I have a Dell Studio XPS based on an i7 860 @ 2.8GHz ( 3.46 Turbo Boost). Given that it's not possible ( or at least very difficult) to O.C a Dell PC I wonder if there is any merit in changing the mother board. I presume the "unlocked" firmware will allow me to O.C my CPU. Am I correct in my assumptions and if so is there any merit in overclocking the i7-860. Money is tight which is why I'm considering going down this route.

You are already near the limit when using TB. Save your money!

I have a Dell Studio XPS based on an i7 860 @ 2.8GHz ( 3.46 Turbo Boost). Given that it's not possible ( or at least very difficult) to O.C a Dell PC I wonder if there is any merit in changing the mother board. I presume the "unlocked" firmware will allow me to O.C my CPU. Am I correct in my assumptions and if so is there any merit in overclocking the i7-860. Money is tight which is why I'm considering going down this route.

Your case won't accept standard motherboards. Neither will the heatsink.

That's the very last time I'll deal with DELL.

That's the very last time I'll deal with DELL.

 

I like their machines, but they're overpriced and warranties are too. Unfortunately, that's mostly because building computers and sending them out to "computer illiterates" can be demanding (support, parts, warranties, dumb questions, etc). They do well for a big computer manufacturer, and I like their newer laptop build quality. Just my .02. Don't buy without knowing exactly the "mission" and need of your PC.

That's the very last time I'll deal with DELL.

 

Hello

It is not Dells fault that you had not informed yourself about performance PC's when you bought the XPS.

They sold you a good reliable PC for mainstream computing, not flight simming.

You will need to learn to build your own or pay stupidly expensive prices for custom built machines.

Stark choice but there is No other way around getting a machine that will run FSX well, unfortunately.

@ mad dog, you're correct and I will indeed learn to build my own. I've decided to hold onto the XPS for "home/office" use as it's a very good PC . Many of the current "high end" DELL PC's are very similar in spec two years on. My plan now is to build a PC JUST for FSX, I have so many add-ons, etc that it's become quite a fixation so I think it deserves a PC of it's own. I'll have to save some cash first, that will give me time to look a some you-tube videos and gain some DIY knowledge.

Hello anthony

Everything you could ever need to know and then some is available in this forum.

From choosing the best parts to putting them together and then configuring them.

You could not be in a better place.

When you do build your FSX rig, the XPS will be a great help to run your weather program , Flight planner , moving map, browser ect over your new network, freeing up resources on your FSX machine.

Thanks for the assistance...........and yes this really is a great forum!!!