Flight simulation is just that----simulating flight---you buy the software title, install it, run it, and simulate flight-----or is it? What if the software ***far outstrips*** the ***capability*** of the hardware it is installed upon to render it due service? Such is the case with MS FS9. Even though I had in my previous system a computer that could run (to a modest degree, features throttled back) the program, I knew that I was not satisfied in the longest reach of that term, what I saw on the screen, ---how the aircraft was rendered in motion versus the real world. I put up with it because that was all there

Great!!!Now get out and get all this:http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/96185.jpg:-)Sorry, couldn't resist.Alex

I dunno...actually touching a dial, vs clicking upon it via the screen. I dunno. It looks great. What I was always after was the movement within flight. That was the Holy Grail! ;)I'm happy that the flight---moves as the real world. I wanted those that have a less-than-bleeding edge system ***as I had, for quite some time***---that there is a world of difference from what they have now, and their flight sim'ming to what they might have, if they see their way to paying out the dollars for it. It's that leap-of-faith that the money expenditure will be justified. My post was an encouragement to that end.Cheers!Mitch R.

Mitch,I understood that intention. And frankly I envy you for your system. As mine is really a compromise. You can only spend so much money. I am running an Athlon XP3200+ with an Asus mainboard at 210Mhz FSB and a Radeon 9800XT. So with all the stuff running from it sometimes I really struggle to get out the performance FS needs.So there is still a ong way to go until we reach flightsim heaven.Cheers,Alex

I bet a lot of people got a jump in performance with the latest patch too. I'm running a P4 3.2 with a 9800xt card and it felt like it helped a bit.

Alex...PLEASE...please ***do not envy me at all***I am on a tight personal budget, in all things, and I had to wait literal years before I could 'make my move'.I was using a Celeron 500 for three years.I then put in the adaptor that allowed me to upgrade to a Tul 1.4 Celery.That move was a very good one, but alas, that was the system I was talking about where I had to do major compro's EVEN with a 1.4 GHz!!!!I wrestled and wrestled with 'do I spend, do I not spend, will I see TRUE value for the bucks saved for so long...'.....I guess that when Dell put together the system I would have built myself (I had always built my own from chassis up...) and it was a good price---I decided to 'do the mad thang...'.I just wanted everybody to know--they will NOT feel regret when they too decide, now's the time! ;))Hey, put away the pennies, here and there, and you'll be ordering/building in no time.It took me three years of savings for my move. Mr. Bucks, I ain't, LOL That's why I still haven't come off of the Dell 'High'...and it was so worth the wait, my GAWD!Cheers!Mitch R.

Yes, we know...the "Holy Land."

Wow, going from a Celeron 1.4 to your machine, what a jump. Now I see why you are so excited. Lot's of fun isn't it?Enjoy.Alex

Yes sirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!God Bless,Mitch R.

I have 2.4, 420GForce, scenery at max, weather, roads, and it rocks!I fully understand 'heaven'.I was just on a 737 real world trip, and I never fail to be amazed at what I now know having 'flown ' in sim the real world route.I know what runway, probably what VOR therefore course, roughly what speed/altitude, where I am according to flight time, and possible approach to destination. I am sure I can feel the real world ILS kick in!On one flight I knew we were on an abort/go around some 3 miles or so before touchdown. (Runway not clear pilot eventually told us)It is an immerssion hobby that I have had since Fs2 and ATP with 286 processors all the way up to current system.Seeing what DELL are now shipping systems at incredibly low prices in comparison to the heavy money in the past I have shelled out in UK, totally blows me away.My current HP 2.4 box was

Good post, Mitch!Peter Sydney Australia

With four kids, I appreciate the encouragement, Mitch, and thanks for sharing your experience and excitement with us. I truly am happy for you. Congratulations and happy flying! :DKevin

Hello Kevin!Keep flying the system you have, and throw those pennies into a jar where you can see 'em.They add up...lol.Enjoy your next flight-rig when you decide to take the jar into the store. You can then toss your current system to the kids, close the door and run like all get out...:))))))Salute!Mitch R.

Thank you, Peter. I hope it helps someone as whether they 'go for gold'.Cheers!BTW, how is the weather down under? I wish to visit one day as I love to surf when I get the chance to get out. I tried to surf at Zuma Beach (near Los Angeles, California) every other weekend when a teenager. Most days, you could watch 8-10 footers coming in with a late curl-break. Cheers!Mitch R.