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I came across a Cherry G86-63400 earlier this evening, which seems to be exactly what you want, featuring 142 programmable keys, in an array, ranging in price from USD 98 to 114 to 117. The author of this video claims to be happy using it with Flight Sim (so much so he has 2 of them). Though this keyboard seems designed for shop owners (as a cashiers' input device), it apparently works well with a 'regular' Windows PC. Also, said video commentator claims it's hardware-programmable, which apparently means that the keyboard retains all programmed functions, even when plugged into a different computer (including those running Linux OS). For 'easier employee training and increased customer satisfaction', a separate kit (G99-1779ZUB) will get you 18 additional keys (mix of 1x2 and 2x2) as well as springs, blanks, covers, and colored paper inserts (from USD22-40). I think I just might add this one to my Christmas list... What I like the most is that you seem to be able to fit the label underneath the clear keycap, which makes the end result look so much nicer. I have no claims of my own, as I do not own this product; I am merely stating what information I just came across. I hope it helps. - Martin

Okay, sorry for bumping this back up. Just thought I'd let you all know the outcome of my Christmas present to myself :smile:CPU: 2500K Boxed @ 4747 MHzMoBo: Asus Maximus IV Extreme-ZRAM: Corsair Vengeance 8Gb 8-8-8-24 (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8) (2x4Gb)VGA: 2x Asus GeForce GTX 560 Ti, 1GB, DirectCU II TOP, BF3SSD: 2x OCZ Vertex 3 120GBPSU: Corsair HX750WCASE: Fractal Design Define XL USB 3.0 Black PearlCOOLING: Corsair Hydro Series H60Already had:Monitors: 2x Samsung 226BW, 22" 1680x1050Yoke: Saitek Flight Pro Yoke & Quadrant + Rudder PedalsJoystick: Logitech Extreme 3D ProAs you can see I settled for a 2500k after all, but did go for the more expensive MoBo (to allow future expansion).Also, I read in benchmarks that 2x GTX560 Ti > 1x GTX580, and the total price is comparable.Meanwhile I ran the auto-OC tool from ASUS which set CPU to 4747 MHz. Temps are stable.I had some BSOD's in the beginning, but I attribute that to XP version (which came with a Dell laptop), and/or drivers waiting to be installed or replaced. Or perhaps it was due to me denying Win7 the system recovery parition.I'm happy with the whole system, and especially regarding the Corsair Hydro. A nice product with very good cooling performance. And plug-and-play - no mess with coolant, connections etc.Now regarding FSX. I'm running FSX at max settings all across the board, with FPS varying between 25 and 60 (1680x1050x32, single screen for now). First findings are that when displaying both waves/water and clouds that FPS suffers. Anyway, for me it's a tremendous improvement, also in terms of gameplay/control (responsiveness!), and I really enjoy doing all the missions again. Plus that the virtual cockpit now works for me (I couldn't really read the buttons and info with the old PC).Now already wondering about the next upgrade. +2 monitors? Track-IR? hmmm... :Thinking:- Martin

Thank you alainneedle1 and benorg and especially Dazz!Regarding PSU: I think I may use a bigger one, in order to be ready for SLI in the future. After all, I will be overclocking both the CPU and the GTX580, and in future, may add a second GTX580.Regarding Hyper-Threading: FSX doesn't use HT, but are there games that do? Maybe MS Flight will?I'll read the linked articles, thanks guys!

FIrst post - I was drawn to this forum when looking at building a new PC, mainly for running FSX. The FSXMark11 and Pictures of our FSX Computers are both interesting and informative in this respect.So, for a while now I have been wanting to upgrade my old 2004 PC (AMD Athlon64 3700+ I think) to a new one, which should be able to provide a much improved experience with FSX.I had my mind set on the i7 2700k, but after reading this post which suggests that the 3930k runs circles around the 2700k, I am confused.So now I basically have 2 options regarding the core:Option1:CPU: i7-2700k (4 cores, socket 1155)Mobo: ASUS Maximus IV Extreme-ZRAM: no idea - please adviseOption2:CPU: i7-3930k (6 cores, socket 2011)Mobo: ASUS Rampage IV Extreme (BF3 ed.)RAM: not a clue - please adviseThe following hardware would apply to both socket types:GPU: eVGA GTX580 DS Superclocked (1.5Gb)HDD 1: OCZ Vertex 3 Max IOPS 120Gb (OS)HDD 2: OCZ Vertex 3 Max IOPS 120Gb (FSX, and other games)PSU: Corsair HX750Case: Fractal Design Define XL USB 3.0 Black PearlCooling (Air): Scythe Mugen 2 rev BOS: Windows 7 Ultimate x64 UKMonitor: For now, keep current 2x Samsung 223BW's for now (22"; 1680x1050).My budget is flexible within reason (which means additional expenses must be justifiable, if only to myself), and the budget is growing as time passes. I'll be blowing my Christmas bonus on this rig. Have the wife's blessing, so everything's aaaalright!With the 2700k, I'm currently at about €1859 (approx. $2425) (total, ex OS, ex Monitors).QUESTIONS:Regarding CPU: The 3930k would mean an cost increase of 50% (+€300/$390) on CPU + Mobo alone - is this worth it? Can the performance difference be quantified? (Does it perform at least 50% better?)Also, is the 2011 socket a 'keeper'? I'd like to be able to upgrade CPU and perhaps mem in one or two years, as prices drop. (Previously had a P4 socket 478, with RIMM memory -- all obsolete and no longer sold within 1 or 2 years... left me up the creek!)Regarding Motherboard: Are these good picks? Is the Z68 chipset better than the P67?Regarding RAM: With the 2700k, the Motherboard is capable of running 2133MHz DDR3, but most people seem to use CL7 1600MHz modules?Regarding GPU: I might add a 2nd of the same type for SLI in the future, when prices drop. Would this in SLI have a large positive effect on FSX? How about on First-Person Shooters?Regarding Monitor: In future, I might upgrade to 2x or 3x 1920x1080.Corey Meeks advises here to take the 2500k instead of the 2600k (the performance increase does not justify the added cost). Would this apply to the 2700k also?The games I play:Note I am not (yet) running any add-ons. Just stock FSX. I will probably install PMDG-B737 in due time though. (And MS Flight ofc).I also enjoy playing FPS (GTA IV finally, BF2, BF3, Call of Duty etc) and MMORPG's from time to time (EVE online mostly), in case this matters.Sorry for the long post. Thanks for reading (or for skipping ahead). Looking forward to your thoughts and ideas!- Martin