I'm considering doing a modest upgrade (specifically the cpu) on my current stock computer. My current setup is:Win7/64 bitFoxconn H-RS880-uATX moboAmd Phenom II quad core processor (2.8 Ghz, 95 watt)8 GB memoryIntegrated Ati Radeon HD graphics1T Hard DriveI'm looking to upgrade to the AMD 975 (X4 3.6 Ghz) or possibly the 1100T (X6 3.3 Ghz) although the mobo documentation doesn't show that 6 core processors are supported.I run PMDG addon aircraft (747, 737NGX) with ASE, REX, UT2 with modest performace with appropriate config settings but am looking for a performance boost. I'd any input as to whether this makes sense and whether or not I shoud expect a performance boost.Thanks in advance.Richard Johnson

It's a HP system right? which one exactly?Is there any 125W x4 in the CPU compatibility list?Also, what is that "Integrated Ati Radeon HD"?

Yes, it is an HP system (65640y). The compatibility list is :

• TDP=125W

• AMD Phenom II X4 9xx/9xxe/8xx Quad-Core (D)

• AMD Phenom II X3 7xx/7xxe Triple-Core (H)

• AMD II Athlon X4 6xx/6xxe (P)

• AMD II Athlon X3 4xx/4xxe ®)

• AMD II Athlon X2 2xx/2xxe ®)

I'm not familiar with upgrading a processor but was assuming that as long as the socket type and wattage were within limits I'd be ok. I'm not sure about the number of cores however. The integrated card is built into the mobo I believe. Again, I'm a neophyte as far as hardware goes.

Running FSX off integrated graphics in a OEM board doesn't seem to be the best idea. I'd be surprised if you get double digit FPS!. With my first AMD system I tried FSX on the integrated HD4200 and it wouldn't go above 7-8 FPS lolFirst off, don't even consider an x6, since FSX won't know what to do with the extra cores. It doesn't look like your board will support those anyway.Before you take the plunge on a faster x4 CPU, make sure you are not GPU limited: check your CPU usage in task manager, and download GPU-Z to check your GPU usage (in the "Sensors" tab)Those systems are not meant to be upgraded. HP don't want that, and your 250W PSU will not suffice if you upgrade your GPU, which is most likely what's holding you back.Best thing you can do is to stay away from OEMs and build yourself, or buy pre-built systems with generic parts, starting with a decent case, PSU and motherboard, the foundaries of the system.I wouldn't invest a single dime in that rig. Even if the mobo supports a 125W CPU, that PSU may still crap out from the added power draw.You could build an OK system for some $250 (case, PSU, GPU) and a great one for $400 - 500 (case, PSU, motherboard, CPU, GPU) canibalizing the hard drive and RAM from your current one, but you might need to purchase a new Windows 7 license since OEM's are linked to hardware (another reason to stay away from them)

Thanks Dazz,I think ultimately I follow your advice and buils from the ground up. Two questions:1. What would you recommend (the $500 price range doesn't scare me although I suspect I will have to purchase a license.2. I ran the GPU-Z and the GPU is 75+ consumed. Assuming I"M going to build ultimately, would there be any sense in upgrading the GPU in my current rig even if I need to also upgrade the PSU? I would need these in a new build anyway.Thanks,Richard

Thanks Dazz,I think ultimately I follow your advice and buils from the ground up. Two questions:1. What would you recommend (the $500 price range doesn't scare me although I suspect I will have to purchase a license.2. I ran the GPU-Z and the GPU is 75+ consumed. Assuming I"M going to build ultimately, would there be any sense in upgrading the GPU in my current rig even if I need to also upgrade the PSU? I would need these in a new build anyway.Thanks,Richard

You could try upgrading your PSU & GPU for now maybe. It's not guaranteed that a standard PSU will fit in your case though, but it looks like the motherboard is a standard mATX one, so maybe the PSU is standard size too.Do you have any antialiasing & anisotropic filtering running on that HD4200 right now? 75% doesn't seem to be too much. Don't you get massive shimmering & blurry textures in FSX?Also, what's your monitor rewsolution?

Thanks guys!No, I don't have any antialiasing & anisotropic filtering on (honestly wasn't aware of it). Resolution set at 1280 x 1024. I do get some shimmering in th VC and it's not quite crisp..I'd like better as I'm guessing we all do.I've checked around at a local outlet and can get a GTX 560 and 650w PSU that should fit in my tower for about $210. I might be able to do better on line but have the hastle if it doesn't fit. Is the 560 a good choice?I also was told that I should be able to use my current Win 7 licence if I rebuild (go to a intell system) and ultimately that's what I intend to do based on your inputs. I just want to make sure that the GPU and PSU I install in the interim don't leave me disappointed later. Comments and thanks>Richard

Yes, the 560 is a good card. It's really a rebranded 460 with higher stock clocks.What PSU is that exactly?

OK guys, I went with your advice and built a new system with the I7 2600 processor and the 560 GPU. Things look pretty good. I used the Bojote tweaking tool as well. Only issue is that CPU 0 is maxed out. I wouldn't thinks this is normal. Any ideas?ThanksRichard

It's normal, but it should be core 1 instead of core 0 if you run Bojote's tweaking tool. Is HT enabled? what Affinity Mask did it add to your FSX.CFG?

It's normal, but it should be core 1 instead of core 0 if you run Bojote's tweaking tool. Is HT enabled? what Affinity Mask did it add to your FSX.CFG?

Your right, it's core 1. Affinity mask set at 224. How dow I check the HT. Is it in the config file or elsewhere?

Your right, it's core 1. Affinity mask set at 224. How dow I check the HT. Is it in the config file or elsewhere?

In the task manager, do you see 8 cores? if you do, HT is enabled, and it should be by default. If you see 4 cores, HT is disabled.224 is the wrong AM regardless. It should be 14 with HT off and 84 with HT on.You probably forgot to select "yes" when asked if you have HT enabled, and the tool provided the AM for a true 8 core CPU

In the task manager, do you see 8 cores? if you do, HT is enabled, and it should be by default. If you see 4 cores, HT is disabled.224 is the wrong AM regardless. It should be 14 with HT off and 84 with HT on.You probably forgot to select "yes" when asked if you have HT enabled, and the tool provided the AM for a true 8 core CPU

Yes, HT threading is on as I see eight cores. Do you recommend using it and if not how do I turn it off (in the bios possibly)?Richard

Yes, HT threading is on as I see eight cores. Do you recommend using it and if not how do I turn it off (in the bios possibly)?Richard

Yes, it's done in the BIOS. You can leave it on if your temps are good, but set your affinity mask to 84

OK, I've got everything up and running and am pretty satisfied.(getting 30 fps with the external limiter running). I'd like to enhance the VC graphics a bit but haven't fooled with it yet. I've also had some issues with the sound levels fading in and out (PMDG NGX) and have yet to chase it down.Last question, what benefit would I expect from over clocking the CPU and is it worth the risk?Thanks for all your help!!!!