Flight Simulator X Budget Build (FSX)

What components and OS would be optimum for a build (just for FSX!!!) not to exceed $600, don't particularly care about overclocking unless it is really advantageous (not including OS, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers)? Prefer to purchase from NewEgg. Any links you could provide would be much apreciated. Also, what is the deal with Direct X 10? I keep hearing about it. Thank you in advance, this is my first build (for my 13 year old son) and I have spent countless hours trying to research this only to realize that I am like the proverbial guy from out of town driving around lost who is too stubborn to ask for directions, much to the chagrin of his wife...

This was the best I could come up with. Would probably run it pretty well considering your budget.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/ [...] r=14003548

I would switch to the amd 940 or 710/720....his budget supports it and in the long run it will be well worth it...

^ save the money and get a 9800GT as they perform better in FSX.

yeah I'd agree, but it would definitely be worth saving the extra money to buy a quad core.

I really appreciate the feedback I have received so far, and it makes sense to me to spend the extra money to get a quad-core, and and the complementary level of components to go with it.

If I stepped up to the 940 or quad-core, (which at this point I have to agree with) which motherboard would you recommend to pair it with? I keep reading about the deterioration of the ASUS brand and the * * Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+/AM3 CPU for one DIMM per channel only** disclaimer. But I also hear about quirky issues with the Gigabyte's as well regarding drivers, audio problems, and difficulty getting to 1066 levels, although the construction is highly touted. What is your opinion or recommendation?

Some other items I am still struggling with: the case and the power supply. I would like to find a case that is functional, not cheap looking, easy to install the components in, with front mounted port (usb's and headphone jacks) that does have a swinging front door... I also don't know how many fans are needed and where they are best placed. Any suggestions would really help as I have no clue.

Regarding the power supply, if I go to the 940, it is a 125 watt CPU coupled with a 1 gig (most likely) video card, so I am not sure what watt level is necessary to avoid a future power supply failure.

Lastly, since I have bitten the bullet to step up to the quad-core 940, what video card would you recommend to complement it for the Flight Simulator application? The 9800GT was recommended by Helloworld_98, with an AMD 940 and a better motherboard, what would you recommend? Thanks.