Lou is correct---FSX is mostly CPU dependent. A current, stable 4.6+ CPU is the key. Fast ram, fast hard drives and a high end GPU all add performance, but none of those do anything for FSX if the CPU isn't one of the the best available --- and overclocked to at least 4.6Ghz.

I have a 4 year old Q6600 running at 3.6, a GTX 8800 Ultra 768Mb GPU, 3 WD raptor 10000 rpm drives, 850w ps and I can't fly into/out of LGA unless sliders are mostly mid level, or less, and even then it doesn't get the job done very well.

A current, high-end over-clocked Intel CPU is mandatory --- but then you need the rest of the top end stuff as well --- unfortunately.

If you fly small ga ac from county airport to county airport then lesser hardware can perform satisfactorily.

Bruce