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[jerryb]

I have narrowed down my system choices and lowered
my requirements somewhat based on usage. Here is what I chose.
Please comment!

Case Antec Elite
PS BFGTECH LS Series LS550
MB Gigabyte GA EP45 UD3R
GPU Nvidia 9600 (Vendor probably Sapphire)
CPU Core 2 Quad Q9400
RAM G Skill 4GB DDR2
HD WD Caviar Black 640 or 500
DVD LG Black 22X

Some reasons for choice. I am going to continue to use XP until Win7
is established. Thata way, I wont need to immediately replace things like printer etc.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

What will the main purpose of this computer be? If it's for gaming, what resolution does your monitor run at? The 9600GT can't really be considered a gaming GPU. I would upgrade the GPU to an ATI 4850 and get the GA-EP45-UD3P so you have the option of adding another GPU in a crossfire setup in the future. The 640GB drives are faster than the 500GB models and don't cost much more.

 

[jerryb]

Mostly used for photo editing, internet , spreadsheets. MS Flight SIm is the only "game" I play right now and form my reading on it, it is ore CPU intensive than GPU.

I also forgot to ask, if I don't overclock, will I need a CPU cooler?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

No, you don't need a CPU cooler if you're not overclocking. The stock Intel cooler will work just fine.

I would still suggest upgrading to a 4850 and the GA-EP45-UD3P for your intended use.

 

[WR2]

I don't believe Sapphire makes any Nvidia 9600 cards.

With the small difference in price between 9600GT 512MB / 9800GT / 9800GTX+ I really think you'd be happier with the 9800GTX+ (not in FSX, but for any other games you might want to try).

FSX does utilize multi-core CPUs but its also very sensitive to CPU frequency. You'll get a lot better performance with a C2D E8500 3.16Ghz CPU than with the C2Q Q9400 2.66Ghz CPU.

Make sure the DVD burner is a SATA drive and not IDE.

 

[WR2]

THG Video Charts FSX SP2
1680x1050, Game AA, Game AF, Ultra Quality

Geforce 9800 GTX+ 33.6FPS
Geforce 9600 GT 33.0FPS
HD 4850 26.30FPS

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Touche - I forgot that FSX favors Nvidia so strongly that even the lowly 9600GT beats the 4850. The 4850 stomps the 9600GT in pretty much every other game, but you're right about FSX.

Sorry for the mis-information. I'll go put my nose in the corner now.

 

[WR2]

I don't think they're as far apart as the THG chart shows with current drivers. I've seen a chart or two with them a lot closer.
9600GT 256MB you'd want to avoid. The price difference between 9600GT 512MB and 9800GTX+ (or even the GTS 250) is usually less than $50.