I think it's time for me to make the step, and leave FS9 for FSX. I reallt want to fly the new 737 NGX. In order to do this, I have to make some updates to my computer and switch from AMD phenom to Intel sandy bridge. I have already decided to get: Motherboard: Asus P8Z68-V Pro RAM: Corsair Vengeance 2x4gb 1600MHz CL8 (I know CL7 or CL6 is to prefer for FS but it's almost impossible to find that high performance RAM in Sweden) Then I have two options: 1) get an i7 2600k and a GTX 570, and keep my WD caviar black 640gb for FSX and my Spinpoint F3 1tb for OS and programs. 2) get an i5 2500k and a GTX 560ti, and buy a 120gb SSD for FSX and a 60gb SSD for OS and programs. I already have a CPU cooler, PSU and case. What is the best choice?

Would go with the i5 2500k, GTX 570 and one SSD

Would go with the i5 2500k, GTX 570 and one SSD

Agree! Don't forget to get a good cooler.

Would go with the i5 2500k, GTX 570 and one SSD

Why do you prefer the i5 rather then the i7?

Why do you prefer the i5 rather then the i7?

No advantage for FSX in having the i2600k, only difference is Hyper Threading, which FSX and most other games don't use. Better to save the $100 and put it to use elsewhere

Has anyone considered that the larger cache in the i7 2600K could be useful? "Regardless of the nonsense you may read in forums unlike typical games the larger cache is in fact beneficial to FSXIntel smart cache technology is used by the processor for read-ahead operations which optimizes memory address calls as the system is used, and since FSX is a memory subsystem nightmare in programming design (as Phil Taylor has confirmed) the larger/more advanced the proc cache and its ability to recall data from memory the better the result. I would spend the money on the 2600K" http://www.simforums...topic38910.html

Maybe that's right about 2500k vs 2600k, that the larger cache is useful for fsx. I think I have decided to get the GXT 570 and not GTX 560ti. But I'm still not sure about if I should go with SSDs. I think I need two in that case. 120gb alone is too small for win7, programs, fsx and addons I think.

The larger cache has not frame benefit, as has been tested. But there's no harm in going with the i72600k (although some have said decrease in performance; having to turn of hyper threading (conjecture)).

Take one OCZ 120 Gb Vertex 3 SSD for W7+FSX the rest of the stuff park somewhere else on a TerrabyteRead HERE

Take one OCZ 120 Gb Vertex 3 SSD for W7+FSX the rest of the stuff park somewhere else on a TerrabyteRead HERE

What about using both SSD and mechanical when it comes to choose between IDE or AHCI? can I set IDE for the mechanical and AHCI for the SSD, or should I set both to AHCI?

Some operating systems like Windows 7, do not configure themselves to load the AHCI driver upon boot if the drive controller was not in AHCI mode at the time of installation. This can cause failure to boot with an error message if the SATA controller is later switched to AHCI mode. For this reason, Intel recommends changing the drive controller to AHCI or RAID before installing an operating system.^[1] On Windows 7, this can be fixed by booting in legacy mode and changing the registry.^[3] Check your bios if the settings are available [1] http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/imsm/sb/CS-015988.htm[3] http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922976

SSD won't give you much of an FPS increase but will help with load times. Consider the Gigabyte Z68s and definitely go with the i5 2500k.

I'm almost ready to order my new system, but I have some questions left. I already have a Spinpoint F3 1tb and a WD black 640gb sata2. I need a larger disk for storage and am going to use the Spinpoint for that. Then I will be using my WD black 640gb for win7 and programs, so I need a new one for FSX. Shoul I get a 1tb WD caviar black sata3 or a 120gb SSD for FSX? And finally I cant really decide if to get the 2500k or 2600k. I know HT is useless for FSX but I'm thinking about those 2 extra mb of cache... Some people are saying the extra cache is good for FSX. I don't think there is any FPS difference but maybe the extra cache is usefull for making FSX a bit smoother?And I have already decided to get the GTX 570 over a GTX 560ti.

I have decided not to get an SSD with my new i5 2500k powered PC. I really don't think that I need one.

Can I use an SSD for fsx and a HDD for win7 at the same time? Do I then have to use AHCI for the HDD as well, and how does HDDs perform with sata mode AHCI?