i am upgrading my computer which is going to be specifically for gaming, FSX. i really need help in deciding whether i should get an e8400/8500 or a Q9450????? i mean i know i will definatly be better off with a qx extreme, but as most of you know they go for like $1000 so i cant really afford that right now. I really need some suggestions thanks a lot. by the way, from reading other post, they say that i'll probably be better of with an E8500 because FSX doesnt really utilize four cores, some even argue that they use 2. anyways i would really appreciate comments on which upgrade would be better for FSX thank you.

My understanding is that FSX is very cpu intensive, and will use all the cores you have. The Q9450 would be the much better choice. You could verify this by looking at some of the flight sim forums, where those with actual experience can tell you with more authority.

The title of this topic has been edited by Jake_Barnes

any quad should do a lot better on FSX than a dual core because it's properly threaded to make use of them, if you can for example get a cheap Q6600 or even a Phenom 9600 that should work for you a lot better than any dual core. Remember you can always overclock a quad core to match speeds with dual cores, but you can't add more cores to dual cores.

I agree with the above posters. Get a Intel Quad core. Even a Q6600 OCed will do well.

Actual a QUAD wouldn't be as as good as few say. And here's some proof for ya:
http://www.simhq.com/_technology2/technology_096d.html
But it is as noted, very cpu intensive.
Example: overclocking the E8400/E8500 would really improve performance.

I'm an avid flight simmer also. I just upgraded my E6850 to a QX9650. (God, the things I do just to fly.) The Dual core pegged at 100% usage, so yes FSX is very CPU intensive. With the quad CPU usage is around 75% and frame rates are much better. What ever your budget, I think any quad will do better than a dual. Good luck.

computertech82. I looked at your link, and I think that test is outdated with FSX lastest service packs addressing the issues with multi-threading.