hi,

i will soon upgrade and build a new i7 system for FSX. i will go with the 920 cpu (oc to 3.5GHz) and the asus P6T with 6gb triple channel ram. i am currently using a 7800GT which i think i should replace, as well

now the question is which GPU to buy. i am planning on an evga GTX260 since that one is quite affordable ($160+tax). i could also buy the GTX280 for $250, but will i even get better performance with that one in FSX? the sim is cpu hungry, so i would not expect any better performance on the 280 compared to the 260. am i correct?  or should i even get the 9800GT?

thanks for your input!

Denis
KPHX

If you're willing to spend a little bit more money, get the EVGA GTX 285. I believe the 285 is quite better than the 280. If you want to spend medium-ish money, get the 260. The 9800 is not really worth it, since it doesen't cost that much less than the 260, and the 260 is better.

But what do I have to say about GPUs? I'm just running my dear 9600 Mobile GT

GTX 285 is worth the investment with i7 over other cards especially if one intends to clock it. Those who do not intend to clock can still see advantages with it but the 260 at that point can be a good choice too. If you are going to invest in a system for MSFS and you are moving to i7 and clocking it, I see no reason to try and skimp here and there.. you will end up replacing what you skimped on anyway and pay more

dont sit there wondering if you had spent the money if something would be better ... and then turn around and spend again

Just do it and be happy..

I understand budgets and sometimes such purchases are not possible due to economics however when it comes to this title and if the question is about bang for buck you will get what you pay for if you know how select the right parts for the system and know how to use it

I built a new system and went with the 260. It was a good card, but the price dropped by 50 bucks a week and a half after I got it as did the 285. I still did not upgrade. A few days later the card started giving me issues. I replaced it and I had even more problems. I returned it and got the 285. NE sent me a card that had the security seal cut but I tried it out. Performed a little better but still had issues. Swapped it for a new 285 and everything is running very smooth. Sure it was a PITA but as Nick said you will eventually end up replacing the weak link. My only issue now is the clock...cannot run FSX at 4.1 ghz and temps are cool. 4.06 and it screams. There is prolly something I am not doing right but it is finally stable so I am leaving well enough alone. If your budget can afford it, get the 285, if not the 160 will do just fine.