?Thanks for your help,Rich Boll

HiIMO thats not a bad system but a bit outdated. Try to get a sandybridge somehow. its cheaper and better. if you will use only one videocard the 950watt is way too much. go for a corsair hx 650 or 750.also for any cpu get a decent cooler and OC it. Cpu clock speed is the most important for fsx. (4.0ghz+)

You want the triple channel RAM with the i7's....So 6GB or 12GB would be a better fit.Also, suggest a quality aftermarket cooler to aid you in overclocking...http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1212/1/Something like that if you have the space in your case.Finally, and most importantly, make sure that power supply is a quality brand like Corsair, Seasonic, Coolermaster... example:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171055You want the most Amperage on the 12v rail. The one listed above has plenty.

HiIMO thats not a bad system but a bit outdated. Try to get a sandybridge somehow. its cheaper and better. if you will use only one videocard the 950watt is way too much. go for a corsair hx 650 or 750.also for any cpu get a decent cooler and OC it. Cpu clock speed is the most important for fsx. (4.0ghz+)

Thank you very much for your comments. I have not been able to find prices for the sandybridge processors. I check Newegg.com, but nothing was shown. I'm also concerned about the chipset issue that is currently affecting the sandybridge MBs. In the past, I built my own computers from scratch. This time around, I was considering purchasing a system that I spec'd out from a local dealer. I know that I'm paying a bit more, but I also hope that I can eliminate some of the problems that I had last time, e.g. heat sink installation, DOA CPU fan, etc. Don't get me wrong, Newegg did a great support job. I just don't want the hassle this time around.I've been reading this forum and the recent Computer Pilot series on processor options. From what I've read, I know that processor speed is the key to FSX performance. There is an I5-680 proessor that runs at 3.6 Ghz that I've been looking at as well. The company that I'm working with doesn't recommend over-clocking the processor (or at least this particular technician did't recommend it -- warranty reason, I believe). I'm wondering if it is better to look at he I5 3.6 instead of the I7 3.0 since the processor speed is faster. Any thoughts?Thanks again for your help!Rich

You want the triple channel RAM with the i7's....So 6GB or 12GB would be a better fit.Also, suggest a quality aftermarket cooler to aid you in overclocking...http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1212/1/Something like that if you have the space in your case.Finally, and most importantly, make sure that power supply is a quality brand like Corsair, Seasonic, Coolermaster... example:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171055You want the most Amperage on the 12v rail. The one listed above has plenty.

Thanks for your feedback!The case is a Cooler Master Storm Scout Mid Tower case. I'll have to check on the OEM name for the power supply.If I understand correctly, I can back off on the RAM to 6 GB's of DDR3 RAM instead of obtaining 8 GB, correct? Is is preferable to move up to a faster RAM above 1600?Once again, thanks for your help!Rich

If I understand correctly, I can back off on the RAM to 6 GB's of DDR3 RAM instead of obtaining 8 GB, correct? Is is preferable to move up to a faster RAM above 1600?

Yes... the 6GB kit will come as three sticks of 2GB. 1600 is pretty much the lowest you want to go. Higher will aid during overclocking. But you should be alright with 1600.

Yes... the 6GB kit will come as three sticks of 2GB. 1600 is pretty much the lowest you want to go. Higher will aid during overclocking. But you should be alright with 1600.

Thanks Ryan,I'll investigate using a next highest speed RAM. Rich