New PC

[EHM-2383 Ian]

Hi
I am looking for some advice as I am not very au fait with computer hardware. I am about to purchase a new PC and would like one that is powerful enough to fly comfortably with FS9 and/or FSX. I don't have megabucks to spend but at the same time want to stretch things to get maximum flying potential. Any advice on specs would be really appreciated.

Thanks,
Ian

[EHM-1997 Alexander]

Ian,

What is your budget?

I assume you would prefer a pre-assembled unit that's ready to go rather than putting all the parts together (wouldn't recommend if you're not familiar with or not willing to learn and take the risks)?

[EHM-2383 Ian]

Hi
Thanks for reply Alexander. Yes, I would like a pre-assembled unit as I have no knowledge of computer assembly. I would be prepared to pay £800-£1000.

Regards,
Ian

[EHM-1997 Alexander]

If you want a pre-overclocked system, I would recommend something like this:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-025-OP&groupid=43&catid=1444&subcat=

Select:

OS: Windows 7 home premium x64

GPU: either Asus GTX 460 or the MSI GTX 460 "Super OC".

The asus card puts total price at £950.96 inc VAT and the MSI at £1011.96 inc VAT

This machine will run FS9 like the wind and FSX like everyone else. The graphics card isn't going to be your limiting factor in FSX, but would be your next upgrade at some point down the line (won't have a problem playing anything on the market now).

This gets you a core i7 clocked at 3.06Ghz, oc'd to 4GHz (make sure to disable the built in intel speed boost, and maybe drop back a little to 3.8GHz), 6 Gig of Ram and a GTX 460.

http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/video_lookup.php?cpu=GeForce+GTX+460

[EHM-2383 Ian]

Thanks for this Alexander. Most appreciated.

Ian

[EHM-1997 Alexander]

Will run x-plane at whizzo settings too 

Have a look at some of the other setups on overclockers site as well as anywhere else that's either recommended or found - take your time and be sure to get what you want, it's a large purchase.

[EHM-2383 Ian]

Having ordered my new PC, a question occurs. I take it that FS9 and FSX, both bought well prior to the advent of Windows 7, will both run OK on Windows 7 (Home edition x64)? I dread the thought of discovering, after spending a lot on a new computer, that current FS packages won't run!!!

Regards,
Ian

[EHM-0654 Murray]

Yup, they both run just fine in Win7 X64.

[EHM-1997 Alexander]

FSX has a couple of issues, but it runs fine - aye.

FS2004 runs fine.