I'd like some help with the way I should prepare for FSX.First, I checked Dell and "pretended" to set up my system for FSX. I picked the best gaming processor, the Intel Dual Core Duo, the "best of the best" (including 2 Nvidia 512mg 7900's). Estimated delivery time was 2nd week in October if I ordered TODAY! Estimated cost as I customized it with hard drive, 3 gigs of RAM, etc., was just shy of $5000.00.Obviously, Vista and DX10 will be availabe in January. FSX ships in October, I'm guessing.Will the Nvidia Cards available today be able to run DX10 via some sort of Firmware update or something?Obviously, I'm concerned...because I want a new computer to run FSX, and build time from Dell (my preferred vendor) is far away. I don't want to order my computer until closer to FSX release. Exactly how would you "time" the whole process, if you were investing in a new system for FSX and, of course, other applications? Stan

No current cards are capable/will be capable of running DX10. We cannot assume Vista will be out in January, could be late April, not too sure. By the time Vista & DirectX10 is released, we could be looking at completely different CPU's available on the market. I believe they are going to release Quad core CPU's late 06/early 07. I'm planning to upgrade but I know it won't be for a while (march/april 07). I want to make sure I read reviews on the new DX10 because you never know what problems could arise with new hardware/software. If you were seriously considering to upgrade, I'd tell you to wait until Vista is well released and DX10 cards are settled in. I know you won't like to wait, #### I hate waiting, but if you really want to be on top with FSX, I think that's everyones best bet.

Stan - I wouldn't assume that Vista will be available in January. It could well be later than that. And MS hasn't even yet indicated when the DX10 update for FSX will be available (no use having DX10 for FSX without that). Any video card available today will never be capable of running DX10 - no fix possible. Also, the power requirements for the DX10 video cards alone will probably require new or separate PSU's due to the high power consumption numbers being forecast and this could prove to be a major issue. If it were me, I wouldn't do anything now. Better to wait until Vista is released and the reviews are in on the first generation of DX10 cards. Trying to guesstimate hardware now could lead to a very expensive mistake. I'm also going to upgrade but not until at least 3Q07 (and, even then, I won't change to Vista until sometime in early 2008). Just based on my readings, I wouldn't consider any upgrade involving Vista until 2Q07 at the earliest.Doug

Personally I would build it myself. The money you save you can spend on better hardware.Plus its more fun too. You do your research and build the system over a couple of weeks. Things like case, power supply, cooling are important so why put up with with the limited range DELL have. Think about things like this:-Case - Aluminum is light, Cooler Master stacker is nice, lots of HD space for RAID etcPSU - How about Antec Neo Power modular, you just plug in the cables you need, less clutter, better airflow.Cooling - Buy quieter Case/CPU/GPU fans. Also, install your own "rubber" washer between the fan and case, reduces vibration. Also, a fan controller is good for turning down the fan speedsRAM - 3 (or 4GB) of low latency CorsairMotherboard - Not sure, but i would get a SLI 975 board (for Core2), get one thats good for overclocking because the Core2 6600 overclocks really well.CPU - I would get Core2 6600 because its cheap but overclocks really well. Just see the reviews (Toms Hardware, AnaTech etc)Hard disk - 2 x Western Digital 150GB Raptor and RAID them (striping RAID 1?)GPU - Can you reuse your existing PCI-E card? if not what about a 7900GT until DX10 is available.Anyway... If it was me i would build myself, its easy and you'll end up with a much better system and have fun along the way. :)

Also, I good tip i discovered recently... turn of antivirus when running flight sim... i no longer get any stutter. Just great! :-jumpy

I'm not even dreaming about a new rig for FSX yet. I will most likely wait for the second generation of DX10 cards to be engineered and released, and then decide on an upgrade path. ;)

... I would suggest if you are creating a RAID array, to use RAID 0, which is stripe and designed for speed. BUT ensure you have a good daily external backup, as your data reliability is lower. If either drive goes, you could lose your data. Also would suggest considering much larger drives.Jon

Absolutely agreed. I never bought a computer 'off the rack', because I like to match my components carefully, have the option to upgrade and hate to get stuck with some proprietary stuff that certain vendors like to implement. Additionally, you'll learn more about your computer and computers in general and it's as easy as building a house with Lego. It is initially a tad more expensive, but it surely pays off afterwards.Pat

RAID-0 will do absolutely nothing for flight simulator, except decrease load times. Sure, if you offload your data on a seperate HDD, then it is surely a 'nice to have', because hard drives are relatively inexpensive, but I would rather use a second drive for a RAID-1 to keep my data safe or spend the extra money on a better CPU, GPU or Ram.Pat

Yes, indeedy, my RAID-0 array reduces load times, reducing stutter in FS9. That's important to me and well worth the $. And as you say hard drives aren't that expensive anymore.Jon

Really good information you all are sharing. I think you convinced me that, come October, I will start really "cleaning up" my present Dell, 2.8 Pentium, 1 Gig Ram, 7800 Nvidia 256mg card, and perhaps even re-format (after saving what is truly necessary).Then I'll buy FSX, run it and tweak it through the Holidays, and await the Vista / DX10 debut. Then, and only then, will I consider buying or building a new computer. Thanks for the "sobering reality" that I needed! Stan

Either way, don't go through Dell!Many good companies allow you to pick your own components and they build it for you or you can do it yourself.It would be a lot cheaper than a Dell XPS, where you are paying crazy money for dedicated customer support lines and such.(unless you feel you really need a 5 year warranty and 24/7 XPS tech service of course)

I am also planning on updating or get a new computer for FSX. However I will wait until Vista is out as well as DX10 and then order the new system in a time frame that will fit the above releases ( Vista and DX10). Carlos

This has been asked many times on the Hardware Discussion forum. I've written a generalized upgrade guide over here: http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho...622&page=#16689

gjharrall,Who do you think (links please) who are cost wise good builders, If I can configure online?I am not brave enough to assemble them. Espcially stiking the CPU into that motherboard slot... and then trying to load all the drivers.These two scare me. :)Manny