Hello everyone,I am finally attempting to make the move to FSX in preparation for the PMDG 737NGX. I came across this computer that I got from a friend for a pretty good deal and thought I'd give it a shot. Last night I installed FSX Deluxe w/ Acceleration and began to do some of the quick tweaks that I could find. I was using the default 737-800 in KSEA with most settings maxed and getting between 10 and 20 fps(I had the slider set for 21fps lock). I guess that's not too bad. But, I was definitely getting stutters when taxiing around. In the end, I don't really care too much about the exact frame rate number that I hit as long as it is smooth and looks good. I want all the eye candy I can take. I still have more searching and tweaking to do but, I am kind of disappointed that a 5 year old "game" still can't run great and a 6 month old system(even if it is a pre-built). So, do I try to sell this and build my own going to the i7 2600k and OC w/ a NVidia GTX580 or something like that? I really can't afford to do that but I also really don't want to miss the release of the NGX either. Was I totally wrong to think this system could handle FSX w/ add ons smoothly(UTX, GEX, Orbx, ASE, REX and the NGX)?System specs are in the sig. Anyone have one or experience with one and able to get it to run FSX smooth?Thanks,

I just got my system(specs in sig) up and running and so far it's looking very promising.The only issue with a pre-built system from Dell is that you can overclock it(AFAIK), the 2600k just screams to be overclocked and mine hit 5ghz stable the first time out of the gate with only a V-core bump.To save money could you just get a new Motherboard and cooler and keep the other components? Will it fit into the Dell case? You might concievably be able to keep all your other parts.EDIT: I just noticed that you have the 2600 not the 2600K, so disregard what I said...

Yeah, no overclocking the 2600 from what I have read so far.I have thought about trying to just upgrade parts but I think in the end would more or less be in the same ballpark as rebuilding a whole system anyway. Maybe not? I will have to check in to that option some more I guess. Maybe I could just get a new MOBO, i7 2600k and Nvidia 5x0(probably would have to just do the 560 here for cost reasons). I know too I would need a better power supply in there as well as I don't think Dell puts too big of one in there. I bet memory too - there is 4x2G 1333Mhz sticks in there now but not sure what the latency on those are or anything.

I wouldn't even try fitting new components in the dell case. You will end up making decisions based on what the case can accommodate and in the end you will compromise your system. Believe me - this is exactly how I started! Not only that, but I know from experience that Dell likes to make things unnecessarily proprietary - even fan connectors for example!You could start by trying a GTX 560 in the Dell and see if that provides acceptable performance. If not, then sell the prebuilt computer, keep the 560, and start your scratch build.

You could start by trying a GTX 560 in the Dell and see if that provides acceptable performance. If not, then sell the prebuilt computer, keep the 560, and start your scratch build.

Exactly what I would do. I'm curious if the PSU will support any GTX card.

Recall other simmers have reported problems installing a larger PSU due to the Dell case not keeping with standard dimensions.So me, I would run and return the Dell while I still can and get a custom-built PC with a 750W PSU, the 2500K CPU (for that unlocked multiplier!), 4 GBy 1600 MHz RAM and the nVidia 560GTX for starters (add a 128 GBy SDD that supports the Trim command and allows FirmWare updates for Win7-64, FSX and add-ons, a 600 GBy VelociRaptor for scenery and an external 2 TBy backup HDD with eSATA - External Sata interface for good measure).Disclaimer: I own none of the above (except for FSX/Acceleration! Yeah!) so "I'm just talking"... :Big Grin: Cheers,- jahman.

Yeah, unfortunately returning is not an option. I got this used from a friend for a deal and thought I'd give it a shot. I have been using FS9 up until now but the more and more I read about the upcoming PMDG NGX, the more and more I want a new FSX system to run it. So, for now, up on craigslist goes the dell. If I can sell it for at least close to what I paid for it, I will take it and build my own. Hopefully someone will buy it soon. :)

Good call, Kevin!

4 GBy 1600 MHz RAMCheers,- jahman.

Make it 8. 2x4GB to be exact!