I’m thinking about upgrading from my BFG nVidia GeForce GTX 260 OC graphics card to a Gigabyte GTX 570. Since this isn’t a cheap upgrade, I could use feedback as to whether this may be a good choice in the never-ending pursuit of Flight Simulator “nirvana”. Here’s what I’m running: System – Dell XPS 430 w/ Intel Q8300 quad core processor at stock 2.5 GHz speed, the GTX 260 video card w/ 896MB video memory, Windows 7 64-bit OS w/ 8GB memory. Monitors – LG W2252TQ (2)Flight Simulator Version: FSX Gold (i.e. w/ Acceleration)Add-ons – REX, ASE weather, Radar Contact, TrafficX,Orbx Scenery, Dreamteam airports, AES, FS PassengerX, FSCommander v9, and most recently, FSPS Extreme FSX PC. Based on just one recent eBay sale, it looks like I can expect to get only $50-60 for my GTX 260. That still leaves quite a bit to make up for a new GTX 570 that goes for about $350. The reason I’m thinking about a graphics card upgrade is that some of my more recent add-ons (e.g. Orbx's Pacific NW scenery) have started to lower my FPS rate a bit too much for my liking. The recently purchased FSPS Extreme FSX PC has helped significantly, but I’m a glutton for the “need for speed” (FPS speed, that is) Thanks for any comments. Larry

Hi, you have completly the same system as I. I´m very happy with my GTX260. Why don´t you save the money and try to oc the CPU? I have mine running stable on 3 GHz. It´s very esay to oc this CPU: You´ve only set the CPU speed form 333 MHz to 400 MHz and off you go. This will give you more performance then a new card ever could.

It's no solution with a top of the line gpu, I'm afraid, your cpu is struggling. You may get nicer graphics, but your cpu will still struggle to feed your gpu none the less.BjornEdit: sorry for cross post.

Hi, you have completly the same system as I. I´m very happy with my GTX260. Why don´t you save the money and try to oc the CPU? I have mine running stable on 3 GHz. It´s very esay to oc this CPU: You´ve only set the CPU speed form 333 MHz to 400 MHz and off you go. This will give you more performance then a new card ever could.

Thanks, Steffen. I don't know how to change the CPU speed from 333 MHz to 400 MHz. I'm sure I can do some checking to find out how, but since you've done it, can you share how it's done on the XPS 430 CPU? Thanks.

You can't overclock a Dell

You can't overclock a Dell

Damn! I should have read the op better.

You can't overclock a Dell

Thanks for confirming what I suspected might be the reason I could not find any info on overclocking my Dell. It would appear my best bet for optimal performance would be to tweak my FSX settings. I think FSPS's Extreme FSX PC utility could be a big help toward this end. An upgrade in graphics card might make more sense whenever I get a newer PC (Alienware or custom-built, perhaps.)