Microsoft FSX: GTS 450 vs GTX 460

anonx1

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Dec 30, 2010
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Hello, I'm currently in the process of building a new system which will run one game exclusively, FSX. I've spent hours researching these two cards and both have conflicting reviews in respect to performance in Microsoft Flight Simulator, and cannot for the life of me decide which to include on my next build. I would like to keep cost at a minimum, but I have no problem (financially) pulling the trigger on the 460.

The rest of the system will be configured as follows:

Case: Antec Mini P180
PSU: Corsair TX 650W
Motherboard: Asus Maximus III Gene
CPU: Intel i5 760
CPU Cooler: Asetek 550LC
RAM: 4 GB Kingston ValueRAM DDR3-1333 (2x2GB)
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB

Any other suggestions or recommendations are welcome. Thank you.
 
Strictly a budgetary decision

$139 for the cheapest 1 GB 460 ($160ish after the rebate expires)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130591

Tho you can get one that's 25% faster for $209
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130575

The GTS 450 can be had for $95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130572

BTW, the EA650 from Antec is $30 cheaper then the equivalent Corsair unit at the moment on newegg and every bit the equal of the TX650
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015
 
I would go for the GTX 460 even if you had to get the SE and the power consumption isn't bad at all. At idle they use less power than a 9800gt but load it can top 160-200w max but even a high quality 500w-550w unit can satisfy it with ease and still have room to grow.
 

anonx1

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Dec 30, 2010
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My main concern is that the GTX 460 may be overkill, as FSX is more CPU dependent, and also that it may be bottlenecked by the i5 if I decide not to overclock.

Anybody have a similar setup? Is the i5/GTX460 a good pair?