Using "Parallels" I have the option of having a Windows 7 Dedicated partition in my iMac to use for FSX. I understand that this would give the best results.However using the Dedicated platform requires rebooting each time I want to fly.If I use the Windows Virtual partition, which I currently use for other Windows applications, will I get a much reduced performance?My iMac has a 3.4 ghz, Core i7 with 8 Mb of Memory.Cliff Harris

I really wouldn't recommend running something as demanding as FSX on a virtual pc. I doubt you'd see very good performance. If you really want to run FSX on your Mac, I think Bootcamp is your best bet. I know it means rebooting, but hey - you did buy a Mac! And that's nothing against Macs at all because I have one (as well as a PC) and they're awesome, they're just not the greatest choice for FSX. If you want to run a flight simulator that's native to Mac OS X, try X-Plane!

TW....I thank you. You confirm my opinion.Have a great day.Regards.........Cliff

Contrary to what many will say on here, the iMac is a viable option for FSX. "Viable", not ideal. It runs about as well as it did on my E8500 dual-core Windows machine. The performance is a little disappointing for the specs the iMacs boast, mainly because even in Windows you can't tweak the video card. The only way to go is Boot Camp. While it MAY run in Parallels, you won't have access to all system memory, etc. There are also issues with the way Parallels handles hardware.The only downside I have with Boot Camp is that you can't run the proper Windows driver for that video card. It will only run the limited Boot Camp drivers and you can't do any card tweaking. My assumption was that it is running Windows, all Windows stuff should run. Correct, with the exception of the video drivers.All that said... it is BEAUTIFUL on the 27-inch monitor. And it runs acceptably with the right settings for the hardware. And I have a Mac for day-to-day computing. :)

haskell I sent you a pm question about using a MAC...just in case you missed it.

I run FSX on an Imac using bootcamp. You can absolutely run the video card drivers in boot camp. It is a native windows installation when using bootcamp. I have an ATI Radeon 4670HD card and have Catalyst installed with all advanced settings accessible to me. It is however the other way around in parallels... it uses all generic drivers only, so bootcamp is the way to go. @ Haskell: you should have no problem running the correct drivers. I would give it a shot again. Hope this helps.Bets, Jeff

Hey Jeff, Interesting. Where did you find the drivers that will work with Catalyst Control? Do you have a link? When I got them from ATI it told me the hardware was incompatible. Would love to try it again. Thanks, Eddie

The Imacs use the Mobility drivers as the card in the Imacs are just that. If you do a search for Mobility drivers, that should give you a hit or two. Let me know, and when I get in from the office, I'll try to see where I got them from, but they should be available through Asus who owns ATI if I'm not mistaken. Let me know how you make out. :)Best, Jeff

I think I found the problem.The newest iMacs use the HD6970M graphics. I'm seeing drivers online for 4670 but none of the Mobility drivers is showing 6970 in the list.As I google I see a lot of people complaining that the 2011 iMac won't let you upgrade to drivers with Control Center in Boot Camp. So I guess I'm stuck with what I got.

WOOT! Technology caught up. I just downloaded the 11.10 Mobility Drivers... installed... and I have the Catalyst Control Center!Now... the tweaking begins.Thanks Jeff for setting me off to search again!

My pleasure. Actually, I don't think I have the 11.10 yet. I'll have to check them out. Also, if you aren't aware, there is a program called Driver Sweeper that removes old remnants of drivers when installing new ones to avoid glitches and such. I use this whenever I change drivers. There is a process you have to go through, including booting to safe mode in windows. If you need my assistance, please let me know and I'm happy to help. Glad you found what you need. It will make a huge difference using the acceleration of the drivers with your card in FSX for sure. Have a great night. :)Best, Jeff