I have decided to upgrade my system to an Intel i5 2500 (can't afford the i7!)and also to Windows 7. Is there any advantage in the 64 bit v 32 bit?Can I use 8gb of memory with the 32 bit or must I get 64 bit.Amazing but I still use XP and a single core AMD 4000! But it runs MD11 very wellso long as I have virtually no scenery or aircraft or weather!!So now is the time to move. Any thoughts on this will be much appreciated.Thanks,David

I have decided to upgrade my system to an Intel i5 2500 (can't afford the i7!)and also to Windows 7. Is there any advantage in the 64 bit v 32 bit?Can I use 8gb of memory with the 32 bit or must I get 64 bit.Amazing but I still use XP and a single core AMD 4000! But it runs MD11 very wellso long as I have virtually no scenery or aircraft or weather!!So now is the time to move. Any thoughts on this will be much appreciated.Thanks,David

Absolutely get 64-bit. It's more stable & eliminates a lot of problems you read about on the board.

Absolutely agree with Ken, 64 bit all the way.

No one should be building a new system with 32-bit now.

Also, you mentioned the 2500, but for few bucks (literally just a few) more, you could get the 2500k which allows full overclocking. This would allow you to really unleash the power of the SB and fsx would respond very well as it is highly CPU dependent.Where do you plan on getting the mobo from? There has been a temporary recall of all six series intel chipsets.

Thanks for all your replies -64bit it is.I intend to get the MSI P67A-GD55 Intel P67 Express - Socket 1155 Motherboard and GeForce GTX 460 PCI-E graphics.I can wait if needed until things are sorted out althoughScan.co.uk have the Sandy Bridge in stock but warn about the SATA problem.I would use the SATA111 ports if I go ahead now.David

Get the 2500K not the 2500. Even if you don't plan on overclocking its a nice feature to have if you ever want to.